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Claim: A Facebook posted that neem plant extract can serve as a form of contraceptive for unwanted pregnancy.
Verdict: Misleading! Experts reveal that although neem plant extract could have some form of contraceptive effects, it is not an approved form of contraception. One study also revealed that it leads to liver damage when tested in rats.
Full Text
The neem plant (Azadirachta indica), also called dogoyaro in Nigeria, has long been a source of many local traditional remedies. Its leaves, roots, bark, and seeds have been used in many applications, from herbal medications to pesticides. The neem plant is known to be efficacious for treating dental and gastrointestinal disorders, malaria fevers, skin diseases, and insect repellent. At the same time, the Balinese used neem leaves as a diuretic for diabetes, headache, and heartburn, stimulating the appetite. It could hurt the formation and development of an embryo, especially if taken in large quantities.
Recently, a Facebook user made an assertion alleging that neem leaf extract serves as a form of contraceptives for unwanted pregnancy.
The post went viral and gained 2.3k views, 83 likes and 14 comments as of April 3, 2024.
One follower, Chimdi Thankgod, commented, “Thank you so much.
Another follower, Blessings Ngozi, commented “I need to be pregnant, what will I do ma please help me.”
Considering the severity of the assertion and its implications on public health, DUBAWA sought to conduct a fact check.
Verification
A study evaluating several publications on the contraceptive properties of neem plants revealed that the plant leaf extract was categorised and reviewed as antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone-altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient. The authors also assessed a study based on the plant parts used for pharmacological evaluations, including leaves, seeds, stem bark, and flowers.
According to the Journal of Physics, a study reported that neem is known as an herb contraceptive plant that shows an antifertility effect in both male and female rats. The study examined the effect of Neem’s ethanolic extract as an herb contraceptive on male mice. Neem leaf was collected from the campus area, dried, mashed, and then extracted with 70% ethanol. The treatment was given orally for 21 days. The body weight was measured every week until the end of treatment. The mice were anaesthetised with chloroform at the end of treatment, which continued by dissecting and isolating the mice’s liver. The isolated liver was then weighed, and data were analysed. It was then concluded that exposure to ethanolic neem leaf extract as a herb contraceptive affects liver functions.
Experts opinion
Dr Johnson Udodi, a senior registrar at National Hospital Abuja, when interviewed, explained to DUBAWA that “The claim in the video that drinking the extract of boiled neem leaves acts as male and female contraceptives, and there is literature indicating that it could have contraceptive effects in the implantation and post-implantation stages of pregnancy.”
He continues by saying, “There is, however, no firm conclusion on the pathogenetic processes involved or the effect on the developing foetus if contraception fails to occur. Contraception is therefore too serious to be reduced to consumption of freshly boiled leaves with no dosage.”
Mr Udodi concludes the interview by saying, “I consider the claim misleading, and it is capable of causing viewers to engage in potentially harmful practices. WHO has guidelines for contraception that are not included in the post. The public is advised to go to their doctor and certified healthcare providers for proper guidance on family planning options.
Doctor Nafisa Yusuf, a registrar at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in National Hospital Abuja, in another interview with DUBAWA, states,
“Neem oil in vitro proved to be a strong spermicidal agent. Rhesus monkeys and human spermatozoa became immotile within 30 seconds of contact with the undiluted oil. Neem oil has also been found to have an anti-implantation/abortifacient effect in rats and rabbits if applied intravaginally on day two to day seven of expected pregnancy. The minimum effective dose is 25 µl for rats.”
In concluding her interview, Ms Yusuf says, “Neem leaves have a contraceptive effect, but further studies need to be carried out to prove its efficacy. Maybe one day it will be approved for use as a contraceptive.”
Conclusion
The claim as presented that neem leave serves as a form of contraceptive for unwanted pregnancy is misleading as studies and experts have proven that neem plant reduced to consumption with no dosage, no understanding of the possible side effects, and no assurances of efficacy can lead to potentially harmful abortion practices.
*The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame Karikari Fellowship, in partnership with Premium Times / UNILAG, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
