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Medicinal plants have been used in
Malaysia for a long
time ago. These
plants have been marketed as
herbal product and used in the traditional healthcare system because of its positive
therapeutic effects. This
paper discusses particularly several types of Malaysian herbs that are traditionally used for
contraception and scientific studies related to its
pharmaceutical properties showing its use among the public for its anti-
fertility effects. Even though several
methods of
contraception have been promoted for
family planning, yet, the
perception of the public on the usage of synthetic steroidal
contraceptives due to its serious
adverse effects has made them focus on indigenous
plants.
Contraceptives drug-containing oestrogen and
progesterone have proven to be effective and popular, However, the side effects of these
drugs have sparked the idea of scientists to develop newer molecules from
medicinal plants. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate in-depth
qualitative research on
conceptions and concerns about traditional
contraceptive methods using
herbal ingredients among Malaysians.