Carrot seed for contraception: A review
Australian Journal of Herbal MedicineVolume 26 Issue 1 (2014)
Abstract: The
seeds of wild carrot (Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus carota L., Family
Apiaceae) have a long history of use relating to fertility, especially
as an anti-fertility agent. Objectives: A literature review was
conducted in an attempt to evaluate the potential efficacy of carrot
seed as a contraceptive and to more clearly identify the mechanisms of
its reported actions. Methods: Databases, including PubMed, Scopus,
and Science Direct were searched, as were authoritative herbal and
historical texts including Culpeper, Eclectic texts and Indian
pharmacopoeias. Results: The use of carrot seed for contraception and
abortion is recorded throughout European history, with contemporary
reports from India and the United States. Scientific in vivo and ex vivo
studies suggest that several modes of action may contribute to the
anti-fertility effect, including an effect on the oestrous cycle and
anti-progestogenic activity. Conclusions: Historical and
ethnobotanical evidence make essential contributions to
multidisciplinary research on herbal medicines. Further research is
required to confirm the anti-fertility action of carrot seed and to
provide a better understanding of the mechanism(s) of action and the
compound(s) responsible.
To cite this article: Jansen, Gabrielle Claire and Wohlmuth, Hans. Carrot seed for contraception: A review [online]. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol. 26, No. 1, 2014: 10-17.
Availability:
<http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=138844085450714;res=IELHEA>
ISSN: 2200-3886.
[cited 26 Aug 15].
Personal Author:
Jansen, Gabrielle Claire; Wohlmuth, Hans;
Source: Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol. 26, No. 1, 2014: 10-17
Document Type: Journal Article
ISSN: 2200-3886
Subject:
Carrots--Seeds; Herbal abortifacients; Contraception--Evaluation; Ethnobotany;
Peer Reviewed:
Yes
Affiliation:
(1) School
of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW
2480, and Goulds Naturopathica, 73 Liverpool Street, Hobart TAS 7000,
Australia(2) Division of Research, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW 2480, and Integria Healthcare, 8 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113, Australia.Gabrielle Jansen
