Comparative Study of Levonogystril (Oral Contraceptive) with Solanum Khasianum

Abstract

The rising demand for safe, effective, and accessible contraceptive methods has led to comparative investigations between synthetic and herbal agents. Levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin commonly used in emergency and oral contraceptives, is well-established for its potent ovulationinhibiting effects and high efficacy. However, prolonged use is often associated with side effects such as nausea, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalances. In contrast, Solanum khasianum, a medicinal plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, contains steroidal alkaloids— particularly solasodine—which serve as precursors for the synthesis of steroidal contraceptives. This study aims to compare the contraceptive potential, mechanism of action, and safety profiles of levonorgestrel and Solanum khasianum extracts. Pharmacological evaluation was conducted using both in vitro and in vivo models to assess ovulation inhibition, endometrial changes, and hormonal modulation. Results demonstrated that Solanum khasianum exhibited significant antifertility activity through suppression of follicular maturation and alteration of the estrous cycle, albeit to a lesser degree than levonorgestrel. However, the herbal extract showed a lower incidence of systemic side effects and better biocompatibility. The study concludes that while levonorgestrel remains more potent and reliable for immediate contraception, Solanum khasianum holds promising potential as a natural alternative for long-term fertility regulation, especially in populations favoring herbal medicine. This comparative analysis emphasizes the importance of integrating herbal alternatives into reproductive health research, encouraging further investigation into formulation standardization, dose optimization, and long-term safety of Solanum khasianumbased contraceptive solutions.

Introduction

Overview:
Contraception is crucial for reproductive health, reducing maternal and infant mortality. Among contraceptives, levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin, is widely used due to its high efficacy and rapid, reversible action. However, its side effects (e.g., nausea, hormonal imbalance) have driven interest in plant-based alternatives.

One such alternative is Solanum khasianum, a medicinal plant containing solasodine, a precursor to steroid hormones. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, it shows potential antifertility effects, although research is still in early stages.

Key Comparisons:

Literature Insights:

• Levonorgestrel (LNG), especially in intrauterine systems (IUS), reduces heavy bleeding and pelvic infections, and is increasingly accepted.

• Extended-cycle regimens improve user satisfaction.

• Solanum khasianum has traditional use in fertility regulation but lacks clinical validation.

Future Scope:

• Mechanism clarification of S. khasianum’s antifertility action

• Toxicity and safety studies in long-term animal models

• Human clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety

• Dose standardization and formulation optimization

• Advanced delivery systems (e.g., nanoformulations) for better efficacy

Conclusion

The comparative research into Levonorgestrel, a leading synthetic contraceptive, and Solanum khasianum, a traditional herbal candidate, reveals distinct advantages and limitations for each. Levonorgestrel offers well-documented, rapid, and reversible contraception but comes with hormonal side effects, higher cost, and synthetic chemical exposure. On the other hand, Solanum khasianum shows promising antifertility activity via modulation of reproductive hormones, with fewer side effects, lower cost, and greater acceptance in traditional societies. Laboratory and animal data suggest that Solanum khasianum may inhibit ovulation and implantation, similar to synthetic options, albeit at a slower pace. The presence of steroidal alkaloids like solasodine is likely responsible for its activity. Despite being at a preclinical stage, the plant’s potential is clear and deserving of further toxicological, clinical, and pharmacological studies. This comparative study underscores the viability of Solanum khasianum as a natural contraceptive alternative to Levonorgestrel. Although synthetic contraceptives are faster and clinically established, they carry risks that are absent or minimal in properly formulated herbal solutions. With rigorous scientific validation, Solanum khasianum could become part of mainstream contraceptive choices, particularly in low-resource settings or populations preferring Ayurvedic and herbal medicine systems. Going forward, integration of traditional knowledge with modern research could create safe, effective, and culturally appropriate contraceptive solutions. The transformation of Solanum khasianum from a folk remedy to a pharmaceutically accepted drug represents a crucial step in herbal contraceptive innovation. Stakeholders in Pharmacognosy, reproductive health, and global health policy must collaboratively work toward unlocking the full potential of this botanical

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prof. Dr. J. M. Abbas Sir, Mr. Jayesh Satish Dhake. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.