Since the time immemorial, men have been using plants as medicine in various diseases. Herbalism is a subject with a long history. We know that animals, in various kinds of ailments turn to plants which they know, perhaps, the primitive men happen to cure in much the same way by trial and error. The result being passed on from one generation to the next.
Morphology of plants, fruits, leaves and flower, cure the disease of the body part, to which they resemble. Anemone hepatica cures liver disease (liver shaped leaves). Physal-is alkakengi cures complaints of bladders (baloon shaped calyx), etc.
Seeds of B. laciniosa resemble to "Shivling" symbol of God Shankar, were used to cure sterility cases as well as to get male child, in prehistoric age. B. laciniosa which is a member of Cucurbitaceae family is a climber which is abundantly found in India. Fmits are purpule in colour with white patches and huge quantity of mucilaginous substance. Seeds are produced in the month of December and January.
Active principle of B. laciniosa has got property to regenerate germinal epithelium in both male and females to produce their reproductive organs like ovum and spermatozoon. Properties described in ancient text is harvested in this study.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Forty couples were selected on the random basis those who were suffering from primary sterility, secondary sterility and mothers of unisex children (girls) and in need of male child. Only those couples were selected whose females had not attended the age of menopause. They had their regular menstrual cycles of 28 days ± 5.
In cases of females they were primarily investigated for leucorrhoea, vaginal infection, V.D.R.L. test and Rh negative blood grouping to avoid intra-uterine complication to foetus and Rh incompatibility to subsequent pregnancy.
Drug preparation
Matured and healthy seeds of B. lao'iniosa were collected dried and powdered. After the completion of menstrual cycle of female, couples were given 2.5 gms of powder with fresh Cow's milk to both the partners for 14 days early morning in empty stomach.
Couples were advised to commence their mating by 8th day after the oral administration of drug. Females were advised to put themselves in opisthotonic position for an hour. This procedure will be continued till gestation takes place.
EFFECT OF THE DRUG
Orally given powder may cause nausea, vomiting and slight gastric upset to the female. But these symptoms disappeared after 3 to 4 days after the commencement of the powdered drug. After full term delivery non-foetus did not show any complication or toxicity. All gravidae delivered with normal labours.
OBSERVATION
Fourteen cases of primary sterility were treated with this dri.g. Eleven of them conceived and after successful concept ons nine of them delivered male children four of them not conceived due to cystic ovary, diadalphus uterus and pH alteration of vaginal canal one delivered female child.
*30\218\2*
