THE ROLE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN TREATING INFERTILITY: CURRENT TRENDS AND CONSERVATION NEEDS

S. Justin Raj* and Greeshma V. John

As an alternative to costly and intrusive contemporary therapies, more and more couples are turning to herbal and traditional remedies to address the growing global issue of infertility. Because of their high phytochemical content and few side effects, medicinal plants have considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of infertility in both males and females. However, the existence of many medicinal species is under jeopardy due to uncontrolled harvesting and rising demand. In addition to highlighting important medicinal plants with demonstrated fertility-boosting benefits, this review examines in situ and ex situ conservation tactics that are essential to protecting these natural resources. The topic of biotechnology's involvement in plant conservation is also covered. For the sustainable use and preservation of medicinal plants, an integrated strategy integrating traditional knowledge, scientific confirmation, and conservation techniques is required.