Abstract: A process for preparing a spermicidal agent from neem oil includes (a) mixing neem oil with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent so that a precipitate forms, and filtering the mixture to separate the filtrate solution from the precipitate; (b) contacting the filtrate solution of step (a) with a polar extractant solvent whereby a spermicidal agent is extracted from the filtrate solution into the polar extractant solvent; and (c) removing solvent from the polar extractant solvent to produce a concentrated solution containing extract a spermicidal agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of spermicidal agents and other biologically active materials from neem oil or extractives by subjecting a neem feed obtained from neem oil to the step of enrichment. Such a step of enrichment is carried out in a chromatographic column containing a sorbant, and the feed is eluted with a non polar followed by a polar solvent or mixtures thereof. In accordance with one embodiment, the feed is formed by subjecting neem oil to the step of solvent partition, the precipitate being removed therefrom and the filterate forming the feed. In accordance with another embodiment, the feed is formed by adding a polar solvent to the filterate of the first embodiment, the lower layer formed therefrom being subjected to the step of distillation for removal of the solvent to obtain a feed.