Historical evidence suggests silphium was used as a contraceptive in ancient Rome, though its effectiveness is debated among modern scholars.
Multiple ancient texts reference silphium's use as a contraceptive in Roman society. Pliny the Elder's "Natural History" specifically mentions its use for this purpose, and several medical texts from the period describe methods of preparation and dosage.
Archaeological evidence, including medical instruments and preserved containers with residue, supports the claim that silphium was used in gynecological treatments. However, modern scientific analysis cannot conclusively determine its effectiveness as a contraceptive by today's standards.
Some scholars argue that silphium's reputation as a contraceptive contributed to its eventual extinction, as demand for the plant outpaced sustainable harvesting practices. The plant only grew in a limited region near Cyrene (modern-day Libya) and resisted cultivation attempts elsewhere.
While there is strong historical evidence that Romans used silphium as a contraceptive, the effectiveness of the plant for this purpose remains uncertain without the ability to conduct modern clinical trials on the extinct species.