Seid Mussa Ahmed1, Hedvig Nordeng2, Johanne Sundby3, Yesuf Ahmed Aragaw4, Hugo J de Boer5. 1. Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: seidma@studmed.uio.no. 2. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: h.m.e.nordeng@farmasi.uio.no. 3. Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: johanne.sundby@medisin.uio.no. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma Institute of Health, Jimma University, Ethiopia. Electronic address: yesufahmed47@yahoo.com. 5. Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: h.d.boer@nhm.uio.no.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plant (MP) use during pregnancy is common in Africa and may have profound effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. A lack of overview complicates monitoring and regulating the use of MPs during pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This systematic review analyses prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy, regional distribution, types and prevalence, MP properties, potential health risks, and consensus of MPs use, and suggests relevant measures to mitigate negative effects on pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was undertaken using a range of scientific databases (Medline, Embase, African Journals OnLine, Google Scholar and Biological Abstracts), non-governmental organisations, various African universities and regulatory websites for original published and unpublished studies that assess and indicate the prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy in Africa. Additional articles were located by exploring pertinent bibliographies, and contacting experts. RESULTS: A total of 3659 MP-use studies were found, but only 303 articles received full-text assessment for eligibility and finally only 50 scientific papers were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of MP use by pregnant women varied widely from 2% to 100%. Twenty-eight studies (56%) specified one or more plant species used as MP during pregnancy. The major reasons for MP use were relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), stimulation of labour, and facilitation of childbirth. The most commonly cited MP species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. and these were used for relief of NVP, motion sickness and as a nutritional supplement. Route of administration was most commonly oral, and few adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MPs among pregnant women in Africa is prevalent, and the most commonly used plant species are not known to have harmful foetal effects during pregnancy. However, many of the MP species are poorly studied and teratogenic effects cannot be ruled out. Collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional practitioners to inform about the safe use of MPs may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and infants.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plant (MP) use during pregnancy is common in Africa and may have profound effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. A lack of overview complicates monitoring and regulating the use of MPs during pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This systematic review analyses prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy, regional distribution, types and prevalence, MP properties, potential health risks, and consensus of MPs use, and suggests relevant measures to mitigate negative effects on pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was undertaken using a range of scientific databases (Medline, Embase, African Journals OnLine, Google Scholar and Biological Abstracts), non-governmental organisations, various African universities and regulatory websites for original published and unpublished studies that assess and indicate the prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy in Africa. Additional articles were located by exploring pertinent bibliographies, and contacting experts. RESULTS: A total of 3659 MP-use studies were found, but only 303 articles received full-text assessment for eligibility and finally only 50 scientific papers were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of MP use by pregnant women varied widely from 2% to 100%. Twenty-eight studies (56%) specified one or more plant species used as MP during pregnancy. The major reasons for MP use were relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), stimulation of labour, and facilitation of childbirth. The most commonly cited MP species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. and these were used for relief of NVP, motion sickness and as a nutritional supplement. Route of administration was most commonly oral, and few adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MPs among pregnant women in Africa is prevalent, and the most commonly used plant species are not known to have harmful foetal effects during pregnancy. However, many of the MP species are poorly studied and teratogenic effects cannot be ruled out. Collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional practitioners to inform about the safe use of MPs may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and infants.
Authors: Mvulakazi Patricia Thipanyane; Sibusiso Cyprian Nomatshila; Olanrewaju Oladimeji; Hannibal Musarurwa Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-01 Impact factor: 3.390