Pages Menu
ISSN (Online): 0975-8232,
ISSN (Print): 2320-5148

International Journal Of
Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research

IJPSR is indexed with Embase

An International Journal published monthly
An Official Publication of Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Categories Menu

HERBAL MEDICINES USED DURING PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND POSTPARTUM CARE

HTML Full Text

HERBAL MEDICINES USED DURING PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND POSTPARTUM CARE

M. N. Karemore* and J. G. Avari

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, R. T. M. Nagpur University, Nagpur - 440033, Maharashtra, India.

ABSTRACT: Pregnancy and childbirth have been an essential part of human existence for millennia, but unfortunately the experience has not been easy for all women. Although many pharmaceutical drugs are available but the potential of drugs to cause harm, exemplified by thalidomide in 1958 cannot be ignored. Therefore, many pharmaceutical drugs are not recommended for use during pregnancy either because of known or suspected problems or because not enough is known to say that they are safe. In this respect, herbal medicine is gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and relative safety with fewer side effects. This article briefly reviews some of those plants all over the world which are being used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. About 122 plants species belonging to different families were reviewed among which the most common were Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae), Apium graveolens (Apiaceae), Rheum officinale (Polygonaaceae), Veratrum nigrum (Melanthiaceae). From the present studies it can be conclude that, herbal medicines can be used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care after proper validation of the plants.

Keywords:

Herbal medicine, Pregnancy, Postpartum care, Childbirth

INTRODUCTION: Since ancient times, mankind has used plants to cure diseases and relieve physical sufferings1.The plants provided food, clothing, shelter and medicine. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe added the medicinal power of herbs in their area to its knowledge base 2.

Because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body, lesser side effects and effectiveness many traditional medicines is now an accepted fact.

More than 35,000 plant species are being used in various human cultures around the world for medicinal purposes 1. Herbal medicines, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. The widespread use of herbal remedies and healthcare preparations, as those described in ancient texts such as the Vedas and the Bible, and obtained from commonly used traditional herbs and medicinal plants, has been traced to the occurrence of natural products with medicinal properties. The use of traditional medicine and medicinal plants in most developing countries, as a normative basis for the maintenance of good health, has been widely observed. About 80% of world populations are still dependent on traditional medicines for primary healthcare 3.

Herbal Medicines: “Herbal formulation means a dosage form consisting of one or more herbs or processed herb(s) in specified quantities to provide specific nutritional, cosmetic benefits, and/or other benefits meant for use to diagnose treat, mitigate diseases of human beings or animals and/or to alter the structure or physiology of human beings or animals”. Herbal preparations are obtained by subjecting whole plant, fragmented or cut plants, plants parts to treatments such as extraction, distillation, expression, fractionation, purification, concentration or fermentation. These include comminuted or powdered herbal substances, tinctures, extracts, essential oils, expressed juices and processed exudates 2.

Advantages: 4

  1. Mostly herbal drugs are well tolerated by the patient, having fewer unintended consequences and fewer side effects than traditional medicine, and may be safer touse.
  2. Herbal drugs are more effective for long-standing health complaints that don't respond well to traditional medicine.
  3. Cost of herbal drugs is much less than prescription medications. Research, testing, and marketing add considerably to the cost of prescription medicines. Herbs tend to be inexpensive compared to drugs.
  4. Herbs are available without a prescription. Simple herbs, such as peppermint and chamomile, can be cultivated at home.

Limitations: 4

  1. An herbalist would not be able to treat serious trauma, such as a broken leg, nor would he be able to heal appendicitis or a heart attack as effectively as a conventional doctor using modern diagnostic tests, surgery, and drugs.
  2. Self-treatment with herbal drugs may consist of many risk factors. Moreover with no proper direction of doses may lead to overdose.
  3. Consumption of herbal drugs without correct identification of plant e. use of wrong part of plant may lead to poisoning.
  4. All herbal drugs are not safe; some may be poisonous or may cause allergenic reactions.
  5. Curing period is usually longer in comparison to conventional medication. Immense patience while undergoing herbal treatment is needed.

Pregnancy and childbirth have been an essential part of human existence for millennia, but unfortunately the experience has not been easy for all women. Medicinal plants have a significant role during pregnancy, birth and postpartum care in many rural areas of the world. Plants used in women’s health related conditions such as female fertility, menorrhea, birth control, pregnancy, birth (parturition), postpartum (puerperium) and lactation, including infant care, has been documented for various ethnic groups 5-10. Even though modern medical systems are available, most of the people are still depending on the rich local health traditions for mother and child care.

Therefore, herbal medicine is gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and relative safety with fewer side effects. Herbal medicines are finished, labelled medicinal products that contain active ingredients, aerial or underground part of plants or other plant materials, or combination thereof, whether in the crude state or as plant preparations 11. The aim of present article is to briefly review some of those plants all over the world which are being used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION: About 122 plants species belonging to 50 different families were reviewed among which the most common were Asparagus racemosus, Apium graveolens, Rheum officinale, Veratrum nigrum, Momordica charantia, Azadiracta indica, Emblica officinalis, Zea mays which were used for complications that are common during pregnancy (Table 1).

Induction of labour may be necessary in certain conditions, in this respect herbal medicines play an important role (Table 2). The nature of action involves the modulation of uterine contraction at labour, resulting in either the stimulation or inhibition of myometrial muscle contractions. Postpartum care includes the recovery of women after childbirth, to treat postpartum weakness, haemorrhage and reconstitute women. Table 3 gives the herbal plants used for postpartum care. Herbal plants used for other ailments during pregnancy and Childbirth are discussed in Table 4.

TABLE 1: HERBAL PLANTS USED DURING PREGNANCY

Sr. No. Botanical

Name

 Local

Name

 Family Part(s)

Used

 Ethno medicinal uses / Mode of Administration
1 Asparagus racemosus Shatavari Asparagaceae Root extract Female tonic, in threatened abortion, preeclampsia associated with pregnancy, galactogogue, to treat diabetes
2 Apium graveolens Celery Apiaceae Whole plant

 

 Fresh juice for hypertension associated with pregnancy
3 Rheum officinale or R. palmatum Rhubarb Polygonaceae Root Hypertension associated with pregnancy
4 Veratrum nigrum Black false hellebore Melanthiaceae Root to treat preeclampsia

during pregnancy
5 Picralima nitida Akuamma plant Apocynaceae Seeds in diabetic pregnancy
6 Nauclea latifolia pin cushion tree Rubiaceae Root and stem in diabetic pregnancy
7 Oxytenanthera abyssinica Bamboo Gramineae Leaves in diabetic pregnancy
8 Momordica charantia Bitter melon Cucurbitaceae Fruit and leaf Anti-diabetic
9 Azadiracta indica Neem Meliaceae leaves To treat anemia and anti-diabetic
10 Emblica officinalis Amla Euphorbiaceae Fruit Increases red blood cell counts and therefore improves anemia
11 Abrus precatorious Chirmi Mimosaceae Roots Grind roots, add water and drink infusion for Cough, Anti-diabetic
12 Zingiber officinale Ginger Zingiberaceae Rhizomes To treat hyperemesis gravidarum (serious cases of “morning sickness”), especially during the first trimester of pregnancy
13 Jateorrhiza bukobensis Yellow fever Menispermaceae Tuber Soak in water and drink infusion for Malaria
14 Breonadia microcephala Chonya Rubiaceae Bark Soak in water and drink infusion for Pneumonia
15 Ficus capensis Nkuyu Moraceae Bark Pound and add powder in porridge for Pneumonia and Trichomonas vaginalis
16 Cissus zombensis
Mwanamphepo
Vitaceae Roots Soak in water and drink concoction for Trichomonas vaginalis
17 Ormocarpum kirkii Nsungachuma Papilionaceae Leaves and stem Boil and drink infusion for Trichomonas vaginalis
18 Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry Ericaceae Fruit Cranberry extract for Urinary tract infection
19 Zea mays Corn/maize Poaceae Fruit Fruit to treat Urinary tract infection
20 Aspalathus linearis Rooibos tea Fabaceae Leaves and stem Herbal tea is used during pregnancy to relieve heat burn and nausea
21 Abutilon indicum Thuthi

 

 Malvaceae

 

 Root Decoction is used as an antihypertensive and health promotion tonic
22 Boerhaavia diffusa Sarandakodi Nyctaginaceae Root To treat anaemia
23 Citrullus colocynthis bitter cucumber Cucurbitaceae Fruit Used in Pregnancy
24 Diplazium esculentum Vegetable fern Athyriaceae Leaf Given to Pregnant mothers for nutrition
25 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Ericaceae Fruit Fruit to treat Urinary tract infection
26 Rubus idaeus and R. occidentalis Raspberry Rosaceae Leaf To prevent miscarriage, ease morning sickness and ensure a quick birth
27 Hymenocardia acida
Therutheru
Euphorbiaceae Roots Soak in water and drink infusion for diarrhoea
28 Parinari excelsa Muula

 

 Chrysobalanaceae Roots Warm on fire and make a compress on ribs to treat Pneumonia
29 Musa paradisiaca Nthochi

 

 Musaceae Fruits Wear around waist to treat Pneumonia
30 Ekebergia benguelensis Mulepa

 

 Meliaceae Roots Cook and drink infusion for the treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis
31 Sida alnifolia Arrow leaf sida Malvaceae Whole plant Fresh whole plant paste in milk is taken (after 7 months of pregnancy) for normal delivery
32 Cissus quadrangularis Perandai Vitaceae Roots Used during Pregnancy
33 Syzygium jambolanum Black plum Myrtaceae Fruit in diabetic pregnancy
34 Syzygium cuminii Naval palam Myrtaceae Seed Powder Taken orally for diabetes
35 Biophytum sensitivum Jhalai Oxalidaceae leaves Leaves of this plant and groundnut seeds are crushed and eaten twice daily by pregnant women as diuretic
36 Eremurus himalaicus Tache Asphodelaceae Whole plant young leaves are used as vegetables in case of anaemia

TABLE 2: HERBAL PLANTS USED TO INDUCE LABOUR AND EASE CHILDBIRTH

Sr. No. Botanical

Name

 Local

Name

 Family Part(s)

Used

 Ethno medicinal uses / Mode of Administration
1 Aerva lanata Cherula Amaranthaceae Whole plant Decoction mixed with cow’s milk is taken twice daily from 7th month of pregnancy for easy delivery
2 Mullugo pentaphylla Parpadakapullu Aizoaceae Whole plant Whole plant decoction with water is given to ease delivery
3 Cleome gynandra Eshogi Capparaceae Roots aqueous herbal extract to induce childbirth hence hasten labour process
4 Vernonia amygdalina Bitter leaf Asteraceae Leaves aqueous herbal extract to induce childbirth hence hasten labour process
5 Clivia miniata Boslelie Amaryllidaceae whole plant (leaves,

roots and rhizome)

 Infusions are taken regularly during pregnancy to help with childbirth. Stronger concentrations are used to induce labour.
6 Cassia fistula Garmala Leguminosae Pods and bark Pods bark paste with kesar, mishri and rose water is given for easy and painless delivery
7 Carica papaya Papaya Caricaceae Latex Crude papaya latex is used to induce labour
8 Bidens pilosa Sere Asteraceae Leaf aqueous extract used to induce labour
9 Luffa cylindrica Ekyangu Cucurbitaceae Leaf, fruit and root aqueous extract used to induce labour
10 Musa acuminata Banana Musaceae Root chewing after roasting used to induce labour
11 Cajanus cajan Pigeon pea Papilionaceae Leaf aqueous extract used to induce labour
12 Butea monosperma Dhok,

Khakhra

 Fabaceae Gum 25 gm gum mixed with 200 gm jiggery, given orally at the time of delivery for easy delivery
13 Brassica oleracea Cabbagge Brassicaceae Root Root is chewed to induce labour
14 Achyranthes aspera Kadaladi Amaranthaceae Whole plant Given orally to ease childbirth and mitigate labour pain
15 Quassia cedron Hikuribianda Simaroubaceae Inner bark Decoction is used to assist childbirth
16 Wrightia tinctoria Khirni Apocynaceae Whole plant Applied externally on vagina for easy delivery
17 Physalis peruviana Kitutu Solanaceae Leaf aqueous extract used to induce labour
18 Pennisetum purpureum Elephant grass Poaceae Leaf aqueous extract used to induce labour
19 Merwillana talensis Blue Squill Hyacinthaceae Bulb For menstrual pains, infertility and to support the process in women to deliver their babies
20 Apeiba echinata barudaballi Tiliaceae Inner bark Decoction is used to hasten childbirth
21 Eugenia michelii Pitanga, Suriname cherry Myrtaceae Stem and Leaves Stem shows antimicrobial activity, leaf infusion is used for easy delivery
22 Dactyloctenium aegyptium Egyptian crowfoot grass Poaceae Leaf Infusion is used to accelerate childbirth
23 Guazuma ulmifolia bay cedar Sterculiaceae Stem Decoction is used to facilitate childbirth
24 Sterculia excelsa Sterculiaceae Inner bark Soaked and boiled in water; used to hasten childbirth
25 Agapanthus africanus Lily of the Nile Liliaceae Whole plant To ensure easy childbirth
26 Anastatica hierochuntica white mustard flower Brassicaceae Whole plant For infertility problems and to ensure easy childbirth
27 Caulophyllum thalictroides Blue cohosh Berberidaceae Whole plant To augment labour during pregnancy and to treat urinary tract infection
28 Gloriosa superba glory lily Liliaceae Root Fresh root paste is applied on the supra pubic region and the vagina to promote labour pain
29 Franseriaambrosioides Canyon Ragweed Asteraceae Whole plant Promotes labour, given near parturition
30 Tectonagrandis Theku Verbenaceae Bark Orally given to ease labour and mitigate abdominal pain during labour
31 Anogeissus latifolia dhawra Combretaceae Bark Infusion of bark given for easy delivery
32 Musa sapientum French plantain banana Musaceae Leaf Infusion of leaf is used to hasten childbirth

TABLE 3: HERBAL PLANTS USED FOR POSTPARTUM CARE

Sr. No. Botanical

Name

 Local

Name

 Family Part(s)

Used

 Ethno medicinal uses / Mode of Administration
1 Cardiospermum halicacabum Mudakathan Sapindaceae Seeds Infusion of seedling is used to clear the uterus after childbirth
2 Cestrum latifoluim Bitawali Solanaceae Stem and leaf The tops are used for recovery of women after childbirth
3 Sida cordifolia Khironti Malvaceae Root For postpartum weakness
4 Pentanisia prunelloides Icimamliloq Rubiaceae Root Decoction is taken to aid in the expulsion of retained placenta
5 Euphorbia hirta Snake Weed, Asthma weed Euphorbiaceae Whole plant To increase lactation after childbirth
6 Zingiber montanum Moorada Zingiberaceae Rhizome To treat postpartum haemorrhage and weakness of women after childbirth
7 Acorus calamus Sweet Flag, Calamus Araceae Root To treat postpartum haemorrhage
8 Cynara scolymus Kharchouf, tagemmut, Amazzûgh Compositae Roots Decoction is taken for postpartum care
9 Salvia leucantha Mexican bush sage Lamiaceae Leaves Leaf infusion is taken to reconstitute women after childbirth
10 Achyanthes aspera Kadaladi Amaranthaceae Whole plant Whole plant is ground, cooked/boiled in coconut oil and taken after delivery to get rid of debris in the womb
11 Clitoria ternatea Sankupushpam Fabaceae Flower Flowers crushed and mixed with honey, taken early morning to clean the uterus after delivery and also to check the bleeding from the uterus
12 Moringa oleifera Muringa Moringaceae Roots and leaves Roots are used to expel the placenta. Leaves are highly nutritious food for pregnant women before and after delivery
13 Argemone mexicana Dhaturi Papaveraceae Whole Plant To treat postpartum bleeding
14 Physalis angulata winter cherry Solanaceae Seeds Preparation given to women after childbirth
15 Gunnera perpensa River Pumpkin Halorrhagidaceae Root Decoction of root is used to facilitate the due expulsion and proper cleaning of the womb
16 Bouteloua gracilis blue grama Poaceae Whole plant Whole plant is made into a soup and used as a postpartum medicine
17 Adiantum caudatum tailed maidenhair Adiantaceae Leaf Extract of leaf juice is used to stop excess bleeding after childbirth
18 Melastoma malabathricum Malabar melastome Melastomataceae Whole plant To treat leucorrhoea and post childbirth problems
19 Trigonella foenum-graecum Fenugreek Fabaceae Seeds Lactagogues or galactagogues
20 Galega officinalis Goat’s rue Fabaceae Leaf Lactagogues or galactagogues
21 Calotropis gigantea Madar Asclepidaceae Latex and plant leaves To prepare medicated water for bathing the mother after delivery
22 Limnophila geoffrayi Hummingbird tree Scrophulariaceae Whole plant Lactagogues or galactagogues
23 Borassus flabelifer Palmira Araceae Roots Lactagogues or galactagogues
24 Ficus amplisima Piper, Pipali Maraceae Latex Lactagogues or galactagogues

TABLE 4: HERBAL PLANTS USED TO FOR OTHER AILMENTS DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

Sr. No. Botanical

Name

 Local

Name

 Family Part(s)

Used

 Ethno medicinal uses / Mode of Administration
1 Abarema jupunba Caracoli Mimosaceae Seeds As a fertility drug
2 Cynosurus indicus sambali Poaceae Whole plant Boiled with black sago and used to treat fever, cold, malaria and for post childbirth cleansing of mother
3 Datura metel Karuoomathai Solanaceae Whole plant For painful menstruation
4 Artemisia abrotanum southernwood Asteraceae Whole plant Used for female problems
5 Hamamelis virginiana witch hazel Hamamelidaceae Whole plant Used to treat women’s problems
6 Stachys lavandulifolia wood betony Lamiaceae Whole plant Abortifacient
7 Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow Malvaceae Leaves Used by pregnant women for pains associated with pregnancy
8 Atylosia scarabaeoides Wild kulthi Fabaceae Whole plant For the treatment of delivery problems and swelling and pain in leg during pregnancy
9 Maesa indica Wild Berry Myrsinaceae Whole plant For headache and dizziness of mothers after childbirth
10 Plumbago zeylanica Shada Plumbaginaceae Root Abortifacient
11 Mangifera indica Mango Anacardiaceae Stem bark Infusion is used to cure stomach pain
12 Bauhinia petersiana Kalahari White Bauhinia Fabaceae Stem bark To prevent miscarriage
13 Ricinus communis castorbean Euphorbiaceae Roots and leaves Soak in water and drink infusion to cure for post maturity
14 Dalbergia melanoxylon African blackwood Fabaceae Seeds To avoid miscarriage
15 Apodytes dimidiata white pear Icacinaceae Leaves and roots Pound add water and drink infusion for post maturity cure
16 Ficus kirkii Crown-fruited fig Moraceae Bark Pound, cook in water and add to porridge for damage in the stomach after delivery
17 Dalbergia nitidula Glossy flat-bean Papillionaceae Roots Boil in water and drink infusion for infertility
18 Cissampelos  species velvetleaf Menispermaceae Tuber Grind, squeeze and drink the part of the fluid. Add remnant to cooked porridge for pseudo pregnancy
19 Vitex doniana Afetewa Verbenaceae Leaves Add to porridge for stomach pains (associated with miscarriage)
20 Cissus integrifolia Chikomba Vitaceae Roots Mix with hot water and make a compress over the leg
21 Cissus species veldt grape Vitaceae Roots Pound make an infusion and drink to avoid miscarriage
22 Hippocratea parviflora Celastraceae Leaves and roots Leaves pound and add to porridge to avoid miscarriage. Roots- boil and drink infusion to cure stomach pain
23 Adhatoda vasica Malabar nut, adulsa Acanthaceae Leaves For curing body aches
24 Bacopa monnierii brahmi Scrophulariaceae Whole plant For getting relief from abdominal pain and for increasing foetal growth
25 Benincasa hispida white gourd Cucurbitaceae Fruit To prevent gas trouble
26 Cuminum cyminum Cumin Apiaceae Seeds Powdered seeds mixed with ghee and honey is given orally to children against vomiting. Seeds boiled in water and given to the child for getting relief from stomach pain
27 Curculigo orchioides Nilappanai

 

 Amaryllidaceae Rhizome To get relief from stomach pain after delivery
28 Trachyspermum roxburghianum Wild Celery Apiaceae Seeds For reducing stomach pain after delivery
29 Basella rubra Kodipasalai Basellaceae Leaves To decrease the hip pain during childbirth
30 Jatropha curcas Kattaamankku Euphorbiaceae Bark and latex Decoction prepared from bark is used for the treatment of stomach problems during pregnancy. Latex is taken orally for same purpose
31 Carissa congesta Karvand Apocynaceae Roots Decoction of roots is given to women to relieve from delivery pain after childbirth.
32 Vigna subterranean Bambara groundnut Fabaceae Seeds Infusion is used after delivery to dispose of remnant with placenta

CONCLUSION: Even from early civilization, herbs have been considered to be a powerful tool in treating illnesses. In places where physicians cannot reach, people have invented their own concoction of herbs and plants to deal with the common afflictions of daily life. At times, these herbal treatments have proved more superior and effective than its chemical counterparts, not to mention even of its safety and economy. The knowledge of these valuable plant remedies have not been documented and was orally dissipated by the tribal populations. But these tribal possessed remarkably accurate knowledge about the medicinal use of the plants around them. Numerous drugs have entered the global market and international pharmacopoeia through the study of ethno-pharmacology and traditional medicine.

Major thrust by whole of the pharmaceutical industry is focused towards design and development of new innovative / indigenous plant based drugs through investigation of leads from traditional system of medicine. Ayurvedic medicinal plant products are most convenient and have greater acceptance amongst the users due to their easy availability easy biodegradability, easy to handling, economic cost, mankind and environment friendly nature both and minimum side effect. Pregnancy is a time of rapid physical and emotional changes in the body.

Herbs can be very useful in toning and nourishing the system to help allay potential problems and remedy discomforts that pregnant women may experience. Attention to nutrition can go long way inpreventing possible complications. Malnutrition during pregnancy can cause constipation, haemorrhoids, anaemia, and even preeclampsia. It's absolutely vital to get enough Vitamins, minerals and protein during pregnancy. Medicinal Plants (herbs) in their original form contain a host of natural ingredients-alkaloids, bio-flavonoids, glycosides, minerals, Vitamins, volatile oils, and other natural substances that not only support an herb’s healing benefits but also safeguard against potential toxicity. Herbal medicines can be very beneficial during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care but after proper validation of the plants.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Nil

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Nil

REFERENCES:

  1. Lewington A: Medicinal plants and plant extracts: A review of their importation into Europe. Cambridge, UK; Traffic International 1993.
  2. Waxler-Morrison NE: Plural medicine in Sri Lanka: Do Ayurvedic and Western medical practice differ, Soc Sci Med 1988; 27: 531-44.
  3. UNESCO: Culture and Health, Orientation Texts - World Decade for Cultural Development 1988 - 1997, Document CLT/DEC/PRO 1996; 129.
  4. Dahanukar SA, Kulkarni RA and Rege NN: Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products (1994–98), Indian J Pharmacol 2000; 32: S81–S118.
  5. Liulan W, Nanakorn W and Fukui VN: Food and medicinal plants used for childbirth among Yunnanese Chinese in Northern Thailand. J Ethnobiol 2003, 23: 209-226.
  6. Zumsteg IS and Weckerle CS: Bakera, a herbal steam bath for postnatal care in Minahasa (Indonesia): Documentation of the plants used and assessment of the method. Journal of ethnopharmacology 2007; 111: 641-650.
  7. Bourdy G and Walter A: Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu I. The cycle of reproduction. Journal of ethnopharmacology 1992; 37: 179-196.
  8. Ticktin T and Dalle SP: Medicinal plant use in the practice of midwifery in rural Honduras. Journal of ethnopharmacology 2005; 96: 233-248.
  9. Singh YN, Ikahihifo T, Panuve M and Slatter C: Folk medicine in Tonga. A study on the use of herbal medicines for obstetric and gynaecological conditions and disorders. Journal of ethnopharmacology 1984; 12: 305-329.
  10. Jain A, Katewa SS, Chaudhary BL and Galav P: Folk herbal medicines used in birth control and sexual diseases by tribals of southern Rajasthan, India. Journal of ethnopharmacology 2004; 90: 171-177.
  11. WHO: Quality control methods for medicinal plant materials. Published by WHO, Geneva 1998.
  12. Rajitha NP et al.: A study on traditional mother care plants of rural communities of south Kerela; Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 2010; 9(1): 203-208.
  13. Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension. Pharmacogn Rev 2011; 5(9): 30–40.
  14. Kamatenesi-Mugisha M, Oryem-Origa H and Olwa-Odyek DWM: Ethno-pharmacological screening of Vernonia amygdalina and Cleome gynandra traditionally used in Childbirth in Western Uganda, 11th NAPRECA Symposium Book of Proceedings, Antananarivo, Madagascar; 110-122.
  15. Sharma K and Bhatnagar M: Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A Versatile Female Tonic, International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Archives 2011; 2(3): 855-863.
  16. Street RA and Prinsloo G: Commercially Important Medicinal Plants of South Africa: A Review, Journal of Chemistry Volume 2013.
  17. Kamatenesi-Mugisha M and Oryem-Origa H: Medicinal plants used to induce labour during childbirth in western Uganda, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2007; 109: 1–9.
  18. Yessoufou A al.: Anti-hyperglycemic effects of three medicinal plants in diabetic pregnancy: modulation of T cell proliferation, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013; 13: 77.
  19. Ihsanullah DAUR: Chemical properties of the medicinal herb Kaff Maryam (Anastatica hierochuntica ) and its relation to folk medicine use, African Journal of Microbiology Research 6(23): 5048-5051.
  20. Motaleb MA, Hossain MK, Alam MK, Abdullah-Al MMM and Sultana M: Commonly used medicinal herbs and shrubs by traditional herbal practitioners: Glimpses from Thanchiupazila of Bandarban, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 2013.
  21. Tieraona LD: The use of Botanicals during Pregnancy and Lactation, ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES 2009; 15: 1.
  22. Tabassum N and Ahmad F: Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension, Pharma. Rev 2011; 5(9): 30-40.
  23. Bnouham M, Mekhfi H, Legssyer A and Ziyyat A: Ethnopharmacology Forum Medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Morocco, Int J Diabetes and Metabolism 2002; 10: 33-50.
  24. Maliwichi-Nyirenda CP and Maliwichi LL: Medicinal plants used for contraception and pregnancy-related cases in Malawi: A case study of Mulanje District, Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2010; 4(20): 3024-3030.
  25. Rajith NP et al.: A study on Traditional mother care plants of rural communities of South Kerela, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 2010; 9(1): 203-208.
  26. Kumar K, Fateh V, Verma B and Pandey S: Some Herbal Drugs Used for Treatment of Diabetes, Int. J. Res. Dev. Pharm. L. Sci. 2014; 3(5): 1116 – 1120.
  27. Ene AC and Atawodi AC: Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used by the Kanuris of North-eastern Nigeria, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 2012; 11(4): 640-645.
  28. Vivek P et al.: Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by Local People in Ariyalur District, Tamilnadu, India, J. Chem Tech Res 2014; 6(9): 4276-4284.
  29. Lamxay V, J de Boer H and Björk L: Traditions and plant use during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery by the Kryethnic group in Lao PDR Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2011; 7: 14.
  30. Dabaghian HF: Use and Attitude on Herbal Medicine in a Group of Pregnant Women in Tehran, Journal of Medicinal Plants 2012; 11(41).
  31. De Boer H and Lamxay V: Plants used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum healthcare in Lao PDR: A comparative study of the Brou, Saek and Kry ethnic groups, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2009; 5: 25.
  32. Kaido TL, Veale DJH, Havlik I and Rama DBK: Preliminary screening of plants used in South Africa as traditional herbal remedies during pregnancy and labour, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1997; 55: 185-191.
  33. Tabatabaee M: Use of Herbal Medicine among Pregnant Women Referring to Valiasr Hospital in Kazeroon, Fars, South of Iran. Journal of Medicinal Plants 2011; 10(37).
  34. Meena AK and Rao MM: Folk herbal medicines used by the Meena community in Rajasthan, Asian Journal of Traditional Medicines 2010; 5(1).
  35. Kumar BNS et al.: A Review on Natural Diuretics; Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences 1(4): 615-634.
  36. Aravind G, Debjit Bhowmik, Duraivel S and Harish G: Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Carica papaya, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2013; 1(1): 7-15.
  37. Talha J et al.: Hypertension and herbal plants; IRJP 2011; 2(8): 26-30.
  38. Ahmad M et al.: Traditional Herbal Remedies used for the Treatment of Diabetes from District Attock (Pakistan); Pak. J. Bot. 2009; 41(6): 2777-2782.
  39. Sharma AK, Aggarwal A and Singhal VK: Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Indian Herbal Drugs; IJARPB 2012; 2(2): 145-153.

    How to cite this article:

    Karemore MN and Avari JG: Herbal medicines used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2017; 8(12): 5326-35.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(12).5326-35.

    All © 2013 are reserved by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. This Journal licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

     

Article Information

49

5326-5335

505

2974

13

English

IJPSR

M. N. Karemore* and J. G. Avari

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, R. T. M. Nagpur University, Maharashtra, India.

meghakaremore0687@gmail.com

20 April, 2017

19 June, 2017

29 June, 2017

10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(12).5326-35

01 December, 2017

Download