Background: Although, medicinal plants have been important for women’s health historically, the knowledge about such use during pregnancy in developing countries is limited. This is the first quantitative, ethnobotanical study on Malian women’s use of and attitudes towards the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy.
Malawi’s maternal mortality rate is one of the worst. Due to shortfalls in modern hospitals, women resort to medicinal plants. The study investigated medicinal plants used as contraceptives, for treating pregnancy-related cases and general illnesses. Focus group discussions, key informants, participant observations and questionnaire interviews were employed.
Background: Maternal health is a public health priority in many African countries, but little is known about herbal medicine use in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the pattern of use of herbal medicine in an urban setting, where women have relatively high access to public healthcare.
The aim of the study is to elucidate the use of herbal medicines in pregnant women and to explore patterns of herbal medication use including dietary supplements in pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: In Cameroon, most women use traditional medicine for the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth complaints. In order to identify some of the medicinal plants locally used to alleviate these complaints, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in five villages of Menoua Division (West-Cameroon).
Background: There is a paucity of literature describing traditional health practices and beliefs of African women. The purpose of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the use of traditional medicine (TM) to address maternal and reproductive health complaints and wellbeing by African women in Africa and the diaspora.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pregnant women in Nigeria use plant preparations to facilitate childbirth and to reduce associated pain. The rationale for this is not known and requires pharmacological validation. Aim of study: Obtain primary information regarding the traditional use of plants and analyze their uterine contractility at cellular level.
In this article, the regulation of African Traditional Medicine (ATM) is considered in terms of the law and the national health system of South Africa, and with specific reference to HIV/AIDS. The level of recognition that ATM enjoys in the legal and healthcare systems at present is discussed and juxtaposed against the regulation of traditional medical practices in other African countries.
Medicinal plants in South Africa are sources of medicine which is administered to cure existing disease in humans and livestock. Plant-derived decoctions, infusions and powders are administered to cure diseases in humans across gender and age groups. The present study was conducted to describe curative medicine derived from indigenous plants.
Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out between January 2011 and April 2012 to compile an inventory
of plants used medicinally by people of the Matebele village. A semi-structured questionnaire was used
to collect data on the species used by the villagers. The results show that 65 species (86.1% indigenous