Agrobiodiversity is already proving to be important in helping rural communities and farmers throughout the world adapt to climate change. Diversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) in production systems can improve adaptability and resilience and is an essential part of adaptation to changing production conditions.
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.