Abstract
Plants have played significant roles as medicine during pregnancy, birth, and
postpartum care in many rural areas of the world. In addition to this,
plants have been used for centuries to treat infertility and related
reproduction problems. The aim of this paper was to review the current
status of plant species used in maternal healthcare, including infertility,
in South Africa, in terms of scientific evaluation for efficacy and safety.
In addition to this, the role of medicinal plants as a tool in achieving the
MDG5 of reducing maternal mortality by 2015 was evaluated. A search was done
with the aid of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, peer-reviewed
papers, and books, using keywords such as child birth, labour pain, maternal
health, maternal mortality, menstrual pains, and postpartum. The plants
listed in the different research articles were classified according to their
use and the target effect of a plant extract or compound on reproductive
function. Eighty-four plant species were found to be used to treat
infertility and related problems. Twenty plant species are used during
pregnancy, while 26 plant species are used to ease childbirth. For
postpartum healing and any problems after childbirth, nine plant species
were recorded. Unhealthy pregnancy and birth complications are among the
factors that contribute to the loss of cognitive potential in the developing
worldʼs children, condemning them to impoverished lives. The best way to
keep a country poor is to rob its children of their full developmental
potential. In this respect, medicinal plants play a significant role in
reducing maternal mortality and ensuring the birth of healthy children.
Key words
infertility - maternal healthcare - medicinal plants - South Africa - traditional
medicine - woman reproductive health
