Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Medicinal plants as a source of alternative medicine in birth control
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a review
Summary of article contents:
Short summary of the chapter:
The review article discusses the use of medicinal plants as alternative medicine for birth control and abortion, compiling information from global practices between 2000 and 2013. It highlights the ongoing reliance on traditional herbal remedies, particularly among tribal populations, despite advancements in allopathic medicine. Medicinal plants are valued for being less expensive and often perceived as safer alternatives to synthetic drugs, which may have significant side effects.
One important concept presented is the role of abortifacients in maternal health. Abortifacients, substances that induce abortion, have traditionally been used by tribal women for reproductive issues, including menstrual irregularities and conception disorders. The article emphasizes that while synthetic abortifacients are prevalent in developed countries, there are serious complications associated with their use in pregnancy. Conversely, herbal remedies are preferred by many communities, as they are believed to carry fewer health risks.
Another significant aspect is the classification of alternative medicine. The term "complementary and alternative medicine" (CAM) encompasses various practices and products not considered part of conventional medicine. It includes diverse approaches, such as herbal medicine, that have been used effectively for health care. The review notes the need for thorough research and validation of these practices to prove their safety and efficacy, which could foster greater acceptance and use of herbal treatments.
The third key theme discussed is the necessity of ethnobotanical knowledge in identifying medicinal plants. Ethnobotanical research plays a critical role in uncovering which plants have been used traditionally for fertility regulation. The article mentions extensive lists of plant species recorded for their abortifacient properties, demonstrating a wealth of ethnobotanical wisdom that remains to be validated through scientific study. Highlighting the need for further pharmacological investigation, the article presents findings that suggest significant potential benefits from these plants in developing countries.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of traditional medicine, particularly the use of medicinal plants in reproductive health. Despite the rise of modern pharmaceuticals, these herbal remedies continue to hold cultural significance and practical value for many communities. There is a pressing need for systematic research to explore their effects and ensure safe usage, which continues to be a vital aspect of health care, especially in developing regions where access to modern medicine is limited.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Harneet Kaur, Rajendra Mehta
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Medicinal plants as a source of alternative medicine in birth control
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are medicinal plants used for in birth control?
Medicinal plants are used as alternatives to induce abortion, manage fertility, and prevent births in various cultures. They have been historically relied upon by tribal populations due to lower costs and fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines.
How do herbal abortifacients work in fertility regulation?
Herbal abortifacients may influence hormonal levels, block ovulation, or directly induce uterine contractions. Some plants can disrupt the development of the uterus or interact with hormones, effectively serving as contraceptives or abortifacients.
What are some common examples of herbal abortifacients?
Some commonly referenced herbal abortifacients include Annona reticulata, Abrus precatorius, and Achyranthus aspera. These plants have specific traditional preparations for inducing abortion and are used by various tribal communities.
Why do tribal women prefer herbal medicine for birth control?
Tribal women often prefer herbal medicine because it is more accessible, affordable, and culturally accepted. Many still trust traditional remedies with perceived lower risks compared to modern synthetic abortifacients.
What are the risks associated with herbal abortifacients?
While herbal abortifacients may be perceived as safer, they can cause severe health issues, including bleeding, infections, or even fatal systemic reactions. It's important to approach their use with caution.
How can medicinal plants contribute to healthcare in developing countries?
Medicinal plants can provide affordable healthcare solutions in developing countries where access to modern medicine is limited. Their use can address various health needs, particularly in rural and impoverished populations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medicinal plants as a source of alternative medicine in birth control”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and medical conditions. It encompasses both conventional allopathic approaches and alternative medicine practices, such as herbal remedies and traditional healing methods. The use of medicinal plants in birth control demonstrates the integration of natural remedies into healthcare systems around the world.
2) Drug:
A drug is any substance that causes a physiological or psychological change in the body when absorbed. In the context of the review, drugs can include synthetic medications as well as herbal compounds derived from plants. Both types are examined for their effectiveness in inducing abortion and managing fertility.
3) Activity:
Activity, in the context of pharmacology, refers to the specific effects or actions that a drug or substance has on the body. For instance, the abortifacient activity of various medicinal plants indicates their ability to induce abortion or affect reproductive processes, which is a key focus of the reviewed literature.
4) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the branch of medicine that deals with the study of drugs and their interactions with biological systems. The review emphasizes pharmacological investigations of various medicinal plants, highlighting their potential as alternative medicines for fertility regulation and abortion, thus bridging traditional and modern medical practices.
5) Glass:
Glass refers to the common vessel used to contain liquids, such as water or herbal extracts. In medicinal contexts, it is often used to prepare and administer herbal remedies, emphasizing the ritualistic and practical aspects of using nature-based therapies in traditional practices for health management.
6) Water:
Water is a vital resource that serves as a universal solvent in biological systems and is often used in preparing herbal remedies. Many traditional methods involve mixing plant extracts with water for consumption, underscoring the natural approach to treatment found in ethnobotanical practices related to fertility control.
7) Asafoetida:
Asafoetida, derived from the resin of the Ferula plant, is recognized for its strong aroma and culinary uses, alongside its historical applications as a folk medicine. Its categorizations as an abortifacient highlight its significance in traditional remedies for controlling fertility and managing menstrual disorders.
8) Substance:
A substance is any form of matter with a definite composition, including both natural and synthetic materials. In the context of medicine, various substances are studied for their therapeutic properties, particularly those derived from plants that have been traditionally used for fertility regulation and inducing abortion.
9) Sugar:
Sugar, a common ingredient in many herbal preparations, is often added to improve the taste of extracts, making them more palatable for consumption. In traditional medicine practice, the incorporation of sugar can also symbolize the blending of healing properties with dietary practices for overall well-being.
10) Goat milk:
Goat milk is noteworthy for its nutritional content and beneficial properties in traditional remedies. In some ethnobotanical practices, it is combined with herbal preparations to enhance therapeutic effects or is used as a vehicle for administering herbs to pregnant women, illustrating cultural health practices.
11) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, a medicinal plant known for its various traditional uses, is included in the review for its reported abortifacient properties. Its application in folk remedies offers insight into the local knowledge systems regarding fertility management, showcasing the cultural significance of biodiversity.
12) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba is a plant recognized for its medicinal properties, including its use as an abortifacient in traditional medicine. The exploration of its effects emphasizes the importance of investigating natural sources for effective contraceptive methods, highlighting the interplay between cultural practices and scientific research.
13) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context relates to the understanding of medicinal plants and their uses in traditional therapies. Ethnobotanical knowledge is crucial for identifying plants with potential health benefits and for fostering respectful integration of these practices into contemporary pharmacological studies and healthcare systems.
14) Anana (Ānana, Ānanā, Ananā, Anaṇa, Āṅana):
Anana, or pineapple, has been mentioned for its use in inducing abortion within traditional practices. This highlights how common fruits can possess significant medicinal properties, showcasing the diversity of resources utilized in folk medicine and the importance of investigating them scientifically.
15) Blood:
Blood is critical in medical contexts, often associated with health and disease. In the context of abortifacients, the monitoring of blood loss during medical procedures or while using herbal remedies becomes essential, emphasizing the importance of knowledge regarding safe practices in traditional medicine.
16) Guru:
Guru signifies a teacher or expert in a specific field, often respected in traditional knowledge systems. In the herbal medicine context, the role of a guru can encompass the transmission of ethnobotanical wisdom and practices among communities, aiding the preservation and evolution of traditional health practices.
17) Milk:
Milk, in various cultural contexts, serves as a nourishing substance often included in traditional remedies. The use of milk as a base for herbal preparations emphasizes the synergy between diet and medicine, underlining the holistic approach found in many health practices worldwide.
18) Uraria lagopodioides:
Uraria lagopodioides is highlighted in the review for its traditional use in inducing abortion among various tribes. This reflects the role of specific plant species as part of a diverse pharmacopoeia utilized in community medicine, stressing the importance of plant conservation and scientific study.
19) Veterinary medicine:
Veterinary medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases. The relevance of veterinary medicine in this context underscores the shared pharmacological knowledge between human and animal health, particularly involving plants with abortifacient properties, which may benefit both realms.
20) Barleria cristata:
Barleria cristata is featured in the review for its purported abortifacient activity within traditional settings. Its inclusion underscores the diversity of plants examined for fertility regulation, highlighting the need for more rigorous pharmacological studies on lesser-known species and their traditional applications.
21) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu is recognized for its traditional use among specific communities as an abortifacient. Exploring its applications contributes to the understanding of regional ethnobotanical practices, emphasizing the significance of plants in cultural health management and potential pathways for future pharmacological research.
22) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon, is noted for its various medicinal properties, including its use in traditional abortifacient preparations. This plant exemplifies how prevalent edible plants can possess significant therapeutic value, warranting further investigation into their effects and safety.
23) Thevetia peruviana:
Thevetia peruviana is highlighted in the review for its use in traditional abortion practices. Its toxic properties necessitate caution, reflecting the complex interplay between efficacy and safety in herbal treatments, and indicating the need for detailed toxicological studies on widely used plants.
24) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, known for its potential toxic properties, is included in the review due to its traditional use as an abortifacient. The dangers associated with its ingestion emphasize the critical need for awareness and education regarding herbal treatments in order to ensure safe practices.
25) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, or garlic, is referenced for its multifaceted medicinal benefits, including antimicrobial properties. Its mention in the context of abortifacient preparations illustrates the common integration of culinary herbs into medicinal practices, showcasing the cultural significance and healing attributes of traditional ingredients.
26) Bombax ceiba:
Bombax ceiba is selected in the review for its ethno-pharmacological importance, particularly as an abortifacient. This reflects the need to document and research the medicinal uses of regional plant species, potentially leading to the discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic applications.
27) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic exploration of natural phenomena. In this review, it plays a critical role in bridging traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern pharmacological research, contributing to the validation and application of herbal practices in contemporary healthcare.
28) Evolution:
Evolution in this context signifies the development and progression of medicinal practices over time, integrating traditional knowledge with modern research. It emphasizes the importance of continual learning about herbal remedies, aiming for a more inclusive approach to health care that respects cultural practices.
29) Liquorice (Licorice):
Liquorice, noted for its sweet flavor and medicinal properties, is relevant in traditional health remedies. Its known effects may include anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing actions, highlighting the role of such plants in folk medicine practices for conditions like sterility and menstrual irregularities.
30) Toxicity:
Toxicity concerns the potential harm caused by substances when ingested. The study of the toxicity of herbal abortifacients is crucial for ensuring safe practices, as many traditional plants can have adverse effects. Understanding toxicity levels can guide responsible usage in ethnobotanical settings.
31) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common side effect associated with the ingestion of certain herbal abortifacients. Understanding the potential for such adverse reactions enhances the need for caution and awareness when using traditional remedies to manage fertility and reproductive health.
32) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna, a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, often symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. The mention of culturally significant names in traditional medicine underscores the deep connections between herbal practices, spirituality, and holistic approaches to health within specific communities.
33) Jhinti (Jhiṇṭī, Jhimti):
Jhinti, or Barleria cristata, is highlighted as a plant with abortifacient properties within the review. The cultural significance and traditional practices associated with its use serve to illustrate the diverse ethnobotanical knowledge present in various communities and reinforce the importance of plant-based medicine.
34) Nausea:
Nausea is a common symptom that can accompany many medical treatments, including the use of abortifacients. Understanding the potential side effects, such as nausea, is crucial for guiding safe practices when utilizing herbal remedies for managing reproductive health.
35) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma is a common surname in India and may refer to researchers or authors discussing ethnobotanical studies. The inclusion of studies authored by individuals with this surname emphasizes the collaborative effort in documenting and investigating the traditional use of plants in medicine.
36) Bhari (Bhāri, Bharī):
Bhari can refer to a measure of quantity used in traditional medicine for preparing herbal remedies. It emphasizes the practices of local tribes and communities in accurately measuring ingredients to ensure effective dosages while using plants for reproductive health.
37) Chaya (Chāyā):
Chaya is a local name of a plant that may have traditional medicinal uses, including its potential abortifacient properties. Its mention highlights the significance of documenting local vernacular names in ethnobotanical studies to better understand the cultural context of medicinal plants.
38) Kunch (Kuñch):
Kunch refers to the local name of Abrus precatorius, a plant used traditionally for its abortifacient effects. Recognizing local names in herbal medicine strengthens the connection between cultural heritage and the practice of using various plant species for health purposes.
39) Mahua (Mahuā):
Mahua refers to the flower of the Madhuca indica tree, known for its uses in traditional medicines and alcoholic beverages. In the context of abortifacients, it indicates the cultural significance of plants in providing healing and dietary needs within rural communities.
40) Horse:
Horse, while primarily known as a domesticated animal, can relate to veterinary medicine. In the context of abortifacient studies, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal and human health, highlighting shared aspects of medicinal plant use across species.
41) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore that can occur in various parts of the body, often linked to digestive issues. Some plants discussed in the review also have properties that may help treat ulcers, reinforcing the multifaceted medicinal value of herbal therapies.
42) Pride:
Pride in traditional practices and knowledge often plays a significant role in how communities perceive their medicinal heritage. Celebrating the efficacy and historical significance of local plants for health management helps preserve traditional knowledge and practices for future generations.
43) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China has a rich tradition of using herbal medicine for various health issues, including fertility control. The interplay of traditional and modern practices in Chinese medicine influences global views on the effectiveness of herbal therapies, impacting research and application in other cultures.
44) Cura (Curā, Cuṟā, Cuṟa):
Chura refers to a local name for certain medicinal plants or preparations, often emphasizing the cultural context in which these herbs are utilized. This local lexicon enriches the discussions around ethnobotanical studies, providing deeper insights into plant-based medicine.
45) Lata (Lāṭa, Latā):
Lata refers to a local term often used for climbing plants or vines known for their medicinal properties. Understanding the local nomenclature enhances the appreciation of biodiversity and the cultural knowledge associated with flora used for health purposes.
46) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice serves as a staple food in many cultures and can also be utilized in traditional medicine. Its mention underscores the blend of dietary and medicinal practices, often reflecting the importance of food as medicine in various health paradigms.
47) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a common ingredient in culinary practices and has therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. It may enhance the effectiveness of herbal preparations, highlighting the multifaceted roles of simple ingredients that have culinary and health-related significance.
48) Lily:
Lily, particularly in certain cultural contexts, symbolizes purity and healing. In herbal medicine, various species have applications that may include therapeutic properties. Its mention potentially points to the symbolic significance of plants in traditional practices, merging aesthetics with health.