Medicinal plants used for gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders in Niger Republic: An overview of ethnomedicinal reports

Abstract

In Niger republic, medicinal plants are used to manage different gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders. Several ethnobotanical/ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted by different investigators across the country with the main purpose to census the use of plant species that handled different ailments including those related to maternal healthcare. The objective of the study is to review and present in one single document a list of plant species that are often used for the treatment of fertility and menstruation issues and other pregnancy related disorders. Relevant information about the plant species used to manage different gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders were extracted from ethnobotanical/ethnomedicinal reports, published and unpublished dissertations, as well as scientific articles using electronic databases. Analysis of the data show that 92 plant species belonging to 37 families were reported to be used for a wide range of maternity health issues. Plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae (22 species) were found as most commonly used. Leaf (25%) was the most common plant part used and decoction (34%) being the most common method of plant recipes preparation. 20 (16.5%) of the total medicinal plants were reported to manage various disorders/ailments during pregnancy, 63 (52.1%) during childbirth, 15 (12.4%) after childbirth and 23 (19%) for other gynecological conditions. Scientific validation based on laboratory studies should be carried out on these surveyed plant species.