Plant derived bioactive constituent has lead credence to usage of medicinal plants namely spices in postnatal recovery in most cultures especially in South Eastern Nigeria. Postpartum is a critical phase leading to recovery for the nursing mother and improved health condition for the new born. Most of these medicinal plants play important role and are used as diet therapy after childbirth to induce contraction of the uterus, energy induction and improve production of breast milk. A systematic and comprehensive review of these medicinal plants for holistic utilization is pertinent. Therefore, this review validates and highlights the health benefits of medicinal plants used during postpartum period in South Eastern Nigeria.

The present study evaluated the impact of open solid waste dumping on soil physicochemical characteristics, enzyme activities, soil heavy metals and bioavailability of these metals in selected edible vegetables. Twenty-six soil samples were collected from 13 different points. The considered points were center of the dumpsite (DC), 4 meters away east (E1), west (W1), north (N1), and south (S1) from the center of the dumpsite; and 8 meters away east (E2), west (W2), north (N2) and south (S2) from the center of the dumpsite. The controls were taken 100 meters away from the dumpsite center east (E3), west (W3), north (N3), and south (S3). Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-45cm and 46-90cm at each point. Results obtained showed the physicochemical and enzyme activities of the center of the dumpsite (DC) were affected when compared to other points considered in this study. Significant differences between soil depths were also observed. Soil heavy metals also showed significant increase in dumpsite compared to control soils (P<0.05). Phytoavailability of the heavy metals studied showed that vegetables grown around Ntigha dumpsite accumulated significant level of the metals compared to their control counterparts (P<0.05). This study has revealed that open pit disposal of solid waste increased the phytoaccumulation potentials of edible vegetables grown around the dumpsite. Hence proper waste disposal method is advocated so as to prevent bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in human food chain.

Newbouldia laevis is a valuable tropical plant belonging to the family of Bigoniaceae. The plant is believed by most herbal practitioners to be the tree of fertility and of immense medicinal benefits to humans. This study examined ameliorative potencies of Newbouldia laevis on monosodium glutamate induced toxicity in female albino rats for 14 days. Group A received 800 mg/kg body weight of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), while Group B received 8,000 mg of MSG + 400 mg of extract. Group C received 8,000 mg of MSG and 600 mg of N. laevis. Group D received feed and water. Group E received 200 mg of extract and Group F received 8,000 mg of MSG. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Total Protein (TP) of rats exposed to MSG + extracts and MSG-alone. Significant (p < 0.05) elevation in Alanine Transferase (ALT) and serum albumin were recorded for rats exposed to MSG + 400 mg and 200 mg of extract. There was no significant difference in cholesterol level in rats exposed to MSG alone compared to other groups. Significant elevation in urea level occurred in rats exposed to 8,000 mg MSG + 600 mg of the extract, reduction occurred in those exposed to 8,000 mg MSG + 400 mg of the extract. Those exposed to normal saline and 200 mg of extract leveled up with rats exposed to MSG. Study indicates protection of liver architecture and ameliorating effect of N. laevis on MSG intoxication.