Evaluation of the Uterotonic Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus exasperata Vahl (Moraceae)

Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in Machakos District, Kenya

“…Interviews of traditional healers by Varga and Veale (1997) revealed that Agapanthus africanus was one of five plants used most often to treat prolonged labor in rural and urban Kwa Zulu Natal. Other studies showed that leaves of Ficus exasperata were used by traditional healers in some parts of Africa (Burundi and Nigeria) as oxytocic to facilitate labor and hasten the expulsion of the placenta in cows and humans, and as abortifacients (Baerts and Lehmann, 1991;Ijeh and Ukweni, 2007;Bafor et al, 2009). In rural western Uganda, close to 80% of pregnant women deliver at home helped by traditional birth attendants, mothers in law, mothers and friends (Kamatenesi-Mugisha, 2002;Kamatenesi-Mugisha and Oryem-Origa, 2007).…”

In vitro determination of the uterine stimulatory effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus exasperata

“…In the course of studying traditionally used uterine active plants, an earlier study by the authors showed that the aqueous leaf extract of the plant Ficus exasperata Vahl (Moraceae) had dual effects on the uterine smooth muscle. Lower concentrations inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (unpublished), and higher concentrations stimulated an increase in uterine contractility in vitro (Bafor et al, 2009), this is supported by reports that the leaves of the plant are used by traditional healers in some parts of Africa as an oxytocic to facilitate labour and as an abortifacient (Baerts and Lehmann, 1991). Ijeh and Ukweni (2007) also reported that the plant is used traditionally in hastening the expulsion of placenta in cows after calf delivery and by traditional birth attendants in hastening childbirth.…”

“…Previous phytochemical studies on the leaf extract of Ficus exasperata revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides (Bafor et al, 2009). Tannins are common constituents of medicinal plant extracts and have been reported to have pharmacological actions of their own.…”

“…This plant is popularly referred to as sand paper tree in Nigeria. It is also known by local names such as Kawusa (Nupe), Ameme (Edo), Ewepin (Yoruba), Anwerenwa (Igbo) (Bafor et al, 2009). Different parts of this plant are traditionally used for treatment of various ailments or disorders in Nigeria and across the African continent.…”

Preliminary investigation of contractile activity of Ricinus communis and Euclea divinorum extracts on isolated rabbit uterine strips

“…The effect of herbs on uterine tissue has been studied for several years (Bafor et al, 2009;Sullivan., 1963). A survey by McFarlin et al (1999) revealed that in United States of America, several women employed herbal medicine for the purpose of inducing labor.…”