Herbal Infusions Used for Induced Abortion

Abstract

Plants and herbs have been used to induce abortions but there is very little published information describing the commonly used ones. The purpose of this report is to describe the herbal products used to induce abortions, and to enhance awareness and understanding of their toxic effects. A descriptive retrospective survey was conducted on the calls received by the Montevideo Poison Centre between 1986 and 1999 concerning the ingestion of herbal infusions with abortive intent. A total of 86 cases involving 30 different plant species were identified. The species most frequently involved were ruda (Ruta chalepensis/graveolens), cola de quirquincho (Lycopodium saururus), parsley (Petroselinum hortense), and an over-the-counter herbal product named Carachipita. The components of Carachipita are pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), yerba de la perdiz (Margiricarpus pinnatus), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and guaycuri (Statice brasiliensis). Abortion occurred in 23 cases after the ingestion of parsley, ruda, Carachipita, celery, Cedron, francisco alvarez, floripon, espina colorada. Out of the 23 cases, 15 involved the only the ingestion of plants, 4 cases used injected drugs (presumably hormones), and in 4 cases there was associated self-inflicted instrumental manipulation. Multiple organ system failure occurred in those patients who had ingested ruda (alone or in combination with parsley or fennel), Carachipita, arnica, or bardana. Deaths occurred in one case of Carachipita ingestion and in 4 cases of ruda ingestion (2 cases of ruda alone, 2 cases of ruda with parsley and fennel). Self-inflicted instrumental manipulations were found in 4 of the patients with multiple organ system failure and in one of those who died. The results of this report are not conclusive, but it appears that the ingestion of plants to induce abortion involves the risk of severe morbidity and mortality.

GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil and Methanol Extract of the Seeds of Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst

“…The mass spectra of four common bioactive molecules found in the methanol extract are shown in Figure 2. These results justify the following comments: 1) Apiol occurs in other members of the Apiaceaefamily and has had a significant role in the termination of pregnancy by provoking abortions [31]. 2) Scoparone (6, 7-dimethoxycoumarin) is recognised as a vasodilator, smooth muscle relaxant and ananti-inflammatory agent.…”

Abortifacientes: efeitos tóxicos e riscos

“…Não se encontram muitas publicações sobre este assunto e pesquisas sobre cada espécie de plantas ajudariam a aumentar a conscientização e a compreensão dos efeitos tóxicos do uso de plantas com finalidade abortiva 30 .…”

Herbal or modern methods of contraception! choice is yours

“…22 These herbs are variable in their action. They may act through rapid expulsion of the fertilized ova from the fallopian tube, inhibition of implantation due to disturbance of oestrogenprogesterone balance, foetal abortion perhaps due to lack of supply of nutrients to uterus and the embryo and also on the male side through affecting sperm count, motility and viability [23][24][25] For instance, Curcuma longa (H. Haldi) inhibits sperm motility and prevents implantation, Embelica ribes (H. Vidanga) have antifertility and anti-oestrogenic action, Jatropha curcus (H. Jangali arandi) decrease sperm motility, sperm count and also have abortifacient action. The use of herbal contraceptives is plant-wise variable.…”