The use of medicinal herbs in gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders by Jordanian women: a review of folkloric practice vs. evidence-based pharmacology

Abstract

Context National statistical reports in Jordan indicate a decrease in the total fertility rate along with a parallel increase in contraceptive use. The folkloric use of medicinal herbs in gynecological disorders has been growing in Jordan, despite of deficient reports on the evidence-based safety and efficacy of these practices. Objective The aim of this comprehensive article is to review medicinal plants with claimed ethnonpharmacological usage in various gynecological and pregnancy-related issues in Jordan, and to assess their evidence-based pharmacological studies as well as their phytochemistry. Methods The published literature was surveyed using Google Scholar entering the terms ''ethnopharmacology AND Jordan AND infertility AND gynecology OR gestation''. We included ethnopharmacological surveys in Jordan with available full-text. Results Twelve articles were reviewed. Plant species which are commonly used for female gynecological issues such as Artemisia monosperma Del. and A. herba-alba Asso. (Asteraceae) have been found to exert an antifertility effect. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) had antifertility effects in male rats, but Nigella sativa oil L. (Ranunculaceae) and Cinnamon zeylanicum J. Presl (Lauraceae) were found to enhance it. Conclusion Using plants for gynecological disorders is a common practice in Jordan. Many of them, whether utilised for gynecological or non-gynecological conditions equally, were found to have detrimental effects on female or male fertility. Thus, couples planning pregnancy should be discouraged from the consumption of these herbs. Further local studies are warranted to confirm the appreciable beneficial pharmacological effects and safety of these plants. ARTICLE HISTORY

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorders among Jordanian women

“…This is consistent with reported use of herbs in these two conditions in the literature . The wide availability of these herbs and use of folkloric medicinal herbs in disorders commonly experienced by women that has been increasing in Jordan, can be among the reasons behind this frequent use of these herbal remedies among women …”

“…16,36 The wide availability of these herbs and use of folkloric medicinal herbs in disorders commonly experienced by women that has been increasing in Jordan, can be among the reasons behind this frequent use of these herbal remedies among women. 37 Interestingly, the second most commonly used management approach among the study sample was the consumption of chocolate.…”

Verbena officinalis (Common Vervain) – A Review on the Investigations of This Medicinally Important Plant Species

“…Extracts from V. officinalis leaves are also known to help in the treatment of urinary tract disorders, such as urinary stones and urinary tract infections, and also have a diuretic effect. In women, the raw material is used to treat menstrual disorders, and in nursing mothers, to stimulate lactation [6,29,52]. V. officinalis has been successfully applied in disorders of the nervous system such as depression, insomnia, stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous exhaustion, sexual neurosis, and headache [29].…”

Evaluation of Antispasmodic Effect of Arcapillin on Smooth Muscles of Rats

“…3 It is also known to relieve menstruation pain and to induce labor. [4][5][6][7] An air-dried powdered drug of the plant exhibited antispasmodic activity in the treatment of colic or in conditions associated with arterial hypertension. 1 Different extracts of A. monosperma exhibited a wide spectrum of biological actions such as muscle relaxation, [6][7][8] antidiabetic, 1,8 and antimicrobial activities.…”

“…[4][5][6][7] An air-dried powdered drug of the plant exhibited antispasmodic activity in the treatment of colic or in conditions associated with arterial hypertension. 1 Different extracts of A. monosperma exhibited a wide spectrum of biological actions such as muscle relaxation, [6][7][8] antidiabetic, 1,8 and antimicrobial activities. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Bioactive compounds isolated from Artemisia species showed antispasmodic, 15,16 antihypertensive, 17 antimicrobial, 12,13 insect repellents, [18][19][20] antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities.…”