Why are plants named after witches and devils in north-western Europe?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Witches in Western Europe are associated with the use of medicinal, abortifacient, hallucinogenic, and toxic plants. Curiously, these associations are not backed up by first-hand evidence and historians are unconvinced that people convicted as witches were herbalists. Local plant names provide an untapped source for analysing witchcraft-plant relationships. AIM OF THE STUDY: We analysed vernacular plant names indicating an association with witches and devils to find out why these species and witchcraft were linked. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed a database with vernacular names containing the terms witch and devil in related north-west European languages. The devil was added because of its association with witchcraft. The plant species' characteristics (e.g., medicinal use, toxicity) were assessed to determine if there were non-random associations between these traits and their names. RESULTS: We encountered 1263 unique vernacular name-taxa combinations (425 plant taxa; 97 families). Most species named after witches and/or devils were found within the Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae. For Dutch, German and English we confirmed associations between witchcraft names and toxicity. Hallucinogenic plants do not appear to be associated with witch-names. For Dutch, we found significant associations between plant names and medicinal and apotropaic uses, although we did not find any association with abortifacient qualities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a wide variety of plants associated with witches and the devil in north-western Europe. Plant names with the terms witch and devil were likely used in a pejorative manner to name toxic and weedy plants, and functioned as a warning for their harmful properties. Our study provides novel insights for research into the history of witchcraft and its associated plant species.

Maternal-fetal toxicity of Strychnos pseudoquina extract treatment during pregnancy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants and herbs have been used by women throughout history for therapeutic purposes. Strychnos pseudoquina, a plant used in the treatment of various diseases, can also function as an abortive herb. There is no scientific confirmation of its effects during pregnancy, and the activity of this plant needs to be substantiated or refuted with experimental evidence. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluating the effect of the S. pseudoquina aqueous extract on maternal reproductive toxicity and fetal development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark was evaluated in Wistar rats. Pregnant rats were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 12 rats/group): Control = treated with water (vehicle); Treated 75, Treated 150, and Treated 300 = treated with S. pseudoquina at dose 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were treated by an intragastric route (gavage) from day 0 to day 21 of pregnancy. At the end of pregnancy, maternal reproductive outcomes, organs, biochemical and hematological profiles, fetuses, and placentas were analyzed. Maternal toxicity was evaluated through body weight gain, water, and food intake. With knowledge of the harmful dosage of the plant, other rats were used on gestational day 4 for the evaluation of morphological analyses before embryo implantation. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The S. pseudoquina treatment showed elevated liver enzymatic activities. The Treated 300 group presented toxicity with reduced maternal body weight, water and food intake, and increased kidney relative weight compared to those of the Control group. At a high dosage, the plant presents an abortifacient activity, confirmed by embryo losses before and after implantation and degenerated blastocysts. In addition, the treatment contributed to an increased percentage of fetal visceral anomalies, decreased ossification sites, and intrauterine growth restriction (300 mg/kg dose). CONCLUSION: In general, our study showed that an aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark caused significant abortifacient activity that testified to its traditional use. Furthermore, the S. pseudoquina extract caused maternal toxicity that contributed to impaired embryofetal development. Therefore, the use of this plant should be completely avoided during pregnancy to prevent unintended abortion and risks to maternal-fetal health.

Toxicities of herbal abortifacients.

BACKGROUND: In the post-Roe era, barriers to facility-based abortions may lead to an increased incidence of self-managed abortions. While misoprostol-based medication abortions have significant literature supporting its safety profile, there is a knowledge deficit within the medical community regarding the toxicities of commonly used herbal abortifacients. METHODS: This is a narrative review, based on a MEDLINE and HOLLIS database search, of self-managed abortion methods with herbal abortifacients and their associated toxicities. RESULTS: Common herbal abortifacients with significant morbidity and mortality implications include pennyroyal, blue cohosh, rue, and quinine. Other commonly reported abortifacients considered to be less toxic also are discussed in brief. Special considerations for hepatic, cardiac, renal, and hematologic toxicities are important in patients with significant exposures to these herbal substances. CONCLUSION: There is an anticipated increase in the utility of herbal xenobiotics for self-managed abortions with post-Roe restrictions to standard mifepristone-misoprostol protocols. Frontline providers should be aware of the associated toxicities and have special considerations when treating a poisoned patient in this population.

Commelina benghalensis (Wandering Jew) Linn exhibits abortifacient potentials and hepatotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats via elevating indicators of oxidative stress and activating proinflammatory cytokines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Commelina benghalensis Linn is a perennial plant with upright stems reaching a height of 1 m. Its stem is commonly used to induce abortion in traditional medicine. However, there are insignificant scientific data to evaluate such a claim. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was conducted to determine the abortifacient and toxicological potential of ethanol extract of Commelina benghalensis Linn stem (EECBS) via selected proinflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the phytochemicals responsible for EECBS's toxicity and abortifacient effects, high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used. The abortion rate was determined by monitoring the markers of reproductive system failure in the experimental model. To assess rat hepatotoxicity, biochemical markers and immunohistopathological parameters were used. RESULTS: Results demonstrated the presence of isomeric benzene-mesitylene compounds in EECBS. Also, EECBS significantly altered the markers of liver function and oxidative damage while eliciting a significantly reduced (P < 0.05) number of live fetuses, number of corpora lutea, progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, whereas the number of dead fetuses percentage vaginal opening, and post-implantation loss increased significantly (P < 0.05). Estrogenicity studies indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in uterine weight, uterine glucose, and ALP dose-dependently. Moreover, EECBS also caused a vaginal hemorrhage preceding the parturition. Also, EECBS treatment significantly increased levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and significantly elevated the expression of COX-2 protein in the liver. CONCLUSION: The current investigation established Commelina benghalensis Linn stem's abortifacient activity. Continuous use, on the other hand, may cause liver damage in pregnant rats by disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing COX-2 expression. Hence, caution should be excised while consuming this plant's stem for medication purposes, especially during the gestational period.

Immunomulation effect of alginic acid and chitooligosaccharides in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix).

Individual and combined efficacy of chitooligosaccharides (COS) and alginic acid (AA) at 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per kg diet was assessed on growth and disease resistance in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) against Edwardsiella ictaluri. Growth parameters including specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were significant in fish fed 2 g and 3 g kg-1 of COS or AA, and fish fed combined COS + AA at 1, 2 and 3 kg-1 diet. In all groups, the survival rate (SR) was recorded 100%, except in group fed 2 g kg-1 AA diet. All the hematological and biochemical profiles significantly increased in groups fed 2 g and 3 g kg-1 of COS, AA, and COS + AA diets. Lipase and amylase enzyme activities and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in fish fed 2 g and 3 g kg-1 of COS, AA, and COS + AA diet. Respiratory burst (RB), lysozyme (Lyz), reactive oxygen species (ROS) activities, and immunoglobuline (Ig) level were enhanced significantly in fish fed 2 g kg-1 of COS or COS + AA and all 3 g kg-1 diets, whereas nitric acid (NO) production and serum AP activity were improved in 2 g kg-1 COS + AA and 3 g kg-1 COS or COS + AA diets. Pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-8 mRNA transcriptions was significant in 2 g kg-1 COS + AA diet and all 3 g kg-1 diet. The IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA transcriptions were significant in 3 g kg-1 COS or COS + AA diets. This study was confirmed that H. molitrix fed with 3 g kg-1 COS or COS + AA diets were better activity when compared to other diet.

Network pharmacology-based study on immunomodulatory mechanism of danggui-yimucao herb pair for the treatment of RU486-induced abortion.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Danggui-Yimucao herb pair (DY) is a classic combination in Chinese herbal formulas, consisting of the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. DY first appeared in "Zhulinsi fuke mifang" in the Jin Dynasty, and it has a long history as a drug for the treatment of abortion. However, its underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms involved are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, network pharmacology and pharmacological experiments were used to explore the role and mechanism of DY in the treatment of medical abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology was used to establish the relationship between the components of DY and abortion-related targets, and to enrich important pathways and biological process for verification. ELISA was used to assess progesterone levels. Flow cytometry was used to detect the degree of differentiation of Th1/Th2 cells. Immunohistochemical methods and qPCR were used to measure the expression levels of T-bet, GATA-3 and IL-4. RESULTS: Through the prediction analysis of network pharmacology, we found that key pathway for DY treatment of abortion, such as anemia, pelvic infection, immune disorders, and coagulation disorders, was Th1/Th2 cell differentiation pathway. The pharmacological results revealed that DY greatly corrected the imbalance of Th cell subsets in abortion mice, significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, and resulted in an increase in the Th1/Th2 ratio. In addition, the concentration of progesterone in the serum of mice after abortion was significantly reduced. We also found that DY upregulated spleen T-bet and downregulated IL-4 gene expression in mice. Besides, immunohistochemical results showed that DYE could up-regulate T-bet but inhibit GATA-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that after RU486-induced abortion, progesterone and Th1/Th2 paradigm were disordered in mice, but DY could make mice recover more quickly, which indicated that DY had great development value in immunoregulation.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) as a contraceptive: An evidence-based review on its pharmacological efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Azadirachta indica A. Juss. is an Indian medicinal plant with innumerable pharmacological properties. Studies have proven that the phytochemicals from neem possess remarkable contraceptive abilities with limited knowledge on its mechanism of action. PURPOSE: The present review aims to summarize the efficiency of A. indica treatment as a contraceptive. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Published scientific articles on antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient activities of A. indica were collected from reputed Journals from 1980 to 2020 using electronic databases. Specific keywords search was completed to collect numerous articles with unique experiment design and significant results. This was followed by the selection of the requisite articles based on the criteria designed by the authors. Data extraction was based on the common research elements included in the articles. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were considered for reviewing, which included key pharmacological investigations. In the beginning, authors evaluated a number of publications on the contraceptive properties of A. indica, in which it was revealed that most of the publications were made between 2005 and 2009. All the collected articles were categorised and reviewed as antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient. Authors also assessed studies based on the plant parts used for pharmacological evaluations including leaves, seeds, stem-bark, and flowers. The article was primarily divided into different sections based on the previous works of authors on phytochemistry and pharmacological review articles. CONCLUSION: Although A. indica is not reported with the complete alleviation of reproductive system in both male and female animal models, studies have proven its efficacy as a contraceptive. Extracts and phytochemicals from neem neither reduced the libido nor retarded the growth of secondary sexual characters, thus indicating only a temporary and reversible contraceptive activity. However, there is a dearth for clinical studies to prove the efficacy of A. indica as a herbal contraceptive.

Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy?

The popularity of natural medicine is growing worldwide. Unlike conventional licensed medicines, herbal medicine practices are usually not supported by effectiveness, efficacy, or safety studies, which raise concerns about potential risks involved in their usage, particularly in high-risk patients such as pregnant women where teratogenicity is a concern. Despite a lack of science-based evidence, the use of herbal products for the management of pregnancy-associated challenges is common, due to the common notion that they are free of toxic effects and adverse reactions because they are "natural." The lack of concern about utilizing herbal remedies during pregnancy is strengthened by the lack of regulation in most countries for their marketing. However, plant-based remedies are not free of adverse reactions. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies contain substances that can be toxic to the human body and the fetus. Potential effects of indiscriminate use of medicinal plants are embryotoxicity, teratogenic, and abortifacient effects. Some plant constituents can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Phytochemicals and their metabolites are known to induce stimulation of uterine contraction and hormone imbalance that could result in abortion. The alterations to the hormonal profile can affect conception, induce teratogenic activity, and halt the pregnancy or produce a congenital malformation. Due to the wide range of modes of action of phytochemicals, some medicinal plants may be safe to use during certain trimesters of pregnancy and harmful at other stages. This manuscript reviews available scientific information concerning potential health hazards associated with the consumption of herbal medicines during pregnancy, highlighting those herbs that should be avoided due to their potential abortifacient and/or teratogenic activity. We focused on plants that were tested by preclinical studies, and studies of these plants are summarized. Common therapeutic use of these herbs, estimated effects, toxicological effects, and animal studies of these plants is summarized. The literature reviewed suggests that consumption of the following medicinal plants should be avoided during pregnancy: Abrus precatorius, Achyranthes aspera, Ailanthus excelsa, Aloe vera, Aristolochia indica, Areca catechu, Bambusa vulgaris, Cassia occidentalis, Cicer arietinum, Cimicifuga racemose, Dolichandrone falcate, Ginkgo biloba, Hydrastis canadensis, Indigofera trifoliate, Lavandula latifolia, Maytenus ilicifolia, Momordica cymbalaria, Moringa oleifera, Musa rosacea, Oxalis corniculate, Phytolacca dodecandra, Plumeria rubra, Ricinus communis, Ruta graveolens, Stachys lavandulifolia, Senna alata, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Vitus agnus-castus, and Valeriana officinalis.

Management of very early medical abortion-An international survey among providers.

OBJECTIVE: To record the definition and management of Very Early Medical Abortion (VEMA) in different countries. STUDY DESIGN: An Internet survey was circulated internationally among providers of medical abortion via a website. The questionnaire focused on reasons for performing or delaying medical abortion at a very early gestational age and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of VEMA. RESULTS: Out of 220 completed questionnaires, 50 % came from European abortion providers (n = 110). Most respondents (72 %) defined VEMA as abortion performed in the presence of a positive hCG pregnancy test but with an empty uterine cavity or a gestational sac-like structure, and no signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. A total of 74 % of respondents thought it was not necessary to wait for a diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy before starting medical abortion. Equally, 74 % were aware of the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION: According to European providers of medical abortion, waiting for the diagnosis of an intrauterine pregnancy is not necessary and does not improve treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Providers should know that medical abortion can be performed effectively and safely as soon as the woman has decided. There is no lower gestational age limit.

Plants Used as Abortifacients and Contraceptives in Some Communities on the Fringes of Subri River Forest Reserve in Ghana.

Ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in four communities located on the fringes of the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Mpohor Wassa East District of the Western Region, Ghana. Twelve informants, three each from the four communities were called upon to assist with collection of data. The informants who include community leaders, herbalists and traditional birth attendants assisted in field expeditions. They also provided relevant information to a structured questionnaire used to solicit information on the plants of abortifacient and contraceptive importance. In all, 18 angiosperm species distributed in 14 families were identified as being efficacious. Most of the species belong to the family Euphorbiaceae. The crude drugs are prepared mainly by grinding and by decoction of the plant parts. The drugs are administered mainly as enema or by oral and vaginal insertion. There is a high rate of patronage of herbal preparation among the women folk in the four communities where the study was undertaken.

Ex-vivo abortifacient activity of Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves extract on isolated rabbit uterus.

Androsace foliosa is a medicinal herb utilized in different areas of Pakistan for abortifacient, diabetic and liver complications. In the current research, the possible action of the n-hexane leaves extract of the Androsace foliosa on isolated rabbit uterus was examined. Abortifacient activity was examined in the existence of standard antagonist e.g. atropine and salbutamol and a uterine tonic like oxytocin. The isolated rabbit uterus is initially treated with 1mg/kg stilboesterol for 1 complete day. The consequence of oxytocin as uterine contraction agonist was observed. Additionally, antagonists e.g. salbutamol (2µg) and atropine (1-2mg) on the uterine contractile action of the extract were also examined. The A. foliosa n-hexane leaves extract fashion dose correlated amplification in the force of uterine contraction comparable to oxytocin. The drug oxytocin was pragmatic to amplify the uterine contractile action of the extract. Meanwhile pre-treating the tissue with either atropine or salbutamol earlier than administrating the extract indicates the inhibitory action of the drugs on the action of the extract.

Ginger causes subfertility and abortifacient in mice by targeting both estrous cycle and blastocyst implantation without teratogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Due to renowned medicinal properties, Ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) used traditionally in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches, constipation, indigestion, hypertension, dementia, fever, and infectious diseases. As an antiemetic, Ginger is consumed by approximately 80% of pregnant women to treat nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of ginger extract on the oestrous cycle and implantation in female mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four experimental episodes were identified. One considered the main study of outcomes and lasted 90 days; one lasted 35 days and considered the oestrous cycle; while the third and fourth intended antifertility and abortifacient and continued 20 days for each. Mice dosed Ginger orally at 0, 250, 500, 1000 or 2000  mg/kgbw/day (GNC, GN1, GN2, GN3, GN4, respectively). RESULTS: GN3 and GN4 dams showed maternal toxicity. High dose significantly reduced the number of live fetuses and increased fetal death and resorption. Mice treated with 2000  mg/kgbw/day displayed significant decreases in implantation sites. At a dose of 2000  mg/kgbw/day, Ginger prolonged the length of oestrous cycle with a significant decrease in the duration of diestrous-metestrus (luteal) phase, prolonged proestrus-estrus (ovulatory) phase and reduced the number of cycles as well. Therefore, Ginger impairs the normal growth of corpus luteum because of progesterone insufficiency during early pregnancy. The observed-adverse-effect dose set at 2000  mg/kgbw, but no-observed-adverse-effect dose set at 250 and 500  mg/kgbw. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Ginger can disrupt the oestrous cycle and blastocyst implantation without teratogenesis.

The Feasibility of Conservative Management for Morbidly Adherent Placenta Accidentally Encountered after Vaginal Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of conservative management for patients with morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) accidentally encountered after term vaginal delivery. METHODS: Medical records of patients with MAP who were accidentally encountered after term vaginal delivery and treated in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 8 eligible patients were included in this analysis. Primary postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 5 (62.5%) cases. Emergent uterine artery embolization, intrauterine balloon occlusion, and blood transfusion were performed in 5 (62.5%), 2 (25%), and 2 (25%) cases, respectively. Placentas were left in situ in all these 8 cases. Subsequent adjunctive medication treatments, including methotrexate, mifepristone, and traditional Chinese medicine, were administered in 7 (87.5%), 4 (50%), and 3 (37.5%) cases, respectively. The retained placenta spontaneously passed out in 4 (50%) patients. Additional curettage operation was performed in 3 (37.5%) patients. Emergent hysterectomy was performed in 1 (12.5%) patient due to cardiac insufficiency and acute pulmonary edema caused by sepsis. No other severe adverse events were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management is feasible for patients with MAP accidentally encountered after vaginal delivery with close follow-up.

Adverse effects of Croton urucurana B. exposure during rat pregnancy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Croton urucurana presents several beneficial pharmacological properties. In Brazil, women who intend to interrupt the pregnancy indiscriminately use extracts of this plant as an abortifacient agent. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of Croton urucurana latex on the maternal-fetal repercussions in rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats were randomly distributed into four experimental groups: Control=treated with water (vehicle); Treated 200=treated with a dose 200mg/kg; Treated 400=dose 400mg/kg and; and Treated 800=dose 800mg/kg. The rats were orally treated by gavage with Croton urucurana or vehicle (water) during whole pregnancy. At term of pregnancy, all rats were killed to obtain maternal blood and tissues samples and fetal weight and anomaly analyses. RESULTS: C. urucurana treatment (Treated 400 and Treated 800) showed elevated liver enzymatic activities, reduced fetal body weight and placental efficiency. The Treated 800 group presented increased maternal total protein and cholesterol levels, and heart relative weight. All treated groups presented reduced maternal body weight and food intake, and increased pre-implantation loss rate compared to those of Control group. In addition, the treatment contributed to increased skeletal and visceral anomalies with higher doses. CONCLUSION: Croton urucurana treatment caused maternal toxicity, which contributed for impairment embryo fetal development. These results showed that the indiscriminate use of plants during pregnancy should be avoided to prevent potential risk on maternal health as well as their offspring.

Investigation of uterotonic properties of Ananas comosus extracts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In folklore medicine Ananas comosus (pineapple) is reputed to act as an abortifacient and in expectant women as a means of inducing labor. Several reports have claimed abortifacient property of A. comosus fruit (ripe or unripe). Ripe fruit has been used orally as traditional medicine in inducing abortion in Kerala state of India while the juice of unripe fruit was used for abortion in Bangladesh. However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of pineapple extracts in inducing uterine contractions is clearly lacking. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of different fractions of pineapple extract with a range of maturities to identify the most potent uterotonic fraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic crude extracts of pineapple (edible part) were prepared and fractionated through a series of liquid-liquid partitions. Fractions were separately tested on isolated uterine muscle from pregnant SD rats and human pregnant myometrium, which were cut into strips along the longitudinal axis of uterus. The strips were mounted vertically in organ baths (37°C) and exposed to cumulative addition of fractions (0.1-10mgml-1), serotonin (0.05-5µM) and different inhibitors to delineate the mechanism of action of the active ingredients of the extract. RESULTS: Aqueous fraction (F4) possesses uterine stimulant property which was blocked by verapamil but unaffected by indomethacin, prazosin and atosiban. Notably, ketanserin (10µM) diminished the maximal contractile response induced by both F4 and 5HT by 74.3% and 92.1% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate the presence of 5HT or 5HT-like compound(s) and serotonergic pathways may contribute to the uterotonic activity of pineapple extract.

The paradigm-shifting idea and its practice: from traditional abortion Chinese medicine Murraya paniculata to safe and effective cancer metastatic chemopreventives.

Recent large epidemiological studies demonstrated benefit of oral contraceptives in reducing cancer risk, and our analysis also showed molecular and cellular similarities between embryo implantation and CTCs adhesion-invasion to endothelium. We here hypothesize that abortion traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may serve well for pre-metastatic chemoprevention. To test the hypothesis, we selected the safe and well-known abortifacient TCM Murraya paniculata and identified a most-promising extracted fraction G (containing flavonoids and coumarins) from its many raw ethanol/dichloromethane extracts by using the bioactivity-guided fast screen assay. G showed free radical scavenging effect, and specifically inhibited both embryo implantation to human endometrial bed and cancer HT29 cells to human endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner (1-30 µg/mL) without significant cytotoxicity demonstrated by its high adhesion inhibition ratio. The inhibition may result from its down-regulation on expression of integrin ß1 and α6, and CD44 on HT29 cells, as well as E-selectin on endothelial cells. Furthermore, G inhibited invasion and migration of HT29 cells. Pretreatment followed by one-month oral administration of G to the immunocompetent mice inoculated with mouse melanoma cells produced significant inhibition on lung metastasis without marked side effects. Collectively, this paradigm-shifting study provides, for the first time, a new strategy to discover safe and effective pre-metastatic chemopreventives from abortion TCM.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Teratogenic and Abortive Effects by Pregnant Women in a City in Northeastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to verify the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women treated at four Basic Health Units and at a public maternity facility in Brazil's northeast. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, performed between February and April 2014. The subjects were 178 pregnant women, aged 18 to 42 years. To collect data, a structured questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice questions was used. To verify the correlation between the variables, Pearson's chi-square test was used. RESULTS: The study showed that 30.9% of the pregnant women used medicinal plants, and boldo was the most cited (35.4%). All the plants utilized, except lemongrass, have toxic effects in pregnancy, according to Resolution SES/RJ N° 1757. There was no statistically significant correlation between social class and use of medicinal plants. CONCLUSION: The health of the study participants and their unborn children is at risk due to the inappropriate use of medicinal plants.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Teratogenic and Abortive Effects by PregnantWomen in a City in Northeastern Brazil / Uso de Plantas Medicinais com Efeitos Teratogênicos e Abortivos por Gestantes em uma Cidade no Nordeste do Brasil

Purpose The purpose of this study is to verify the use ofmedicinal plants by pregnant women treated at four Basic Health Units and at a public maternity facility in Brazil s northeast. Methods This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, performed between February and April 2014. The subjects were 178 pregnant women, aged 18 to 42 years. To collect data, a structured questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice questions was used. To verify the correlation between the variables, Pearson s chi-square test was used. Results The study showed that 30.9% of the pregnant women used medicinal plants, and boldo was the most cited (35.4%). All the plants utilized, except lemongrass, have toxic effects in pregnancy, according to Resolution SES/RJ N° 1757. There was no statistically significant correlation between social class and use of medicinal plants. Conclusion The health of the study participants and their unborn children is at risk due to the inappropriate use of medicinal plants.

Objetivo Verificar o perfil de uso de plantas medicinais por gestantes atendidas em quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família e em uma maternidade pública da cidade de Campina Grande - PB, na região Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido no período de Fevereiro a Abril de 2014. Foi incluída uma amostra com 178 gestantes com idade entre 18 e 42 anos. O instrumento de coleta foi um questionário estruturado com perguntas dicotômicas e de múltipla escolha. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis estudadas, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados Foi constatado que 30,9% das gestantes utilizavam plantas medicinais, sendo o boldo a mais citada (35,4%). Entre as plantas utilizadas com alta frequência pelas gestantes, todas, com exceção apenas da Erva-Cidreira (Melissa officinalis), apresentavam possíveis efeitos tóxicos para a gestação, segundo a Resolução SES/RJ N° 1757. Ao comparar a classe social e o uso de plantas medicinais, não observou-se relação significante. Conclusões A saúde das grávidas que fazem uso de plantas consideradas medicinais, assim como a de seus filhos, sofrem riscos devido ao uso inadequado destas plantas.

Abortifacient potential of methanolic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba stem bark in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plants possessing abortifacient activity have been used traditionally for a long time in folk medicine. Anthocephalus cadamba, is one such herb that has been known to possess abortifacient potential in ethnobotanical literature, but has not been validated scientifically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba stem bark (MEAC) was prepared and tested for abortifacient, estrogenic and uterotrophic activity. Pregnant Swiss albino mice were randomized into 5 groups (1-5). Group 1 (negative control) received 0.2% w/v agar, group 2-4 (received extract at the dose of 500, 1000 and 1500mg/kg b.w.) and group 5 received mifepristone at a dose of 5.86mg/kg b.w. respectively, by oral route from 10(th) to 18(th) day post-coitum daily, and various parameters recorded. The uterotrophic bioassay was performed in bilaterally ovariectomized mice dosed from 9(th) to 15(th) day of ovariectomy and change in uterotrophic parameters was observed. RESULTS: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, triterpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. No signs of clinical toxicity were observed at any time during the period of treatment. The extract significantly reduced (P<0.05) the number of live fetus, weight and survival ratio of the fetus, number of corpora lutea, progesterone, estradiol and luteinizing hormone whereas the number of dead fetus, number of mice that aborted, percentage vaginal opening and post-implantation loss increased significantly (P<0.05). The estrogenicity experiments showed increase in uterine weight (P<0.05), ballooning of uterus, uterine glucose (P<0.05) and ALP (P<0.001) in extract treated group dose dependently. In addition, the extract also induced vaginal bleeding preceding parturition. CONCLUSION: This study has substantiated the abortifacient potential of the methanolic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba stem bark. The activity was more marked in 1000 and 1500mg/kg b.w. of the extract and was comparable to that of mifepristone. The mechanism of abortion could possibly be through changes in the uterine mileu, altered hormone levels, luteolysis and partly, estrogenicity. This study thus justifies the ethnobotanical claim of MEAC as an abortifacient.