Traditional herbal remedies used by South African women for gynaecological complaints

Traditional remedies are part of the cultural and religious life of the African people. In this manuscript the nature and range of traditional remedies used for female complaints in relation to gynaecological conditions and disorders is reviewed. A total of 156 medicinal plant species are documented as being used for gynaecological complaints in South Africa. These are presented in a table with the local name, part of the plant used and specific gynaecological treatment. Medicinal plant species which are potentially toxic are noted as are the compounds responsible for the toxicity and the feature(s) of poisoning. Traditional remedies used in South Africa for the treatment of gynaecological problems are compared to those used elsewhere in the world. This manuscript indicates that a wide spectrum of herbal traditional remedies are used to regulate the menstrual cycle, enhance fertility and as either abortifacients or antiabortifacients. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.