WHY AFRICAN TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS USED CEASALPINIA BONDUC LEAVES TO FACILITATE CHILDBIRTH IN PARTURIENT WOMEN

Ceasalpinia bonduc (L) Roxb [Syn: Ceasalpinia bonducella (L) Fleming, Syn: Caesalpinia crista (L)], belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae is commonly used to facilitate childbirth by African traditional birth attendants whose practices do not comply with the medical standards prescribed by WHO. So, this work was carried out to verify the ability of Ceasalpinia bonduc to facilitate labor in parturient women. This review study identified and examined the effects of this herbal on some physiological parameters that contribute significantly to the success of childbirth. C. bonduc leaf extract has a low toxicity. It has uterotoniic, hypotensive, antihypertensive, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities. The hypotensive and antihypertensive effects could significantly reduce blood loss during the delivery while its uterotonic action increased uterine smooth muscle contraction which plays an important role in the process of childbirth. The anxiolytic activity could reduce anxiety in parturient women. Anxiety release hormones, such as adrenalin, which can slow labor contractions. Finally, the anticonvulsant effect could promote serenity in the parturient. She would move less. The present study suggests that Ceasalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb (Caesalpiniaceae) have some pharmacological properties thus supporting its folkloric usage to facilitate childbirth in parturient women.