The Frequency of Medicinal Plant Usage during Pregnancy and possible Related Factors; A Cross-Sectional Study from Tehran, Iran

Azadeh Shabani; Hajar  Nikbakht Fini; Zahra Farahani; Minoo Yaghmaei

doi:10.18502/tim.v9i3.16528

Azadeh Shabani Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hajar Nikbakht Fini Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Farahani Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Minoo Yaghmaei Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v9i3.16528

Keywords: Plants; Medicinal; Pregnancy; Frequency

Abstract

Taking medicinal plants during pregnancy may be associated with geographical, socioeconomic, cultural, and individual factors. The present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of medicinal plant usage and its influencing factors among pregnant mothers living in Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted (Tehran, Iran; 2019-2020). All pregnant women who attended the prenatal clinic were invited. A written consent was obtained from all subjects before enrolment. Data regarding medicinal plant consumption, the reasons for usage, the cause of preference, the source of advice, and the preparation route were gathered through an interview and the completion of a questionnaire. The recorded data were analyzed to assess the prevalence, indications, and factors influencing medicinal plant usage during pregnancy. Of 326 pregnant women, 105 (32.2%) used at least one, and 221 (67.8%) used no medicinal plant. The most consumed medicinal plant was ginger, followed by peppermint, thyme, frankincense, chicory, and saffron. The main reasons for usage were digestive disease and cold symptoms. The place of receiving prenatal care was the only significant factor affecting herbal medicine consumption (p=0.01). More analyses showed a relatively significant correlation between the participant’s age and medicinal plants usage (p=0.05). The results also showed that belief in low adverse effects and high effectiveness of medicinal plants were the reasons for preference of herbal medicine usage. Furthermore, 37 subjects (35.0%) informed by their family or friends, and 15 (14.3%) consumed medicinal plants on their data. Plants were mainly provided by herbal stores. The results showed a relatively frequent use of medicinal plants. The plants were mostly recommended by families and friends. Future studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to determine possible teratogenicity and safe doses.