AFRICAN LETTUCE:  COMMON PREGNANCY HERB MAY EASE LABOUR PAIN, BUT EXPERTS URGE CAUTION

One of such plants is Launaea taraxacifolia, commonly known as African lettuce or wild lettuce. Known locally as Noomen barewa in Hausa and Yanrin in Yoruba, it has long been consumed by pregnant women in parts of Africa—especially in northern Nigeria—during the final weeks of pregnancy to make delivery easier.

The plant, widely found in West Africa, is also traditionally used to manage several health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, infections and anaemia. Its popularity is partly due to its rich nutritional content, which includes iron, calcium and powerful antioxidants.

A recent study suggests that the plant may influence hormonal and biochemical pathways linked to labour without negatively affecting pregnancy outcomes—at least in animal models.

The research was conducted by scientists at Usmanu Danfodiyo University including Iyabo Adebisi Mobolawa; Isah Baba Muhammad; Ugwah-Oguejiofor Chinenye Jane, Alebiosu Oluranti Celestina, Ibrahim Malami, Abubakar Usman, Gomo Boniface Clement, and Umar Mohammed.

Their study, titled “Effect of Launaea Taraxacifolia on Pregnancy Outcome, its Safety Profile and Mechanism(s) of Alleviating Labour Pain in Pregnant Rats”, found no evidence that the plant harmed pregnancy outcomes at the tested doses. The findings suggest that short-term use at low to moderate levels may not interfere with foetal growth or delivery.”

However, the researchers also observed changes in maternal kidney and liver markers, raising important safety concerns—particularly for pregnant women who take herbal remedies without medical supervision.”

To understand how the plant might ease childbirth and whether it is safe during pregnancy, the researchers conducted a controlled laboratory study using pregnant rats.

Sixteen animals were divided into four groups. One group received distilled water (the control), while the other groups were given varying doses of an aqueous extract of Launaea taraxacifolia from gestational day 14 to day 20.

On day 21, the pups were delivered through caesarean section so the scientists could closely examine pregnancy outcomes.

The team evaluated several factors, including the number of offspring, birth size, placental health, maternal weight gain, blood chemistry, organ markers, and levels of hormones and prostaglandins that regulate childbirth. The chemical composition of the plant was also analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results showed no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between treated and untreated animals. The number of pups, placental weight, foetal length, head circumference and maternal weight gain were similar across all groups.

Importantly, no structural damage was observed in the placenta, suggesting that nutrient transfer to the foetus was not impaired. Although birth weights were slightly higher in treated groups, the difference was not statistically significant.

The researchers also noted a decrease in estradiol—a hormone that increases the uterus’s sensitivity to contractions. Lower estradiol levels may help reduce pain during labour. At the same time, levels of prostaglandin F2α, which stimulates uterine contractions, were higher in the amniotic fluid.

Together, these findings suggest that Launaea taraxacifolia may help the uterus contract effectively while reducing discomfort during childbirth, providing a possible scientific explanation for its traditional use.

However, chemical analysis revealed that the plant also contains compounds that could be harmful. These include antinutrients such as phytate and oxalate, which can reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals like iron and calcium—nutrients that are particularly important during pregnancy.

Although the plant did not negatively affect pregnancy outcomes in the study, the researchers cautioned that unrestricted use could still pose risks. Women with underlying health conditions, nutritional deficiencies or limited access to antenatal care may be particularly vulnerable.

The researchers stressed that “natural” does not always mean “safe”. They advised that traditional remedies should be discussed openly during antenatal visits and warned pregnant women against self-medicating with herbal products.

They also noted that more clinical evidence, standardised dosing and clearer safety guidelines are needed. Until then, healthcare providers and policymakers should promote informed use, proper counselling and continued research into traditional medicines used during pregnancy.

Meanwhile, a survey published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicates that several other plants are also used by pregnant women in Nigeria to facilitate childbirth and reduce labour pain.

These include water extracts of Calotropis procera (apple of Sodom, Bomubomu in Yoruba), Commelina africana (dayflower, Gbagodo in Yoruba), Duranta repens (sky flower), and Hyptis suaveolens (bush mint, Ebefue in Edo).

Others commonly used are Ocimum gratissimum (African basil, Efinrin in Yoruba), Saba comorensis (rubber vine, Eciwo in Hausa or Orombo in Ososo), Sclerocarya birrea (jelly plum, Loda in Hausa), Sida corymbosa (broom weed, Aramwemmvbi in Edo) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf, Ebeoyara in Edo or Ewuro in Yoruba).

Interestingly, scent leaf and bitter leaf are commonly consumed during pregnancy as food ingredients, often in soups such as bitter leaf soup. These foods are believed to promote smoother labour, strengthen the uterine muscles and prevent complications such as pain, bleeding and miscarriage.

During labour, however, the leaves are sometimes administered fresh—either squeezed or prepared as aqueous extracts.

In some cases, the stem bark of Calotropis procera is dried, powdered and soaked in water before being taken orally to help dilate the birth canal. Similarly, a decoction made from fresh leaves of Hyptis suaveolens is used to shorten labour and ease pain.

According to researchers, extracts of Commelina africana, Sida corymbosa and bitter leaf produced the strongest increases in uterine contractility in experimental models.

@ Nigerian Tribune