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Akbary kordlar A, Soleimani A. Native Iranian Medicinal Plants with Adverse Effects on Pregnancy and the Fetus: A Review. pbp 2025; 7 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-330-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-330-en.html
1- Gynecologist, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran , Dr.amak8181@gmail.com
2- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Abstract: (41 Views)
Objective: The use of medicinal plants during pregnancy has grown steadily due to traditional beliefs and their easy and affordable accessibility. However, some of these plants may pose serious side effects, including toxic impacts on the health of pregnant mothers and fetal development. This review aims to identify medicinal plants that have detrimental effects on pregnant women and their unborn children.
Methodology: This review involved a comprehensive search across multiple scientific databases including Google Scholar, SID, ISC, PubMed, Chemical Abstracts, and MagIran. Relevant keywords such as “medicinal plants,” “pregnancy,” “fetal teratogenicity,” and “side effects” were employed in both Persian and English to capture pertinent literature.
Results: The findings revealed that several medicinal plants—namely Aloe vera, Pennyroyal, Cayenne Pepper, Lily of the Valley, Senna, Rue, Licorice, Saffron, Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Origanum vulgare (Marjoram), Polygonum multiflorum, Borago officinalis (Borage), Ricinus communis (Castor), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Anethum graveolens (Dill), Vitex agnus-castus, Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Rheum palmatum, and Prunus serotina—exert notable toxic and teratogenic effects on the fetus. These effects have been associated with congenital anomalies and significant complications throughout pregnancy.
Conclusion: Given the evidence presented, careful and informed consideration is imperative when using medicinal plants during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals must educate expectant mothers about the potential risks associated with certain herbal remedies and provide appropriate guidance to prevent unintended harm to both mother and fetus.
Methodology: This review involved a comprehensive search across multiple scientific databases including Google Scholar, SID, ISC, PubMed, Chemical Abstracts, and MagIran. Relevant keywords such as “medicinal plants,” “pregnancy,” “fetal teratogenicity,” and “side effects” were employed in both Persian and English to capture pertinent literature.
Results: The findings revealed that several medicinal plants—namely Aloe vera, Pennyroyal, Cayenne Pepper, Lily of the Valley, Senna, Rue, Licorice, Saffron, Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Origanum vulgare (Marjoram), Polygonum multiflorum, Borago officinalis (Borage), Ricinus communis (Castor), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Anethum graveolens (Dill), Vitex agnus-castus, Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Rheum palmatum, and Prunus serotina—exert notable toxic and teratogenic effects on the fetus. These effects have been associated with congenital anomalies and significant complications throughout pregnancy.
Conclusion: Given the evidence presented, careful and informed consideration is imperative when using medicinal plants during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals must educate expectant mothers about the potential risks associated with certain herbal remedies and provide appropriate guidance to prevent unintended harm to both mother and fetus.
Received: 2025/03/10 | Accepted: 2025/11/8 | Published: 2025/12/1
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