Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zamawe C, King C, Jennings HM, Mandiwa C, Fottrell E · BMJ Open · 2018 October

DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022499

Objective

The use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

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Insights

Herbal medicines for labor induction show effectiveness

This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for labor induction. Among 1421 papers, only 10 met eligibility criteria. Users of herbal medicine for induction were more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users, but no significant differences were found in caesarean section rates, assisted vaginal delivery, hemorrhage, meconium-stained liquor, and nursery admission. The efficacy is suggested, yet safety remains inconclusive due to limited high-quality data. Caution in using herbal medicines for induction is advised until safety concerns are addressed, emphasizing the need for more research to establish safety.