This paper presents the plants used for reproductive purposes in Trinidad and …

• Abstract
• Background
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion and Conclusion
• Competing interests
• References
• Table 1
• Table 2

1. Ritchie HE: The safety of herbal medicine use during pregnancy.

   Frontiers in fetal health 2001, 3(10):259-266.

2. Buck Louis GM, Lynch CD, Cooney MA: Environmental influences on female fecundity and fertility.

   Semin Reprod Med 2006, 24(3):147-55.

3. Mills A, Barclay L: None of them were satisfactory: women's experiences with contraception.

   Health Care Women Int 2006, 27(5):379-98.

4. Anon: Tetanus vaccine may be laced with anti-fertility drug. International/developing countries.

   Vaccine Wkly 1995, 9-10. 1995; May 29 – Jun 5

5. Roopnarinesingh S, Bassaw B, Roopnarinesingh AJ: Obstetric deaths in Trinidad.

   Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1998, 18:37-39.

6. Bassaw B, Roopnarinesingh S, Sirjusingh A: An audit of perinatal mortality.

   West Indian Med J 2001, 50(1):42-6. Erratum in: West Indian Med J 2001; 50(3):243–4.

7. Ali Z: Neonatal Group B streptococcal infection at the Mount Hope Women's Hospital, Trinidad.

   Child Care Health Dev 2004, 30(1):1-3.

8. Khan Khalid S, Wojdyla Daniel, Say Lale, Gülmezoglu A Metin, Van Look Paul FA: WHO analysis of causes of maternal death: a systematic review.

   Lancet 2006, 367:1066-74.

9. McCaw-Binns A: Historical lessons. Safe motherhood in Jamaica: from slavery to self-determination.

   Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2005, 19:254-261.

10. Weniger B, Haag-Berrurier M, Anton R: Plants of Haiti used as antifertility agents.

    J Ethnopharmacology 1982, 6:67-84.

11. Lans C: Creole remedies of Trinidad and Tobago. [http://www.lulu.com/content/302210]

    Lulucom 2006.

12. Browner CH: Plants used for reproductive health in Oaxaca, Mexico.

    Economic Botany 1985, 39(4):482-504.

13. Sobo EJ: Abortion traditions in rural Jamaica.

    Soc Sci Med 1996, 42(4):495-508.

14. Coe FG, Anderson GJ: Screening of medicinal plants used by the Garífuna of Eastern Nicaragua for bioactive compunds.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1996, 53(1):29-50.

15. Kay MA: Healing with plants in the American and Mexican West. University of Arizona Press, Tuscon; 1996:315.

16. Ankli A, Sticher O, Heinrich M: Medical ethnobotany of the Yucatec Maya: healers' consensus as a quantitative criterion.

    Economic Botany 1999, 53(2):144-160.

17. Browner CH, Ortiz de Montellano BR, Rubel AJ: A methodology for cross-cultural ethnomedical research.

    Current Anthropology 1988, 29:681-702.

18. Lans C, Brown G, Borde G, Offiah VN: Knowledge of traditional medicines and veterinary practices used for reproductive health problems.

    Journal of Ethnobiology 2003, 23:187-208.

19. Heinrich M, Rimpler H, Antonio Barrera N: Indigenous phytotherapy of gastrointestinal disorders in a lowland Mixe community (Oaxaca, Mexico): Ethnopharmacologic evaluation.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1992, 36:63-80.

20. Hirschhorn H: Botanical remedies of South and Central America, and the Caribbean: An Archival Analysis. Parts I&II.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 4:129-158. 5: 163–180

21. Madari H, Jacobs RS: An analysis of cytotoxic botanical formulations used in the traditional medicine of ancient Persia as abortifacients.

    J Nat Prod 2004, 67(8):1204-10.

22. Cambie RC: Anti-fertility plants of the Pacific. CSIRO Publishing, Australia; 1997.

23. Bourdy G, Walter A: Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu. 1. The cycle of reproduction.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1992, 37(1):179-196.

24. Liu IM, Liou SS, Cheng JT: Mediation of beta-endorphin by myricetin to lower plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2006, 104(1–2):199-206.

25. Bhattarai N: Folk herbal remedies for gynaecological complaints in Central Nepal.

    International Journal of Pharmacognosy 1994, 32(1):13-26.

26. Sandhyakumary K, Boby RG, Indira M: Impact of feeding ethanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on reproductive functions in male rats.

    Indian J Exp Biol 2002, 40(11):1307-9.

27. Shibeshi W, Makonnen E, Zerihun L, Debella A: Effect of Achyranthes aspera L. on fetal abortion, uterine and pituitaryweights, serum lipids and hormones.

    Afr Health Sci 2006, 6(2):108-12.

28. Achola KJ, Munenge RW: Bronchodilating and uterine activities of Ageratum conyzoides extract.

    Pharmaceutical Biology 1998, 36(2):93-96.

29. Silva MJ, Capaz FR, Vale MR: Effects of the water soluble fraction from leaves of Ageratum conyzoides on smooth muscle.

    Phytotherapy Research 2000, 14(2):130-2.

30. Ososki A, Lohr P, Reiff M, Balick MJ, Kronenberg F, Fugh-Berman A, O'Connor B: Ethnobotanical literature survey of medicinal plants in the Dominican Republic used for women's health conditions.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2002, 79:285-298.

31. Lastra AL, Ramirez TO, Salazar L, Martinez M, Trujillo-Ferrara J: The ambrosanolide cumanin inhibits macrophage nitric oxide synthesis: some structural considerations.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2004, 95(2–3):221-7.

32. Sosa S, Balick MJ, Arvigo R, Esposito RG, Pizza C, Altinier G, Tubaro A: Screening of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of some Central American plants.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2002, 81(2):211-5.

33. Arenas P, Azorero RM: Plants of common use in Paraguayan folk medicine for regulating fertility.

    Econ Bot 1977, 31:298-301.

34. Adams JD Jr, Garcia C: Women's health among the Chumash.

    Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006, 3(1):125-31.

35. Johnson PB, Abdurahman EM, Tiam EA, Abdu-Aguye I, Hussaini IM: Euphorbia hirta leaf extracts increase urine output and electrolytes in rats.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1999, 65(1):63-9.

36. Lanhers M-C, Fleurentin J, Dorfman P, Mortier F, Pelt J-M: Analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of Euphorbia hirta.

    Planta Medica 1991, 57(3):225-31.

37. Bittar M, de Souza MM, Yunes RA, Lento R, Delle Monache F, Cechinel Filho V: Antinociceptive activity of I3, II8-binaringenin, a biflavonoid present in plants of the Guttiferae.

    Planta Medica 2000, 66(1):84-6.

38. Lokvam J, Braddock JF, Reichardt PB, Clausen TP: Two polyisoprenylated benzophenones from the trunk latex of Clusia grandiflora (Clusiaceae).

    Phytochemistry 2000, 55(1):29-34.

39. Diaz-Carballo D, Seeber S, Strumberg D, Hilger RA: Novel antitumoral compound isolated from Clusia rosea.

    Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003, 41(12):622-3.

40. Cano JH, Volpato G: Herbal mixtures in the traditional medicine of Eastern Cuba.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2004, 90:293-316.

41. Kirszberg C, Esquenazi D, Alviano CS, Rumjanek VM: The effect of a catechin-rich extract of Cocos nucifera on lymphocytes proliferation.

    Phytotherapy Research 2003, 17(9):1054-8.

42. Benie T, Duval J, Thieulant ML: Effects of some traditional plant extracts on rat oestrous cycle compared with Clomid.

    Phytotherapy Research 2003, 17(7):748-55.

43. Almeida FCG, Lemonica IP: The toxic effects of Coleus barbatus B. on the different periods of pregnancy in rats.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2000, 73(1–2):53-60.

44. Kim HS, Kim YH, Hong YS, Paek NS, Lee HS, Kim TH, Kim KW, Lee JJ: Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors from Commelina communis.

    Planta Medica 1999, 65(5):437-9.

45. Mensah AK, Houghton PJ, Fleischer TC, Mensah MLK, Agyare C, Annan K, Dickson R: Antimicrobial and antioxidant aspects of Commelina diffusa, a Ghanaian plant used traditionally for wound healing.

    Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2004, 56:S-79

46. Hernández T, Canales M, Avila JG, Duran A, Caballero J, Romo de Vivar A, Lira R: Ethnobotany and antibacterial activity of some plants used in traditional medicine of Zapotitlan de las Salinas, Puebla (Mexico).

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2003, 88(2–3):181-8.

47. Abdon AP, Leal-Cardoso JH, Coelho-de-Souza AN, Morais SM, Santos CF: Antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton nepetaefolius on mice.

    Braz J Med Biol Res 2002, 35(10):1215-9.

48. Guerrero MF, Puebla P, Carron R, Martin ML, Arteaga L, Roman LS: Assessment of the antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of ethanolic extracts of some Colombian medicinal plants.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2002, 80(1):37-42.

49. Rathi A, Rao ChV, Ravishankar B, De S, Mehrotra S: Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of the water decoction Desmodium gangeticum.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2004, 95(2–3):259-63.

50. Halberstein RA: Medicinal Plants: Historical and cross-cultural usage patterns.

    Ann Epidemiol 2005, 15:686-699.

51. Garcia MD, Saenz MT, Gomez MA, Fernandez MA: Topical antiinflammatory activity of phytosterols isolated from Eryngium foetidum on chronic and acute inflammation models.

    Phytotherapy Research 1999, 13(1):78-80.

52. Elisabetsky E, Posey DA: Use of contraceptive and related plants by the Kayapo Indians (Brazil).

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1989, 26(3):299-316.

53. Phan TT, Wang L, See P, Grayer RJ, Chan SY, Lee ST: Phenolic compounds of Chromolaena odorata protect cultured skin cells from oxidative damage: implication for cutaneous wound healing.

    Biol Pharm Bull 2001, 24(12):1373-9.

54. Pomilio AB, Buschi CA, Tomes CN, Viale AA: Antimicrobial constituents of Gomphrena martiana and Gomphrena boliviana.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1992, 36(2):155-61.

55. Cai YZ, Xing J, Sun M, Corke H: Rapid identification of betacyanins from Amaranthus tricolor, Gomphrena globosa, and Hylocereus polyrhizus by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF MS).

    J Agric Food Chem 2006, 54(18):6520-6.

56. Murthy DR, Reddy CM, Patil SB: Effect of benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on the estrous cycle and ovarian activity in albino mice.

    Biol Pharm Bull 1997, 20(7):756-8.

57. Prakash AO, Mathur A, Mehta H, Mathur R: Concentrations of Na+ and K+ in serum and uterine flushings of ovariectomized, pregnant and cyclic rats when treated with extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1990, 28(3):337-47.

58. Pakrashi A, Bhattacharya K, Kabir SN, Pal AK: Flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a potential source of contragestative agent. III: Interceptive effect of benzene extract in mouse.

    Contraception 1986, 34(5):523-36.

59. Pal AK, Bhattacharya K, Kabir SN, Pakrashi A: Flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a potential source of contragestative agent: II. Possible mode of action with reference to anti-implantation effect of the benzene extract.

    Contraception 1985, 32(5):517-29.

60. Reddy CM, Murthy DR, Patil SB: Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of various extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinesis in albino mice.

    Indian J Exp Biol 1997, 35(11):1170-4.

61. Leal LKAM, Ferreira AAG, Bezerra GA, Matos FJA, Viana GSB: Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator activities of Brazilian medicinal plants containing coumarin: a comparative study.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2000, 70(2):151-159.

62. Valsala S, Karpagaganapathy PR: Effect of Mimosa pudica root powder on oestrous cycle and ovulation in cycling female albino rat, Rattus norvegicus.

    Phytother Res 2002, 16(2):190-2.

63. Molina M, Contreras CM, Tellez-Alcantara P: Mimosa pudica may possess antidepressant actions in the rat.

    Phytomedicine 1999, 6(5):319-23.

64. Villasenor IM, Lamadrid MR: Comparative anti-hyperglycemic potentials of medicinal plants.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2006, 104(1–2):129-31.

65. Vongtau HO, Abbah J, Ngazal IE, Kunle OF, Chindo BA, Otsapa PB, Gamaniel KS: Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Parinari polyandra stem bark in rats and mice.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2004, 90(1):115-21.

66. Vijayalakshmi P, Vijayalakshmi KM, Nanda Kumar NV: Depolarizing neuromuscular junctional blocking action of Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extracts in rat.

    Phytother Res 1999, 13(5):367-70.

67. Facey PC, Pascoe KO, Porter RB, Jones AD: Investigation of plants used in Jamaican folk medicine for anti-bacterial activity.

    Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 1999, 51:1455-1460.

68. Uphof JC, Th: Dictionary of economic plants.

    In 2nd edition. Edited by: Verlag von J. Cramer.

69. Ankli A, Sticher O, Heinrich M: Medical ethnobotany of the Yucatec Maya: healers' consensus as a quantitative criterion.

    Economic Botany 1999, 53(2):144-160.

70. Conway GA, Slocumb JC: Plants used as abortifacients and emmenagogues by Spanish New Mexicans.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1979, 1(3):241-61.

71. Ojala T, Remes S, Haansuu P, Vuorela H, Hiltunen R, Haahtela K, Vuorela P: Antimicrobial activity of some coumarin containing herbal plants growing in Finland.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2000, 73(1–2):299-305.

72. Ciganda C, Laborde A: Herbal infusions used for induced abortion.

    J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2003, 41(3):235-9.

73. Latha M, Ramkumar KM, Pari L, Damodaran PN, Rajeshkannan V, Suresh T: Phytochemical and antimicrobial study of an antidiabetic plant: Scoparia dulcis L.

    J Med Food 2006, 9(3):391-4.

74. Mazumder UK, Gupta M, Manikandan L, Bhattacharya S: Antibacterial activity of Urena lobata root.

    Fitoterapia 2001, 72(8):927-9.

75. Block LC, Santos AR, de Souza MM, Scheidt C, Yunes RA, Santos MA, Monache FD, Cechinel Filho V: Chemical and pharmacological examination of antinociceptive constituents of Wedelia paludosa.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1998, 61(1):85-89.

76. Lans C: Ethnoveterinary practices used by livestock keepers in Trinidad and Tobago. In Unpublished M.Sc. thesis. Wageningen: Agricultural University, Dept. of Ecological Agriculture, the Netherlands; 1996.

77. Lev E: The doctrine of signatures in the medieval and Ottoman Levant.

    Vesalius 2002, 8(1):13-22.

78. Davis E, Yost J: The ethnomedicine of the Waorani of Amazonian Ecuador.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1983, 9(2–3):273-297.

79. Pieroni A: Medicinal plants and food medicines in the folk traditions of the upper Lucca Province, Italy.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2000, 70(3):235-273.

80. George M: When will we cure healthcare ills?

    Trinidad Guardian. Sunday 17th September, 2006.

81. Gauri V, Cercone J, Briceno R: Separating financing from provision: evidence from 10 years of partnership with health cooperatives in Costa Rica.

    Health Policy Plan 2004, 19(5):292-301.

82. De Vos P, Van der Stuyft P: Cuba's international cooperative efforts in health.

    BMJ 2006, 333(7566):464.