Herbal infusions used for induced abortion

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Ethnobotany
• Public Health

Background:

• Traditional use of plants and herbs for inducing abortions is widespread.
• Limited published data exists on commonly used abortifacient herbs and their associated toxic effects.
• Understanding these risks is crucial for public health awareness and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe herbal products utilized for inducing abortions.
• To raise awareness and understanding of the severe toxic effects associated with these herbal abortifacients.
• To document cases of morbidity and mortality linked to herbal abortion attempts.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive retrospective survey was conducted.
• Data collected from calls received by the Montevideo Poison Centre between 1986 and 1999.
• Focus on ingestions of herbal infusions with the intent to induce abortion.

Main Results:

• Identified 86 cases involving 30 different plant species used for abortion.
• Most frequent species: ruda (Ruta chalepensis/graveolens), cola de quirquincho (Lycopodium saururus), parsley (Petroselinum hortense), and Carachipita.
• Carachipita contains pennyroyal, yerba de la perdiz, oregano, and guaycuri.
• Abortions reported in 23 cases; 15 involved only plant ingestion.
• Multiple organ system failure occurred with ruda, Carachipita, arnica, or bardana.
• Four deaths resulted from ruda ingestion (alone or with other herbs); one death from Carachipita.

Conclusions:

• Ingestion of plants for abortion carries significant risks of severe morbidity and mortality.
• Associated toxic effects include multiple organ system failure and death.
• Further research is needed, but current findings indicate a clear danger in using herbal products for abortion.