Traditional contraceptive practices: survey of medicinal plants used to control birth in four states in Nigeria

Although modern contraceptive practices are actively advocated, many individuals continue to rely on traditional medicines for contraception due to their perceived safety. The open-ended questionnaire used in this study sought to gain insights into contraceptive practices from traditional providers' perspectives. Herb sellers and herbal practitioners from four yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria-Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Osun-were interviewed. Data from questionnaires were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative analysis was done using the informant consensus factor (ICF) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) indices. A total of 31 species were recorded across the study areas. Kwara had the highest diversity, with 20 plant species, followed by Lagos (16), Oyo (10) and Osun (4). The ICF value recorded across the study areas was 0.7, with the most frequently cited species for female and male contraception varying by location. Carica papaya had RFC values of 0.58 in Oyo and 0.44 in Osun, while Mucuna pruriens recorded 0.30 in Lagos and Jatropha gossypiifolia had 0.27 in Kwara. The plant species were mostly prepared in combination forms, with seeds and leaves being the most used parts. These were administered as herbal contraceptive decoctions, powders, or worn as contraceptive rings or waist beads. A statistically significant difference existed between the plant form, the education level of participants, and having patients seeking contraception. In conclusion, this survey underscores the diverse range of medicinal plant species used for contraception. Further research is essential to validate their efficacy and understand the mechanisms of herbal contraceptives.