Herbs for abortion can destroy liver — Study

<p>Mifepristone, along with misoprostol, is one of the most frequently used medicine to induce abortions. However, this role has made a number of nations extremely circumspect in its distribution.</p>, <p>Government authorities across these countries have, as a result of the development, placed restraint on the drug. This, among other things, led many women in developing countries, especially young girls, to turn to herbs like Commelina benghalensis.</p>, <p>Experts, in a new study, established that the stem of Commelina benghalensis has the potential to be utilised to induce abortion but warned that its use may be potentially harmful, because of its bad effect on the liver. In fact, the damage on the liver was found to be more pronounced during pregnancy.</p>, <p>The researchers, in a study to evaluate the claim that the stem of Commelina benghalensis is used to induce abortion in traditional medicine, said caution should be exercised while consuming it for medication purposes, especially during the gestational period. It was in the January edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.</p>, <p>Commelina benghalensis (Wandering Jew) is used medicinally by different cultures in the treatment of various ailments like leprosy, sore throat, burns, pain and inflammation. Its leaves, particularly the young ones, are cooked and consumed in areas of West Africa, some parts of East Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.</p>, <p>In India, it is said to be beneficial for leprosy. The sap is used for the treatment of eye ailments, sore throat and burns and as a topical application for thrush in infants. The plant is used as a poultice for sore feet, acne, boils and prickly heat. The leaves are pounded and soaked in warm water and then the solution is drunk to treat diarrhea. Also, a decoction of the root is used for the relief of stomach disorders.</p>, <p>In Nigeria, according “The useful plants of West Tropical Africa” by H. M. Burkill, it is known as Godogbo or Gbagodo (Yoruba), balaasaanaa or bulabula (Hausa), Ohi