Identification of consumption of medicinal plants and trendy supplements during pregnancy in a central Mexican hospital

Authors

  • José Antonio Guerrero-Solano Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México
  • Germán Aurelio González-Cruz Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México
  • Lizbeth Morales-Castillejos Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México
  • Gustavo Flores-Bazán Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México
  • Sheila Adriana Mendoza-Mojica Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México
  • Karina Isabel Casco Gallardo Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.01.320.968%20

Keywords:

medicinal plants, phytotherapy, dietary supplements, pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To identify the use of herbal medicine and supplements among pregnant women.  

Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 60 pregnant women of all ages, from 4 to 38 weeks of gestation, who were under medical care at a general hospital and had signed an informed consent form. A data collection form was designed and administered to those who agreed to participate, and their responses were analyzed.  

Results:  Ninety percent of pregnant women are familiar with medicinal plants, and 100 % of them consume them. The most commonly used plants are lemon balm (20 %), chamomile (18 %), rue (13 %), orange blossom (8 %), and cinnamon (6 %); twenty percent consume these daily, while 51.7 % do so two to three times a week. Common reasons for use include staying slim, feeling relaxed, “helping the pregnancy,” and feeling better. Additionally, 16.7 % use trendy supplements. The literature reports adverse effects for many of the products mentioned, including liver toxicity, hormonal disturbances, bleeding, premature labor, miscarriage, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal irritation, and uterine contractions.  

Conclusions: The group of pregnant women is knowledgeable about and consumes various medicinal plants and supplements. It is crucial to inform them about the potential risks associated with the use of these products and to encourage them to consult specialists before starting any therapy during pregnancy. 

Author Biographies

José Antonio Guerrero-Solano, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México

Doctor en Ciencias de los Alimentos y Salud Humana. Profesor-investigador, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. jose_guerrero@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9331-9509 

Germán Aurelio González-Cruz, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México

Especialista en Enfermería Neonatal. Enfermero clínico. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. go477783@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0006-5882-7344

Lizbeth Morales-Castillejos, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México

Doctora en Investigación Educativa. Profesora-investigadora, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. lizbeth_morales@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3826-0508

Gustavo Flores-Bazán, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México

Licenciado médico-cirujano. Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. fl467888@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0002-0774-3996 

Sheila Adriana Mendoza-Mojica, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México

Doctora en Ciencias de la Salud. Profesora-investigadora, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. sheila_mendoza@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8910-5663 

Karina Isabel Casco Gallardo, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

Doctora en Salud Pública. Profesora-investigadora, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. karina_casco@uaeh.edu.mx. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0094-7416 

Published

2025-04-01

How to Cite

Guerrero-Solano, J. A. ., González-Cruz, G. A. ., Morales-Castillejos, L., Flores-Bazán, G. ., Mendoza-Mojica, S. A. ., & Casco Gallardo, K. I. (2025). Identification of consumption of medicinal plants and trendy supplements during pregnancy in a central Mexican hospital. Salud Uninorte, 41(1), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.01.320.968

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Section

Original Article