Health experts strongly advise against the consumption of herbal medicines, such as almond fruit leaves, during pregnancy, especially in the final trimester or during childbirth, despite the increasing popularity and use of medicinal herbs by expectant mothers.

Almond fruit tree leaves, also known as Terminalia catappa, are commonly used in treating various conditions including hypertension, diabetes, cough, jaundice, and indigestion, while the bark is utilized for diarrhea, dysentery, and abscesses.

A recent study found that an aqueous extract of almond fruit tree leaves showed relative safety in pregnant rats, with the potential to slow or halt contractions in the uterus, although it posed no harm to the unborn offspring.

While the extract may be beneficial in delaying preterm labor, caution should be exercised when using it during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages or during labor.

The use of herbal remedies, especially by pregnant women, varies from 7% to 55% and depends on factors such as location, ethnicity, culture, and social status.

Despite their popularity, herbal medicines carry potential risks during pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, and harm to the developing fetus.

Research indicates that fetal exposure to medicinal plants accounts for approximately 1% of birth defects, a higher percentage compared to pharmaceutical products.

Given the widespread use of herbal remedies and the cultural significance of almond fruit trees, it is essential to evaluate the safety of using their aqueous leaf extract during pregnancy.

Researchers from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria conducted a study to assess the toxicological effects of the water extract of almond fruit leaves in pregnant rats, with the findings published in the Pan-African Medical Journal.

The study involved fifty female virgin rats and twenty-five male rats at the age of two weeks, right after being weaned. After mating, twenty female rats with viable sperm counts were chosen and divided into four groups, each consisting of five rats.

The control group was given distilled water, while the treatment groups received oral administration of almond fruit leaf extract in increasing doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 days.

The animals were monitored closely for any signs of toxicity or mortality for 24 hours and then for an additional 14 days. Blood samples and internal organs such as the liver, kidney, and heart were examined, along with the impact of the extract on uterine muscle contractions.

The study found no changes in the rats’ physical appearance, behavior, or health when fed the almond fruit leaf extract. There were no observable tremors, convulsions, salivation, diarrhea, or fatalities.

While the extract did not affect body weight or daily water intake significantly, it did lead to an increased food intake over the course of the study. These changes in weight, food intake, and water intake are crucial indicators of overall health in animals.

Furthermore, the extract did not cause any adverse effects on the unborn offspring of the rats, with no signs of malformation or fetal death recorded. Additionally, the extract inhibited uterine contractions in a dose-dependent manner, while oxytocin and misoprostol stimulated contractions.

Overall, the study demonstrated the relative safety of the almond fruit leaf extract at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, suggesting that the plant’s chemical components are safe for consumption and may explain its widespread use in various traditional medicines.

“But the results revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Almond fruit trees is relatively safe for pregnant rats, though it has been shown to be non-toxic to the unborn baby. Additionally, the extract inhibits contractions of the womb, so it should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester or during labour.”

Numerous medicinal plants, such as spices, have been recognized for their potential to trigger abortion. For example, Sida corymbosa is best given during labor, as it speeds up the delivery process.

Expectant mothers have turned to ginger as a remedy for morning sickness, but experts caution against consuming large amounts, as it may heighten the risk of miscarriage.

Likewise, unripe pawpaw, aloe vera, alligator pepper, and turmeric should be avoided during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and premature birth. Aloe vera juice intake during pregnancy can lead to decreased blood sugar levels, which poses potential risks to both the mother and baby.