Abstract:
The current occurrence of twin births is beyond previous generational records. Many countries in the
world have records that confirm a significant increase in twin births from the 1980s; out of forty two
individuals born, one is a twin which gives rise to the birth of one million and six hundred thousand
children per year. This implies that, the mean global rise in twin birthrate is one-third over the past four
decades. In 2022, Africa had the highest rate of naturally conceived twin births from two different eggs
with 80% of twin births recorded in Africa or Asia. Igbo-Ora, a Yoruba town in Oyo state, Nigeria is
currently tagged “the melting pot of twin birth” due to the multiple birth record of twins and triplets in
virtually every household believed to be due to their environment or the food they eat, making the town
“the world’s twin capital”. Multiple pregnancies occur when a female carries two or more babies in her
womb. The aim of the study was to review some Nigerian plants claimed to have chances of increasing
multiple pregnancies in women and determine their responsible bioactive constituents. Articles published
in English were gathered electronically from database such as PubMed and Medline using scientific
keywords such as multiple pregnancies and multiple births, and terms like nutrients, dietary, supplements
and genetics. Medical articles such as randomized controlled trials and guidelines from the Food and
Agricultural Organization, World Health Organization, United Nation University Press, and peered
reviewed Journals, locally and internationally were consulted. Individuals that are well recognized to
have wealth of knowledge and scientific training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Traditional Birth
Attendance were sought for professional advice. Descriptive analysis was employed. Relevant data and
useful information were compiled and taken as results. The study lasted for six months; from January to
June, 2023. Foods such as yam, cassava, okra leaf, beans, grains, maca root, pineapple, dairy products,
fruits and vegetables were determined and found to contain bioactive constituents such as phytoestrogen,
gonadotropin, insulin-like proteins, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones, complex
carbohydrates, an enzyme-bromelain, zinc and folic acid that could increase the chances of multiple
pregnancies. Other contributory factors include the age, height, weight genetics and race of the mothers.
