A review of Nigerian plants and their bioactive constituents that increase chances of multiple pregnancies

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.