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© Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Printed in Nigeria ISSN 1118 – 1931

ETHNO MEDICINE “THE USES OF ‘AJU-MBAISE’ IN POST PARTUM CARE

*Ugiomoh, I. G. and Mbalewe, M.

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt

*Corresponding author (Email: ifeoma.ugiomoh@ uniport.edu ng)

Received: 23-09-2021
Accepted: 13-11-2021

ABSTRACT
A survey of the plants used in post partum care in Mbaise and its environs popularly known as
Aju Mbaise was carried out. A series of unstructured interview was used to elicit information
from about 36 participants made up of the old women and herbalists who dispense the wraps
especially that are used in post-partum treatment. This work aimed at unraveling and
documenting the plants that are found within the wrap for post-partum care and on the claim
for its potency for treatment in parturition. The wrap is prepared from different plant parts which
include leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs, barks, roots and even buds and administered as a
decoction. At the end it was found that the wraps had plants drawn from 13 different families.
These families include Acanthaceae, Menispermataceae, Ceasalpinoideae, Commelinaceae,
Annonaceae, Convulvulaceae, Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Sapotaceae, Asparagaceae and
Myrtaceae. The range of treatments include high blood pressure, detoxification, oedema,
erectile dysfunction and most especially in post-partum treatment. The plants from these
families are wrapped together in one pad. In conclusion ethno-botanical survey revealed that
decoction of ‘Aju Mbaise’, enhances quick recovery after child birth.
Keywords: Aju-Mbaise, ethno-medicine, post partum, potency.

INTRODUCTION The period following child birth (the post-

partum) is a critical phase in the life of
The use of plant extracts in parturition in the
mothers and new born babies because most
developing world cannot be over
maternal and infant mortalities occur within
emphasized. Herbal medicine is a reality of
this time, especially in developing countries
many cultures especially in Africa
(WHO, 2013). The health of mother and
particularly in Nigeria (Torr-anyiin et al.,
child is determined by the kind of maternal
2003; Orabueze et al., 2017; Madara et al.,
health care given both at pre and post-
2018) such that despite the advancement of
delivery (Sidth et al., 2007). In many
orthordox medicine it is still well
developing countries, complications during
entrenched and practiced because of better
pregnancy and childbirth are the leading
cultural acceptability, better compatibility
causes of death among women of
(Orabueze et al., 2017; Madara et al., 2018)
reproductive age (UNICEF, 2018).
with the human physiology and least side
Maternal health and reduction of maternal
effects. The knowledge is handed down
mortality have been topics of concern
through generations by oral traditions,
worldwide since the late 1980’s. Improving
experience, observations, spiritual
maternal health is one of the seventeen
encounters and stories (Mokgobi, 2014).
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Ugiomoh, I. G. Ogazie, C.A. Ekeke, U.C. and Mbalewe, M.: Ethno Medicine “The Uses of ‘Aju-Mbaise’ in Post…

sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and encourage lactation Ogueke et al.

the international community is committed (2016).
to reduce maternal mortality rate by 75%
‘Aju Mbaise’ comprises different plants
before 2030. However, between 1990 and
wrapped together and used as a whole in
2015, maternal mortality worldwide
one entity. Approximately one quarter of
dropped by about 44%. It is expected that
prescribed drugs contain plant extracts or
between 2016 and 2030, as part of the
active ingredients obtained from or
sustainable development agenda, the global
modeled on plant substances like Aspirin,
maternal mortality must reach less than 70
atropine, artemesinin, colchicine, digoxin,
per 100000 live births (WHO, 2017). Thus,
ephedrine, morphine, physostigmine,
proper care of the mother during this period
pilocarpine, quinine, quinidine, reserpine,
is a priority. One way of achieving this is by
taxol, tubocurarine, vincristine and
controlling the diet of the mother,
vinblastine (Ansiri et al., 2010, Oladeji,
immunity-boosting diet must be given to the
2016).
mother at this period to ensure proper blood
flow, supply of essential nutrients, Therefore, this study examines the content
prevention of infections and enhanced of the ‘Aju Mbaise’ as well as the uses of
lactation (Ogueke et al., 2016). In some the plants found in individual components.
localities in Nigeria like, Ahiazu, Aboh, The results will validate the authenticity of
Ezinihitte, Awka and Umuahia in the South the claim of healing in parturition, increase
Eastern part, special leaves, barks and the awareness and curative information of
plants are concocted and the liquid extracts this herb and emphasize the need to
used to prepare dishes (soups and yam recognize traditional and orthodox
pepper soup) for lactating mothers medicine practices and adopt them as
(participatory observation). This concoction formal alternatives to curative needs.
is believed to contain bioactive compounds MATERIALS AND METHODS
from the leaves, barks and the roots as well
as anti-oxidants (orally passed down). Study area: Aju Mbaise originates from
Extracts from these leaves and roots are Mbaise (a place in Imo State) South Eastern
known to counter a lot of health issues Nigeria, a clan related by inter marriage.
ranging from stopping arthritic pains, Mbaise actually is made up of 5 clans
correction of erectile dysfunction, enhance namely Agbaja, Ahiara, Ekwereazu,
fertility to restoration of health in post- Ezinihitte and Okeuvuru, covering 3 Local
partum stage. Healing of wounds, Government Areas viz Aboh Mbaise,
prevention of infections, easing pains and Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Mbaise.
improving lactation (Abdillahi et al.,2013, Aju Mbaise formulation: Aju Mbaise is a
Salihu et al.,2018) is also included. One combination of plants from different
way of achieving this is by controlling the families made of their twigs, barks, seeds,
diet of the mother; any diet given to the leaves, flowers and roots for the treatment
mother at this period should be that which of ailments like high blood pressure, erectile
boost immunity, ensure proper blood flow, dysfunction and infertility, but the bias will
supply essential nutrients, prevent infection be on post-partum treatment after child
birth. The twigs, leaves, roots, barks, fruits
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© Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Printed in Nigeria ISSN 1118 – 1931

and seeds of these plants are used in the RESULTS

preparation of the concoction. All the
A total of about 49 people were approached
contents are wrapped together and used as a
to answer some questions from their
whole in one entity.
knowledge and work with herbs. Out of this
Interviews: The most important data number, 36 persons participated and 95%
collection tools used in this study were (34) gave information generously while 5%
resource persons such as herbalists, elderly were not forthcoming. Information obtained
men and women and other individuals who included names of plants per wrap, plant
have the knowledge of medicinal plants and parts, number of ailments treated and
their efficacy. Series of interviews were method of administration. The plants and
conducted with 36 participants recruited plant parts used are presented in the Table
based on their verbal consent. 1.
Plant identification: Plant samples not
readily identified were taken to the curator
of the Department of Plant Science and
Biotechnology in the University of Port
Harcourt for accurate identification in
relation to type specimens and established
keys.
Preparing the wraps: Participatory
observation was used to ascertain how
wraps are produced amongst herbalists. The
broad leaves are used to wrap the smaller
particles like the twigs and flowers and
seeds. This is then secured with a twig
tightly bound in a circular form just like the
pad used for carrying load in that area, from
which the name is coined.
Preparation of the decoction: To prepare
the decoction the wrap is dropped into a big
pot of about 5L of water, the pot is then
covered to avoid losing the volatile
components and brought to boil for about 30
minutes after which it is brought down;
sieved and about 400ml of the extract drank
hot by the patient at a time. It is either
prepared alone as drug and taken directly. It
can also be prepared in combination with
fish and stock fish but never with meat and
taken as pepper soup for which ever cure is
intended.
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Ugiomoh, I. G. Ogazie, C.A. Ekeke, U.C. and Mbalewe, M.: Ethno Medicine “The Uses of ‘Aju-Mbaise’ in Post…

Table 1 Lists of plants for post-partum treatment with ‘Aju Mbaise’

Ailment treated
S/ Plant parts
Botanical Family Common Local/Native Habit as confirmed by
N used
the herbalists
Used to
Justicia Flamingo/Brazillian Twigs,/
1 Acanthaceae Ogwu obara Shrub increase/improve
carneaLindl. plume leaves
blood flow.
Treatment of
oedema,
Triclisia Twigs, leaves
2 Menispermataceae Ogbanelu Shrub anaemia,
subcordeta(oliv.) and stem
diarrhea and
stomach pain.
Treatment of
Dialium Twigs,leaves,
3 Ceasalpinoideae Velvet tamarind Icheku Tree cough, stomatitis
guineense(willd.) bark
and toothache.
General
analgesic and
antiseptic
Palisota properties,
Roots twigs Perennial
4 hirsuta(thumb.)K. Commelinaceae Ikpere aturu improves
and leaves herb
Schum milk,production,.
Treatment of
urethral
discharge
Treatment of
abdominal pain,
Uvaria Finger root, Bush Bark, twig treats
5 Annonaceae Mmimi ohia Shrub
chamae(P.Beauv.) banana and leaves amenorrhea and
to prevent
miscarriage
Stimulates
Ipomea Perennial
lactation, boosts
6 maurifiana Convulvulaceae Morning glory Mgbanala Root,twig herb/
fertility and as
(Jacq.) Climber
ornamentals .
Dysmenorrhea
,uterine
Pterocarpus Twig and
7 Leguminosae African coral wood Uhie ocha Shrub hemorrhage and
soyauxii (Taub.) leaves
checks excess
bleeding
Diuretic, relieves
Macaranga Root and
8 Euphorbiaceae Owariwa Shrub oedema in
hurifolia (Beille.) twig
pregnancy
Regulates blood
pressure, treats
Chrysophyllum Leaves, twig malaria,and
9 Sapotaceae White star apple Udara Tree
albidium(G.don) and bark anaemia. sterility
and sexual
asthenia.
Treats stomache
ache,chest pain
Dracaena manni Root, twig,
10 Asparagaceae Asparagus tree Ike mkpodu Tree and acts as
(Baker) leaves
ornamentals with
edible leaves
Treats ulcer,
diarrhea and
Psidium guajava Leaves,twig diabetes. Edible
11 Myrtaceae Guava Gova Shrub
L. and bark fruit high in
vitamin C, A and
Pectin
Treats dizziness,
Calichilia Utunkita, Twigs and used as laxative
12 Apocynaceae Shrub
barteri(Hook.F) Amunkita leaves and as
ornamentals,
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© Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Printed in Nigeria ISSN 1118 – 1931

Rheumatism,
improves
fertility, mouth
wash for
Xylopia toothache. Cures
Leaves, twig,
13 aethiopica(Dunal) Annonaceae Ethiopian pepper Uda Tree constipation,
seeds
A.Rich regulates
menstrual flow
and contains
abortifacient
properties.

A total of five wraps were identified in the area used in the treatment of different ailments.
These wraps contain a combination of 8 – 12 plants and are used to cure about 3 – 7 ailments
each (Fig. 1).

Fig.1: Number of plants and the number of ailments cured as claimed by the respondents.

DISCUSSION diabetes, heart palpitations, gynecological

issues and cancer (Erhenhi, 2016, Ribeiro et
The investigation on the (uses) of Aju
al., 2018, Salihu et al., 2018, Orabueze et
Mbaise in post-partum treatment revealed
al., 2018). The wraps investigated were the
that medicinal plants serve multiple
ones used for the after birth to help the
purposes in terms of healing as one plant
womb contract and return to normal size
can be used in the cure of different ailments.
after delivery, improve lactation, and
The different plant species found in the
enhance the woman to look radiant in the
wraps are also involved in the treatment of
process. The different plants found in Aju
other ailments. There is no limit to the kind
Mbaise wraps are also used for the cure of
of ailment that can be treated with medicinal
arthritic pains, malaria, edema and
plants from topical issues like eczema, skin
improves blood flow (Ribeiro et al., 2018,
rashes to common headache, cold, stomach
Orabueze et al., 2017 Alhaji et al., 2018,
upset and then to the more complicated
Kaur et al., 2012 Madara et al., 2018).
issues like arthritis, edema, diarrhea,
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Captured within its efficacy in treatment asthma, tuberculosis, and wounds (Buwa-
includes weight loss and the arrest of any Komoreng et al., 2019). According to the
anemic condition. Our findings showed that local women it has the power to abort young
Aju Mbaise is said to quicken the expulsion fetus so it is contra indicated for pregnancy.
of liquids accumulated during pregnancy Aguoru et al. (2016) have Phytochemically,
both in the womb and in the body, thus quantified X. aethiopica to contain
allowing the womb to return to its normal Saponins (8.33%), alkaloid (5.67%),
size. It also detoxifies and enhances fertility flavonoids (5.24%). Some alkaloids are
as well as stimulates the hormone prolactin, considered poisonous but some are used
responsible for the flow of breast milk in medicinally (Ivan 2003, Asekun and
lactating mothers including nourishing the Adeniyi (2014). Alkaloids are also used in
skin which results in a glittering orthodox medicine given immediately after
complexion as agreed by 100% of the child birth to facilitate delivery of the
respondents. placenta and to prevent bleeding after child
birth. An example of this type of alkaloid is
Among the myriads of things indicated as
ergometrine. Researchers have also
its properties is the content of anti-oxidants,
confirmed it as having anti-inflammatory
anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agents. It
and anti-pyretic properties, (Karawya et al.,
is used in correcting both irregularities in
1979, Fleischer, 2003). It is also said to
the menstrual cycle and easing of cramps
enhance fertility as well as aid delivery
during menstruation, healing of wounds
(Asekun and Adeniyi, 2004, Mike et al.,
was also mentioned by 95% of the
2014). The twigs and leaves of Pterocarpus
traditional healers.
soyauxii commonly called African coral
Different parts of the plant which include wood or Uhie ocha is added to effect uterine
twigs, leaves, roots, barks, fruits and seeds contraction and check hemorrhage, in
of these plants are used in the preparation of young girls and ladies it is used to treat
the concoction. The most common part of dysmenorrhea, uterine hemorrhage and
the plant used is the leaf. This may be due excessive menstruation. The
to the presence of active metabolites present Convulvulaceae, Ipomea maurifiana
in the leaf (Buwa-Komoren et al., 2019). (mgbanala) commonly known as morning
The leaf is the center of biosynthesis of glory is specifically added to stimulate
different metabolites which may contain lactation and used to boost fertility in non-
many bioactive principles with good post-partum treatment. The fruit of the
medicinal properties (Sadat-Hosseini et al., Sapotaceae Chrysophyllum albidium
2017; Mwangi et al.,2017). A plant may (Udara) is well known and loved by all and
contain several compounds that may be well craved in pregnancy but little is known
active against a wide range of diseases, a about the leaves in the treatment of anemia,
good example is the use of the fruit seed of as part of it is used in the wrap of Aju to
Xylopia aethiopica commonly known as check anemia, malaria and also helps to
Ethiopian pepper or uda in the local regulate blood pressure, 85% of the
parlance, an aromatic spice in the respondents agreed to this. Treatment of
preparation of soup to aid new mothers in sterility and sexual asthenia was also
breast feeding is mentioned for healing of mentioned by 25%. Keeping the new
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© Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Printed in Nigeria ISSN 1118 – 1931

mother healthy to look after the infant is dependent on intake rather on maternal
also part of the care, this may justify the reserves therefore lactating mothers are
inclusion of the leaves, twigs and bark of required to consume adequate quantities of
Psidium guajava, well known for its anti- these nutrients to avoid deficiencies (Allen
fever properties and large store of vitamins 2005). Consumption of Aju Mbaise
A, C and pectin. The twigs and roots of decoction can therefore contribute to the
Owariwa (Macaranga hurifolia) of the mineral intake and consequently increase
family Euphorbiaceae are extremely the secretion of these mineral nutrients in
diuretic and even beyond post-partum are breast milk and improve infant nutrition as
used to treat edema in pregnancy. well as prevent maternal deficiencies.
It is important to note that all the plants CONCLUSION
knotted in Aju Mbaise must have at one
Even in the light of increased sophistication
time been used individually for one
of modern health care as enriched by
treatment or the other and the discovery of
science and technology, the use of herbal
the combination must have sprung from
medicine will continue to thrive in both
instinct. The combinations of these different
poor and rich societies for many and
herbs have their roles and functions.
probably for different reasons. It could also
Interactions with native medical
be said that the use of medicinal herbs to
practitioners and consumers showed that the
cure common ailment will continue to be a
plants must have been first explored as
major part of the health care delivery system
sources of food from where they were
in many societies.
observed to possess some beneficial health
properties. Nnadiukwu et al. (2019) stated The study has shown that consumption of
that the bioactive compounds are not known the decoction of “Aju Mbaise” especially
but other researchers like Aguoru et al. during the post-partum can improve the
(2016) have quantified the bioactive health status of its consumer and equally
compounds of some of the plants. Ogueke solve a lot of gynecological issues in
et al. (2016) reported that the decoction women as well as other health issues. It also
from Aju Mbaise contains bioactive showed that one plant can be involved in
compounds believed to be responsible for different cures. Decoction of Aju Mbaise is
observed anti-bacterial activities and if most popularly used and leaves are more
taken in adequate amount can contribute to predominant in the preparation.
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