Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Medicinal Plants Used against Microbial Infections in Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

Pregnant women are important people in society. As such, their health condition is paramount. Healthy babies reflect the health condition of fetus in the womb and the mother. In Nigeria, pregnant women consult local midwives for the purpose of their health and that of their unborn children. Medicinal plant ingestion is common among pregnant women as they believe it is safe and effective for curing ailment and maintaining good health. Microbial diseases that infect pregnant women are numerous. There is therefore a need to detect other bioactive compounds which could be used for treating and maintaining good health in pregnant women. The study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants used for pregnancy care. Medicinal plants used were identified by oral interview. Microorganisms were isolated and identified by standard methods from urine samples. Result from oral interviewers showed that some medicinal plants and substances including kaolin clay were used by pregnant women. Microrganisms identified were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and others including Candida albicans. Ficus exasperata and Solenostemon monostachyus were active against Candida albicans at 12.5mg/ml but not active on any bacteria. Peperomia pellucida had no inhibitory effect on any of the microorganism. In conclusion, Ficus exasperata and Solenostemon monostachyus could be used to treat microbial infections caused by Candida ablicans during pregnancy.