Chemical Composition and Oxytocic Properties of Traditional Herbal Medicines for Labour in Zambia: An HPLC-UV Analytical Study

Background: Traditional herbal medicines (THMs) are widely used during pregnancy and labour in Zambia, yet their chemical composition and safety remain poorly understood. Despite extensive ethnographic documentation, only ~1% of tropical species have undergone scientific screening, and pharmacological validation is lacking.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze and characterize the chemical constituents of five THMs commonly used for labour in Mazabuka District, Zambia, with a focus on identifying oxytocin-like and misoprostol-like compounds to inform evidence-based maternal health policy.

Methods: Five THMs Achyranthes aspera (Mutobolo), Azanza garckeana (Mutobo), Brassica oleracea (Tende), Cincenya (Velvet fruit), and elephant dung—were collected and analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV) at the National Food and Drug Control Laboratory, Lusaka, Zambia. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were compared against oxytocin (Rt = 12 min) and Cytotec/misoprostol (Rt = 7 min) reference standards.

Results: Three THMs Mutobolo, Mutobo, and Tende exhibited oxytocin-like activity, with Mutobolo showing dual peaks matching both oxytocin and Cytotec. Cincenya presented a distinct peak at 14 minutes, suggesting unidentified bioactive compounds, while elephant dung showed no detectable uterotonic activity.

Conclusion/ originality: Mutobolo demonstrates verified oxytocic and misoprostol-like activity, supporting its traditional use for labour induction and augmentation. However, lack of standardization and dosing control presents maternal safety risks. Further toxicological and clinical validation is required before integrating these THMs into formal maternal healthcare systems.