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1Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. 2Deapartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman.
Received: 29 Apr 2012 Accepted: 14 May 2012
*Address correspondence and reprints request to: Jumana Saleh, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. E-mail: jumana@squ.edu.om |
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To the Editor,
The use of traditional herbs in the developing world is based on social experience and traditional beliefs. For generations these practices have been taught and followed with the common faith that these herbs are relevant in the present time.1 Anastatica hierochuntica also known as Rose of Jericho, Resurrection plant, Genggam Fatimah,2 or very commonly in Arabic, Kaf Mariam (Mary's hand) is found in the Sahara-Arabian deserts and widely available in Middle Eastern societies where it is consumed as a herbal tea during pregnancy.3 It is used as folk medicine during late pregnancy, particularly before delivery for the cultural belief that it eases childbirth,2 reduces uterine hemorrhage, and facilitates expulsion of a dead fetus.3 It was claimed to be highly beneficial in antepartum care. It has also been reported to have anti-oxidant,4 antimicrobial,3 and hypoglycemic properties.5 In spite of these proclaimed medicinal benefits and common usage, scientific evidence considering the therapeutic effects of Kaf Mariam is very limited and worth following up in human studies.2,4
The wide consumption of this herb by Omani women may have not raised alertness to any negative outcomes during previous times. However, with the introduction of modern drugs for labor induction, and insulin for mothers with gestational diabetes, safety concerns regarding the possibility of uterine hyperstimulation, over induction of labor, or even hypoglycemia in the mother or the fetus, dictate that this herb should be used with caution. Until proven safe, Rose of Jericho consumption during pregnancy aught to be carefully monitored by doctors and caregivers. Pregnant women need to be aware about possible risks and acknowledge their usage of this herbal tea especially upon admission for delivery. Meanwhile, the consumption of this herb among pregnant women and its clinical relevance require further evaluation.
References
1. Hassan F, Shaaban J. Use of traditional/complimentary medicine among adult patients attending Family Medicine Clinic at Hospital University Sains Malaysia. Int Med J 2005;12:1-6.
2. Law KS, Soon LK, Syed Mohsin SS, Farid CG. Ultrastructural Findings of Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Sanggul Fatimah) towards explaining its Medicinal Properties. Annals of Microscopy 2009;9:50-56.
3. AlGamdi N, Mullen W, Crozier A. Tea prepared from Anastatica hirerochuntica seeds contains a diversity of antioxidant flavonoids, chlorogenic acids and phenolic compounds. Phytochemistry 2011 Feb;72(2-3):248-254.
4. Khalil MA. EL-Beltagi HES. Chemical composition and antioxidant/antimicrobial activities of kaff maryam (Anastatica hierochuntica) and doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica) cultivated in Egypt. Biyoloji Bilimleri Arastirma Dergisi. 2009;2:71-79.
5. Rahmy TR, El-Ridi MR. Action of Anastatica hierochuntica plant extract on Islets of Langerhans in normal and diabetic rats. Egypt J Biol 2002;4:87-94.
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