Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used to Manage Postpartum Haemorrhage in Traditional Practice in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria, particularly in the North West zone where skilled birth attendance coverage remains sub-optimal. In Kebbi State, traditional birth attendants and community herbalists use plant-based preparations to manage excessive postpartum bleeding. This study documents the medicinal plants employed for PPH management across Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Zuru local government areas. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 traditional birth attendants, 15 herbal practitioners, and 25 postpartum women through purposive sampling. Plant specimens were authenticated at the herbarium of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Seventeen plant species were recorded, with Ficus sycomorus, Terminalia macroptera, and Mimosa pudica cited most frequently. Oral decoctions of root and bark preparations were the most common forms of use, administered immediately after delivery. Several cited species have documented oxytocic, astringent, or styptic properties in pharmacological literature, lending credence to their reported haemostatic uses. Importantly, at least three of the identified plants contain compounds with potential adverse cardiovascular effects at undosed concentrations, highlighting safety concerns in unregulated use. This study advocates for collaborative engagement between obstetricians, pharmacognosists, and traditional birth attendants to evaluate and safely integrate plant-based haemostatic preparations in North West Nigeria. Keywords: postpartum haemorrhage, traditional birth attendants, Kebbi State, medicinal plants, haemostatic