Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-14, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Bashige Chiribagula Valentin, Okusa Ndjolo Philippe, Cedrick Shakalenga Mutombo, Manya Mboni Henry, Numbi wa Ilunga Evodie, Bakari Amuri Salvius, Jean Claude Nkwanga, Muyumba Singoy Sarah, Mwamba Maseho Faustin, Biayi Benaja Martin, Sangwa Kamulete Gregoire, Mbayo Kalubandika Glaubert, Muhona Melman, Lumbu Simbi Jean Baptiste
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0355373
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Traditional medicine constitutes a principal component of primary healthcare in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in Lubumbashi. However, ethnobotanical knowledge related to its use remains incompletely documented and underutilized. The present study aimed to systematically document medicinal plants used as uterotonic among residents of Lubumbashi.
Ethnobotanical data were collected through structured interviews with 207 informants (housewives, 𝑛 = 103; herbalists, 𝑛 = 26; traditional healers, 𝑛 = 78; sex ratio M/F = 0.5; mean age 35.6 ± 4.3 years; mean professional experience 13 ± 4.2 years).
Informants cited 98 medicinal plant species, predominantly trees (38 species), distributed across 43 botanical families, with Fabaceae being the most represented family (16 species). Malaria was the most frequently reported non‑uterotonic indication (46 species). A total of 122 traditional oxytocic formulations were recorded; most involved leaves (43 recipes) and were principally administered as cataplasm (44 recipes). To our knowledge, 34 species were reported for the first time with oxytocic uses, of which eight are documented for the first time as medicinal plants in DRC. Among taxa, Hylodesmum repandum (relative citation frequency, RCF = 0.20) and Crassocephalum montuosum (RCF = 0.19) exhibited the highest citation frequencies, while Securidaca longepedunculata (use value, UV = 0.27) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (UV = 0.25) showed the greatest overall use values.
These findings provide a baseline inventory for pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological studies, and support prioritization of bioassay-guided validation and conservation strategies for culturally important species.
1. Introduction
Childbirth remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite advances in modern medicine, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high, with a reported rate of 444 maternal deaths per 100,000 births over the past decade [1–3]. The main causes include hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, unsafe abortions and obstructed labor. These complications which are common due to socioeconomic inequalities, poverty, limited access to healthcare facilities and a shortage of qualified staff, particularly in rural areas [4,5], could be prevented with rapid access to quality care [5].
Uterotonics are substances that stimulate myometrial receptors, thereby increasing uterine tone and contractions [6]. These include oxytocin, Carbetocin, misoprostol, ergot and prostaglandin derivatives [7]. Concurrently, pregnant women also utilize natural substances to facilitate childbirth [8,9]reflecting their reliance on traditional medicine due to the constraints imposed by modern medical options.
In addition, conventional medicine has advanced obstetric care through technologies such as prenatal imaging, electronic fetal monitoring, and artificial intelligence algorithms that support conventional uterotonics [10,11]. These advances are inaccessible to a significant proportion of the African population, particularly in DRC, where human and material resources are severely limited [12].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Bashige Chiribagula Valentin, Okusa Ndjolo Philippe, Cedrick Shakalenga Mutombo, Manya Mboni Henry, Numbi wa Ilunga Evodie, Bakari Amuri Salvius, Jean Claude Nkwanga, Muyumba Singoy Sarah, Mwamba Maseho Faustin, Biayi Benaja Martin, Sangwa Kamulete Gregoire, Mbayo Kalubandika Glaubert, Muhona Melman, Lumbu Simbi Jean Baptiste. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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