Herbal Supplements and Uterine Contractions: Still Crazy After All These Years?

Herbal preparations for the induction and augmentation of labor have a long history of use by Native Americans and Eclectic physicians. Several of these botanical treatments continue to be utilized effectively in midwifery today. The goal of this presentation is to share empirically derived data acquired from isolated uterine tissues. These samples have demonstrated potent contractile responses to a number of identified herbs. Further information will be shared regarding their efficacy, safety, and the ongoing investigation attempting to determine their mechanistic activities by way of receptor antagonism.