Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours of the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and infertility. They affect up to 70–80% of women by age 50, with African and African-descendant populations reported to experience fibroids earlier and with more severe symptoms. Current treatments include surgery and medicines, but these can have limitations including side effects, recurrence, high costs or loss of fertility. This has contributed to interest in medicinal plants and other natural products. A research study funded by the NRF aimed to bring together current knowledge on the causes, risk factors and treatment of uterine fibroids, with particular attention to medicinal plants traditionally used for fibroids and their potential therapeutic properties. To achieve the research aims, the study conducted a structured search of peer-reviewed research published between 2001 and 2025. It searched five databases for studies on uterine fibroids, medicinal plants, natural products and related interventions. After screening the literature, 25 studies were included in the final review.

The study also drew on oral accounts from five experienced traditional health practitioners from Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Two plants consistently emerged as important in traditional preparations for fibroid-related complaints: Gunnera perpensa and Albizia tanganyicensis. The findings showed that Gunnera perpensa has demonstrated uterine-contracting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in preclinical studies. Albizia tanganyicensis was reported to have properties that may be relevant to hormonal regulation and pain (estrogen-modulating and analgesic properties), although the available scientific evidence for this plant remains limited. The study also reported that phytochemical screening identified several groups of compounds in Gunnera perpensa, while crude extracts of Albizia tanganyicensis contained steroids but lacked alkaloids.

Importantly, these findings do not establish that either plant can safely or effectively treat uterine fibroids in people. The review found important gaps in the evidence, including limited clinical validation, lack of standardised dosing and limited pharmacokinetic and toxicological data. The study also notes documented toxicity associated with the pods of Albizia tanganyicensis, although the review focused on its stem bark.

The study concludes that the traditional use and preliminary pharmacological evidence for these two South African medicinal plants justify further investigation. However, well designed pharmacological and clinical studies are still needed before their potential role in fibroid treatment can be established.