Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0932
ISSN: 2161-0932
Anitha Kilari, Manasi Deshpande and Sadhana Joshi
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy hypertensive disorder which leads to both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Evidences suggest that factors such as maternal micronutrients and oxidative stress are involved in the pathology of preeclampsia. Studies on preeclampsia and preterm have shown altered maternal micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B12) and their probable epigenetic mechanisms leading to metabolic and neurobehavioral disorders in the offspring in later life. Our earlier study has also shown increased oxidative stress and reduced birth outcome in preeclampsia. Reports also suggest that micronutrients deficiency is prevalent in Indian women leading to oxidative stress and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, studies on supplementation with micronutrients/synthetic antioxidants have shown controversial results in preeclampsia. Further, there are no reports on supplementation with natural antioxidant rich Ayurved herbal agents in preeclampsia. Tribulus terrestris (TT) is aprostate herb, used extensively in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurved) to treat inflammatory (Shotha), cardiovascular (Hridroga) and renal disorders. TT has been advised during sixth month of pregnancy in Ayurveda to maintain pregnancy. Further, several clinical and experimental studies have validated the effects of TT in cardiovascular, hepatic and reproductive disorders due to its antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. However, no studies have examined the effect of TT in the prevention/treatment of preeclampsia and fetal programming. Hence, future studies should investigate the efficacy of TT along with micronutrients like folate and vitamin B12 in the treatment of preeclampsia using well defined molecular mechanisms.