Herbal Remedy “Mojeaga” Proven Safe for Treating Pregnancy Anaemia, Nigerian Study Reveals

A recent study conducted by medical doctors at three Nigerian teaching hospitals has confirmed the safety and efficacy of the herbal remedy “Mojeaga” when combined with conventional oral iron therapy for treating anaemia during pregnancy. The hospitals involved in the research were Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University Teaching Hospital (COUTH) Awka, and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane.

The study, titled “Efficacy and safety of Mojeaga remedy in combination with conventional oral iron therapy for correcting anaemia in the obstetric population: A phase II randomised pilot clinical trial,” was published in the August 2023 edition of the journal PLOS ONE. The research, led by Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NAUTH, Prof. George Uchenna Eleje, aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Mojeaga when used alongside standard iron therapy to treat anaemia in pregnant women.

In this pilot clinical trial, participants with confirmed anemia diagnosis were randomised to receive Mojeaga syrup three times daily in combination with conventional iron therapy (Mojeaga group) or only conventional iron therapy (standard-of-care group) for two weeks. The primary outcome measures included changes in hematocrit levels and the median hematocrit level two weeks post-therapy. The safety outcome measures involved maternal adverse events and neonatal outcomes.

Results from the study demonstrated that the Mojeaga group had significantly higher median hematocrit values and a greater increase in hematocrit levels compared to the standard-of-care group. Importantly, no treatment-related serious adverse events or adverse neonatal outcomes were observed in the Mojeaga group.

The researchers concluded that Mojeaga is a safe and effective adjunct to standard-of-care treatment for anaemia in pregnant women. Anaemia, a condition characterised by low levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin concentration, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

The World Health Organization states that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of anaemia. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to anaemia, making the treatment and management of the condition essential.

Prior research had demonstrated the potential of a combination of three local herbs known as Mojeaga to boost the immune system, increase red blood cells, and prevent degenerative diseases. Mojeaga is a blend of Alchornea cordifolia, Pennisetum glaucum, and Sorghum bicolor extracts, and it has shown promise in addressing various health concerns.The latest study affirms the safety and efficacy of Mojeaga for pregnant women with anaemia, offering a new option for managing this common health issue during pregnancy.