Inadequate consumption of selenium is one of the most pertinent issues related to human infertility. Miscarriage is an infertility problem that primarily occurs before 24 weeks of pregnancy, and affects about 15-22% pregnant women worldwide. While some herbal mixtures (HM) have been described as potent for miscarriage prevention in Nigeria, little is known about their elemental composition. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the selenium concentrations in materials used for the formulations of two known effective anti-miscarriage HM. To further ascertain the possible link of selenium to miscarriage, selenium concentrations in plant materials of the selected HM, namely: 1) [St. Louis Sugar + Enantia chlorantha stem bark + fermented maize water (FMW)], and 2) [Cissampelos owariensis leaves + FMW], were determined by Buck Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Derived concentrations from primary values were also evaluated and compared with those of World Health Organisation (WHO) daily recommended limits for adults. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the highest selenium concentration (mgkg-1) in White fermented maize (280.80±2.41), followed by Yellow fermented maize (200.80±0.62), C. owariensis leaves (168.32±0.58), E. chlorantha stem bark (163.34±0.79), White maize seeds (137.48±5.75), while the lowest selenium amount was found in Yellow maize seeds (77.54±0.52). The maximum combined selenium concentration, 449 mgkg-1 found in HM 2, was slightly higher than the WHO daily upper tolerable dosage of 400 mgkg-1 for adults. The results suggest the possibility of selenium overdose in pregnant women if white FMW is used. Combined selenium concentrations in the herbal materials might be the responsible factor for the potency of the HM.

27.1.2022