A Systematic Review of Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge and Gynaecological Practice in Guinea

In Guinea, a substantial portion of the population utilises indigenous medicinal knowledge for primary healthcare, including the management of gynaecological conditions. This knowledge system remains largely undocumented and operates parallel to formal biomedical structures, leading to uncertainties regarding its specific practices, safety profiles, and potential for complementary integration. This systematic review aimed to synthesise published evidence on the application of indigenous medicinal knowledge within gynaecological practice in Guinea. Its specific objectives were to catalogue reported medicinal plants and practices, analyse their applications for particular gynaecological conditions, and identify any documented health outcomes and safety concerns. A systematic search was executed across several electronic databases and sources of grey literature. Pre-defined inclusion criteria selected studies presenting primary data on indigenous gynaecological knowledge in Guinea. Processes of study screening, data extraction, and thematic synthesis were conducted independently by two reviewers. The search identified a limited number of empirical studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A prominent finding from the synthesised literature was the reported use of specific plant species, for example Khaya senegalensis, in managing postpartum haemorrhage and facilitating labour. However, the available evidence consistently lacked detailed data on efficacy, standardised dosage, and adverse events. Indigenous medicinal knowledge for gynaecological care constitutes an integral, yet under-researched, component of community health in Guinea. The existing evidence base is sparse and methodologically limited, preventing a comprehensive assessment of its role, potential benefits, and associated risks. There is a need for ethically conducted primary research to systematically document and evaluate this knowledge. Future studies should employ robust methodological designs and engage collaboratively with traditional knowledge holders. Policymakers are encouraged to develop frameworks that facilitate respectful dialogue between indigenous and biomedical health systems. Traditional medicine, ethnogynaecology, medicinal plants, maternal health, West Africa, traditional birth attendants This review consolidates the fragmented evidence on a critical healthcare practice, highlighting significant research gaps and providing a foundation for future rigorous enquiry and informed policy discussion.