A review of ethnobotanical abortifacients in Mexico

This review synthesizes 70 years of ethnobotanical, clinical, community-circulated, and archival sources (1950-2023) to document abortifacient plants used in Mexico and to evaluate their taxonomic, cultural, and historical patterns of use. We identified 119 species across 45 families, with 11 families cited four or more times in the literature. Among these, Rutaceae, Verbenaceae, Apiaceae, Aristolochiaceae, and Commelinaceae appeared disproportionately frequently relative to their species richness, while Fabaceae was markedly underrepresented. Across species, two ethnospecies groups, Ruta spp. (“ruda”) and Montanoa spp. (“zoapatle”) accounted for 44 % of all citations and exhibited continuity in use from the 1950s through 2021. We also summarize available information on modes of action, preparation forms, cultural roles, and gaps in phytochemical knowledge. By integrating quantitative taxonomic patterns with socio-cultural context, this review clarifies longstanding plant-based reproductive practices in Mexico and underscores their relevance within contemporary reproductive justice and community health landscapes.