Rivina Humilis. Image source: Instagram.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Claim: A Facebook user claimed that women finding it difficult to get pregnant should use a leaf called Rivina Humilis as a remedy.
Verdict: False. DUBAWA spoke with experts and reviewed available research on Rivina humilis but found no substantial evidence that it helps women conceive.
Full Text
The understanding of women’s fertility, reproduction, and general health has evolved. Research and scientific insight have refined what we know about conception and challenged assumptions once taken for granted.
Despite these, false or misleading narratives persist and are treated as fact before anyone questions them.
A Facebook user@Eliyah Mashiach, claimed that using a leaf called Rivina Himilis is a remedy women who find it hard to conceive should use.
The claim (archived here)was shared in a video showing a man squatting beside a leaf, explaining what it does.
The man in the video said, “Do you have difficulty conceiving? Use this herb. The name of it is Rivina humilis, also called blood bush. Women, you can brew it and drink it.”
As of July 16, 2026, the post had amassed over 5,000 likes, 104 comments, 867 shares, 3,300 bookmarks, and over 100,000 views.
DUBAWA reviewed the comments to gauge users’ reaction.
@Wambui Tiger asked, “What about the herb for preventing blood clots during pregnancy?”
Another user, @Ikechukwu Oriaku, replied, “Where can one find it?”
@Findite Davies, who appeared to disagree with the claim, wrote, “ That’s not how to solve a problem. There are many factors that can make it difficult for a woman to conceive. I don’t think this plant can solve all the problems.”
The same claim was also shared here, here, here, and here.
DUBAWA decided to scrutinise the claim to determine whether it is backed by credible evidence or not.
Verification
What is Rivina humilis?
Rivina humilis is a perennial shrub in the Petiveriaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and is commonly known as bloodberry, pigeonberry, rouge plant, or coral berry.
The plant bears small white or pink flowers and bright red berries and is often cultivated as an ornamental species.
Scientific studies show that Rivina humilis contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Researchers have examined the plant for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. These studies describe its chemical composition and biological activities, but do not establish it as a treatment for any disease.
A 2023 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Rivina humilis contains several phytochemicals with reported pharmacological properties.
The authors noted that most of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies and recommended additional clinical research to determine the plant’s efficacy and safety in humans. The review did not identify Rivina humilis as a proven treatment for infertility or other reproductive conditions.
Does Rivina humilis help women conceive?
DUBAWA searched PubMed and other scientific databases for evidence that Rivina humilis improves fertility or increases the chance of conception in women.
We found no human clinical trials that show Rivina humilis improves fertility or helps women conceive. DUBAWA also found no systematic reviews or recommendations from recognised reproductive health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), that support the plant as a treatment for infertility.
Current research focuses on the plant’s chemical constituents and biological properties. DUBAWA found no study that assessed its effect on female fertility or conception.
The WHO states that infertility affects about one in six people worldwide. The organisation also notes that infertility may result from female factors, male factors, both partners, or unexplained causes. As a result, treatment depends on the underlying cause rather than a single herbal remedy.
What medical professionals say
DUBAWA spoke to Shuaibu Ibrahim, a gynaecologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, who explained that infertility is a medical condition with multiple causes, each of which requires a different evaluation and treatment.
“Difficulty conceiving may come from conditions that affect either partner. For women, it could be ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, or PCOS. For men, low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or poor sperm motility can all contribute to infertility,” Shuaibu said.
After establishing this, he explained that partners first need to determine who requires treatment, who may need lifestyle adjustments, and how both can work together towards conception.
“So if the said leaf is supposed to help, why would a woman just take it without knowing if she is the one who has the issue?” he asked.
Shuaibu went on to tell DUBAWA that the herb is not a remedy he is familiar with and emphasised the need to seek professional help in situations like this.
DUBAWA also spoke with Timothy Frank, a family physician, who said Rivina humilis is well known in Jamaica, where people use it in traditional medicine for various ailments.
“I am well acquainted with this leaf because, while I was studying in the US, I had the opportunity to visit Jamaica, where I became quite familiar with it and its uses. It is similar to how we use mango leaves, guava leaves, and many other plants to cook or prepare herbal remedies that people claim can do many things. While they have not harmed anyone who has consumed it, it doesn’t mean it fixes a woman’s fertility or any other ambiguous health problem,” he explained.
Timothy said no proof that using Rivina humilis will automatically help a woman conceive. He advised that this claim should be treated like many others that suggest leaves, roots, or plants can produce instant results without the scientific evidence to support them.
“Though herbs are used to develop and discover medicines, they have to go through a process, and for now, this one is not part of it,” he concluded.
Conclusion
Current research and expert opinions do not support the claim that Rivina humilis helps women conceive. Therefore, the claim is false.
