Background: Anemia remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Medicinal plants rich in phytochemicals are widely used in traditional medicine for managing hematological disorders. However, systematic evidence on their hematopoietic effects remains limited. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published up to December 2025. Experimental studies evaluating plant-derived phytochemicals on hematological parameters—hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and white blood cells (WBC) were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed using the SYRCLE tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted, supported by quantitative summaries. Results: A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning Nigeria, India, China, Ghana, South Africa, and Brazil. Most studies utilized rodent models and evaluated aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic plant extracts rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. Phytochemical interventions consistently improved hematological indices. Hemoglobin levels increased by 0.6–4.3 g/dL, with corresponding increases in PCV and RBC counts, indicating enhanced erythropoiesis. WBC counts were also elevated, suggesting immunomodulatory effects. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² ≈ 89.8%). Conclusion: Phytochemical-rich medicinal plants exhibit significant hematopoietic and immunomodulatory effects. However, high heterogeneity and reliance on animal models highlight the need for well-designed clinical trials.

A low birth weight (LBW) newborn is one who weighs less than 2,500 grams at birth. Birth weight is described as the main determinant of survival chances in newborns. Low birth weight is associated with infant mortality and postpartum health complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the factors contributing to low birth weight in newborns in the Markala Health District. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study in the Markala Health District. This study included newborns weighing less than 2,500 g at birth who were born and/or cared for in a health facility in the Markala District during the data collection period. Newborns weighing less than 2,500 g at birth and coming from another health district were not included. Sampling was non-probabilistic and exhaustive: all low birth weight newborns treated in health facilities in the Markala district during the collection period were included, as far as possible. The main data collection tool in this study was a structured questionnaire, developed on the basis of the specific objectives of the research. Data were collected over a three-month period after birth, from May to August 2025. Results: The study identified several factors associated with low birth weight, including twin births (25.4%), young maternal age (22.8% among 15–19-year-olds) and medical conditions such as high blood pressure (17.5%) and malaria (10.5%). The average weight of low birth weight newborns was 1964.58 grams, with a mode of 2000. The standard deviation was 402.972. The sex ratio favoured females, at 51.8%. Mothers aged 30 to 34 were the most represented, at 25.4%, followed by the two extreme age groups, 15-19 and 35-39, at 22.8% each. Conclusion: This study identified factors associated with low birth weight, the main determinants being twin births, teenage mothers, high blood pressure, infections, malaria and low attendance at prenatal consultations.