ABSTRACT
A total of twelve pregnant Wistar rats were used, and randomly divided into three groups (n=4). Group A (negative control), not exposed to noise stress), group B (1mL/kg of distilled water + 4h /15 days noise stress), group C (0.04 mg/kg) of selenium-yeast + 4 h/15 days noise stress). On day 18 and 19 of gestation cognitive tests were conducted using Y-maze and Novel Object Recognition Test. A significant increase (P ? 0.05) was observed in the percentage alternation and discrimination index in group A compared with group B. However, the percentage alternation and DI were significantly (P ? 0.05) decreased in group C compared with group B. In conclusion, noise stress induces cognitive deficit, this deficit can be mitigated with the administration of selenium-yeast.
ABSTRACT
Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Azadirachta indica (AI) are widely used in Nigeria for medicinal purposes and have also been shown to affect weight changes anecdotally through mechanisms not yet defined. There are reports of decreased food consumption and weight gain in rats consuming HS extracts as the drinking solutions but there is paucity of data on the effect of these two extracts, administered by gavage, on weight changes during pregnancy and lactation. This study was therefore designed to investigate this in relation to food and fluid intake. 40 pregnant rats weighing 150-200 g were used for this study. They were divided into three groups: control, HS and AI groups. HS and AI groups were subdivided into two subgroups of low and high doses. Extract administration was orally by gavage and commenced on day 1 of pregnancy and ended on postnatal day 21. Food and fluid consumption were monitored throughout pregnancy and lactation. The results showed that the aqueous extract of HS and AI increased consumption of food and fluid during pregnancy and lactation, increased maternal weight gain during pregnancy and lactation. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that consumption of aqueous extracts of HS and AI during pregnancy and lactation increased fluid and food intake and weight gain of dams with a possible potential to accelerate weight loss or decrease postpartum weight retention during lactation.
ABSTRACT
"In folk medicine; extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) are used in the treatment of several complaints including high blood pressure; liver diseases and fever. To the best of our knowledge; no documented evidence exists on the effect of inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS on postnatal growth. The purpose of the present study; therefore; was to investigate this. Three groups of pregnant rats were used for this study. Group C had tap water while groups A and B had 0.6g and 1.8g HS extract respectively in 100ml tap water to drink throughout pregnancy. All groups had normal rat chow ad libitum. On the day of birth; birth weights were recorded and two pups each from dams in groups A and B were substituted for 4 pups from dams in group C such that dams in group C had two pups each from groups A and B and at least two pups from its own litters to nurse. Thereafter; weights were recorded at 10days; 14days; 20days and 34 days postpartum.Results of the present study show a statistically significant (p0.05) growth reduction in groups A and B pups (exposed group) compared with group C (unexposed group) at 10 days through 20 days postpartum with no statistically significant growth reduction at 34 days postpartum. We conclude that inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS attenuates early postnatal growth in SD rats with a possible ""catch-up"" growth later in life."
Subject(s)
Animal Experimentation , Hibiscus , Pregnancy , RatsABSTRACT
"In folk medicine; extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) are used in the treatment of several complaints including high blood pressure; liver diseases and fever. To the best of our knowledge; no documented evidence exists on the effect of inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS on postnatal growth. The purpose of the present study; therefore; was to investigate this. Three groups of pregnant rats were used for this study. Group C had tap water while groups A and B had 0.6g and 1.8g HS extract respectively in 100ml tap water to drink throughout pregnancy. All groups had normal rat chow ad libitum. On the day of birth; birth weights were recorded and two pups each from dams in groups A and B were substituted for 4 pups from dams in group C such that dams in group C had two pups each from groups A and B and at least two pups from its own litters to nurse. Thereafter; weights were recorded at 10days; 14days; 20days and 34 days postpartum. Results of the present study show a statistically significant (p0.05) growth reduction in groups A and B pups (exposed group) compared with group C (unexposed group) at 10 days through 20 days postpartum with no statistically significant growth reduction at 34 days postpartum. We conclude that inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS attenuates early postnatal growth in SD rats with a possible ""catch-up"" growth later in life."