[1]
Ekhator C. N., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
[2]
Osifo U. C., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
It is the aim of this study to investigate the abortifacient potential of Moringa oleifera leaves indicated by weight changes on pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. In a bid to achieved this objective, fifteen adult albino rats (5 males and 10 females) were obtained from the animal holding of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Female rats (M1 – M5) served as the experimental group while female rats (C1 and C5) served as the control group. Each rat in both groups was given 20g of normal rat chow and water ad libitum throughout the experiment. After the confirmation of pregnancy, 3g of M. oileifera was added to 17g of normal rat chow to form the experimental diet for M1 – M5 from the 5th day to 15th day. Our results showed progressive body weight gain in the control from the 6th day to 21st day. On the other hand, the test group (fed M. oleifera leaves) showed a reduction in body weight after mating to about the 7th day and started gaining weight from the 8th day to the end of the 3rd trimester. At the end of the 23rd day, only the control produces litters while the test did not produced any litter. This finding revealed that M. oleifera leaves may be abortifacient and it abortifacient potential occur in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
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