Effect of prenatal consumption of Combretum dolichopetalum by pregnant rats on haematological and biochemical parameters as well as pregnancy outcome

Introduction: Combretum dolichopetalum (CD) is commonly found in the Eastern part of Nigeria where it is used to relieve menstrual pain, enhance labour, facilitate the removal of placenta and promote a rich milk supply after delivery. This study investigates the effect of prenatal consumption of Combretum dolichopetalum by pregnant albino rats on haematological, and biochemical parameters as well as pregnancy outcome. Methods: Mature inbred healthy female albino rats of normal estrus cycles that were 2-3 months of age weighting 120-180 g were used for the study. Examination of the estrus cycle, the introduction of male rats at pro-estrus, and confirmation of pregnancy were adopted using standard method. After initiation of pregnancy, fifty (50) rats were placed in five groups comprising ten rats per group. Distilled water was administered to rats in Group 1 which served as control while rats in Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of Combretum dolichopetalum methanol leaf extract (CDLE) from day 15 to 20 of pregnancy using oral gavage, respectively. Maternal weight, haematological parameters (full blood count), biochemical parameters (renal and liver indices), gestational length, and litter size were measured using standard methods. Results: The result showed a decrease in maternal weight, postpartum weight retained and gestational length, an increase in haematological parameters, and no changes in the renal and liver indices. Conclusion: This study indicates that CDLE during prenatal did not influence the pregnancy outcome but was beneficial in decreasing postpartum weight retained without any visible sign of toxicity.