Effect of Aqueous Extract of <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> Stem Bark on Maternal Hormones and Fetal Outcome in Pregnant Rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale stem bark on maternal hormonal levels  and fetal outcome in pregnant rats. The animals were divided into four groups. The control group received a daily dose of distilled water  and 100mg/kg of extract was administered to the other three groups during the 1st trimester (Day 1-7), 2nd trimester (Day 1-14), and 3rd  trimester (Day 1-21) respectively. Progesterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) were assayed for  in the dams as well as implantation, gestation length and weekly maternal weights were determined. Litter sizes, fetal weights, placental  weights were also recorded. The extract decreased the concentrations of serum progesterone in the Day 1-21 exposed dams. The FSH  level was also significantly decreased in animals administered extract in the Day 1-14 and Day 1-21 while it was increased in animals in the  Day 1-7 group. The level of LH was decreased in the Day 1-21 when compared with the control. The average weight of dams was  significantly reduced throughout pregnancy, while the gestation length was not affected. The litter size, fetal weights and placental  weights were significantly reduced in treatment groups compared to the control. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of  Anacardium occidentale stem bark decreased hormonal levels resulting in lower pregnancy rates which could be the reason for the  decrease in litter size and foetal weights.