Scholars International Journal of Biochemistry (SIJB)
Volume-1 | Issue-03 | 101-105
Original Research Article
Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa Oleifera Seeds and Leaves on Pregnancy
Gogo Appolus Obediah, Gift Paago
Published : Oct. 30, 2018
Abstract
Infertility has remained a major health problem among couples and sexually active individuals who seek to procreate, and the search for therapeutic solutions have remained endless. This led to the consumption of moringa oleifera as fertility aid. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of moringa oleifera seeds and leaves on pregnancy. Eighty-four (84) albino rats comparing of 56 females and 28 males, which acclimatised for two weeks and mated in ratio of 2 females to 1 male, the pregnant female rats were then divided into 7 Groups of 7; All rats were weighed on a daily basis throughout the research period. Group 1- Control (10ml/kg body weight/day of vehicle [Tween 80] orally). Groups 2-4 (Seed extract at dose level of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight/day respectively), Groups 5-7 (Seed extract at dose level of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight/day respectively). Administration was carried out throughout the gestation period. The blood samples were collected for hormonal assay and under standard aesthetic conditions. From the results it was observed that the moringa oleifera leave and seed extract caused resorption of the foetus with decrease in weight in a dose dependent manner; however, there was no disruption of the normal gestation. The levels of FSH and LH for animals treated with 400mg/kg were significantly lower than those of 200mg/kg, 100mg/kg and the control group. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of both the leaf and seed of moringa oleifera has shown abortifacient effect and therefore not advise for consumption during pregnancy.