Developmental programming is a process where stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of growth and development might permanently alter tissue anatomy and physiology so as to produce adverse effects in adult life. Most forms of exposure include maternal nutrient deprivation, nutrient excess, exogenous glucocorticoid excess and endogenous glucocorticoid due to maternal stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) are highly rich in phenolic compounds with marked physiological activities, the sweetened aqueous extract of Hs, commonly known as “Zobo’ in Nigeria, is consumed by humans including pregnant and lactating mothers. This study aimed at determining effects of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hs to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development. Twenty-five pregnant female rats were used. Rats were randomly placed into five groups of five rats per group (one animal per cage): Group I (Normal control); Group II (feed-restricted control); Group III (5 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group IV (10 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group V (20 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet). Dams were allowed to nurse only 8 pups. Pups were weaned to ad libitum feed and water and were observed daily for puberty onset. Weights, lengths and body mass index (BMI) of pups were measured at delivery, weaning and puberty onset. At onset of puberty in each of the rats, blood samples were collected for determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and testosterone. Reproductive organs were excised and weighed for histology. The extract caused significant increase in postnatal weight, length and BMI of offspring at birth, weaning and puberty onset and significantly delayed puberty onset in both sexes. There was significant increase in absolute and relative weights of testes and ovaries with alterations in histology. This study has shown that maternal consumption of flavonoid-rich extract of Hs during pregnancy and lactation may accelerate offspring postnatal growth with delay in onset of puberty.

Background: Experiments using animal models have indicated that maternal diet during the perinatal period can drastically impact the life-long susceptibility of offspring to chronic disease. Objectives: This study aims to determine the impact of perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed restriction on offspring heart development. Methods: In this study, we used 25 pregnant rats. They were grouped as follows: group 1 (normal control), group 2 (70% feed restriction), group 3 (70% feed restriction and 5mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), group 4 (70% feed restriction, and 10mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), and group 5 (70% feed restriction and 20mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration). Dams were only allowed to nurse 8 pups. Pups were weaned and observed daily for puberty onset. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of creatine kinase, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. The hearts were excised, weighed, and prepared for histological examination. Results: The result showed a significant increase in absolute and relative weights of the heart with alterations in the histology of the heart. There was a significant change in serum levels of creatine kinase and malondialdehyde. Conclusion: Maternal consumption of H. sabdariffa during pregnancy and lactation may increase the development of cardiovascular diseases in offspring during postnatal growth.

Anaemia is a serious health challenge in developing countries. This study evaluated the chemical composition of Combretum dolichopetalum (CD) leaves, the effect of its methanol extract on the body weights and haematological indices of phenylhydrazine induced-anaemic rats. Fresh matured leaves of CD were collected, identified and authenticated. Phytochemicals, proximate compositions, mineral elements, anti-nutritional factors and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were determined. A total number of twenty (20) mature inbred apparently healthy male albino rats of the Wistar strain (100-150 g) were used for this study. Anaemia was induced by administering phenylhydrazine to rats in Groups 2, 3 and 4 comprising of five rats per group. Group 1 (non-anaemic control) (n = 5) and Group 2 (anaemic control) received distilled water respectively while Groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg/kg of CD leaf extract orally using oropharyngeal cannula once per day for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained for haematological analysis using standard methods. The result showed a significant increase in Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration in Groups 3 and 4 compared with the anaemic group. Chemical analysis showed the presence of some phytochemicals, proximate compositions, mineral elements and anti-nutritional factors. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of nine (9) compounds. This study indicates that CD is nutritionally rich and contains some important bioactive principles that support its anti-anaemic properties.