Effect of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development

Abstract

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.

Histological Studies of the Heart and Biochemical Changes Due to the Perinatal Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Flavonoid-rich Extract) to Feed-restricted Rats on Offspring

“…The methanol extraction of H. sabdariffa was done following the standard method (Chukwu et al, 2021). The extract was screened for the existence of phytochemicals using the methods mentioned in the studies (Gul et al, 2017;Emelike et al, 2021).…”

“…The rats were monitored daily for vaginal opening in females and balano-preputial separation in males since puberty set in after weaning around 21 days (Chukwu et al, 2021). At the onset of puberty, two male and two female pups were randomly selected from each group.…”

“…In Nigeria, the general consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa by humans, particularly gestational and lactating mums, is certainly not for therapeutic intentions but the replacement of beverages, no doubt considering the body's normal function (Chukwu et al, 2021). Few studies have shown that consumption of H. sabdariffa extracts during gestation and lactation improves the postnatal poundage increase, absence of the start of sexual maturation, and raised body mass index at puberty (Enwerem et al, 2016;Chukwu et al, 2021;Sattar Ali, 2022). Flavonoids exist as polyphenolic phytochemicals noticed in foodstuffs and beverages.…”

“…Flavonoids exist as polyphenolic phytochemicals noticed in foodstuffs and beverages. They are marked by various chemical compounds and physiological belongings (Formaggio et al, 2015;Tungmunnithum et al, 2018;Chukwu et al, 2021;Mohammed et al, 2021). The study of flavonoids is noteworthy.…”