Maternal consumption of aqueous extract of hibiscus sabdariffa during pregnancy attenuates pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss

Abstract

The effect of maternal consumption of aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa during pregnancy on pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifteen in-bred pregnant female Spague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups A, B and C on day one of pregnancy. Group C rats had tap water while groups A and B rats had 0.6g HS extract and 1.8g HS extract respectively in 100ml tap water to drink throughout pregnancy and through 34 days postpartum. All the rats in all the groups were fed normal rat chow ad libitum. Dam weights were measured daily throughout pregnancy and at delivery, 10, 14, 20 and 34 days postpartum. Results of the present study show a significant concentration dependent decrease in both pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss at the doses tested.