Effects of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Selected Plants on the Plasma Electrolytes Levels in Preeclamptic-Induced Wistar Rats

Abstract

Plants have always been used in medicine. Global research on plant medicinal efficacies has led to the development of plant-based medicines. Although their efficacy in the treatment of preeclampsia have not been shown. The study investigated the effects of methanol leaf extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchornea cordifolia and Secamone afzelii on the plasma electrolytes levels of preeclampticWistar rats. The rats were given Adriamycin (3.5 mg/kg) via a lateral caudal vein after mild ether anesthesia. Female rats were coupled with reproductive male rats for 4 days after 2 weeks. In the vaginal smear, the presence of spermatozoa in the first day of pregnancy was documented. After preeclampsia was observed, the rats were administered extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight) orally on a daily basis during the third trimester and postpartum period. Na, K, and Cl- plasma levels were estimated using an Automatic Electrolyte Analyzer, model BT-500 Plus; whereas Ca and Mg were analyzed by colorimetric method using standard kits. Results showed that in induced preeclampsia, sodium levels were 129.3 mmol/L in the third trimester; however, this level considerably increased to 136.3 – 170.5 mmol/L after administration of various dosages of the extracts. Calcium and magnesium levels were likewise increased (7.1 to 11.9 mg/dL and 1.05 to 2.53 mEq/L, respectively) in induced Wistar rats after extracts administration. The capacity for plant extracts to correct hyponatremia, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia during preeclampsia has thus been presented.