The effect of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on gestational weight gain, pregnancy outcome and postpartum weight retention in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats

Pregnancy and increased gestational weight gain has been observed to be associated with increased postpartum weight retention. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HSE) on gestational weight gain, pregnancy outcome and postpartum weight retention in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifteen pregnant SD rats were randomly assigned to groups A, B and C. Group C had tap water while groups A and B had 0.6g HSE and 1.8g HSE respectively in 100ml tap water to drink throughout pregnancy and through 34 days postpartum. The rats in all groups were fed normal rat chow ad libitum. The weights of the rats were measured daily throughout pregnancy and at delivery and at 10, 14, 20 and 34 days postpartum. Results show statistically significant (