Effect of Methanol Extract of Launaea taraxacifolia, on Pregnancy Outcome and Some Biochemical Parameters of Rats’ Offspring

Launaea taraxacifolia (LT) is used among pregnant women in Sokoto Nigeria, to ease the delivery process and improve foetal outcome. However, no scientific information exists on its effect on pregnancy outcomes and the offspring. This study aimed to investigate the effect of its oral administration during pregnancy on the weight of dams and litters, length of gestation, litter size, morphology, and biochemical parameters of liver and kidney in the offspring. Twenty pregnant Sprague Dawley rats weighing 150-180 g were randomised into four groups of five animals each. Group 1 (control) received daily oral administration of distilled water (5 ml/kg), and groups 2, 3, and 4 received 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg methanol extract of LT from gestational day 14 to 20 and were allowed to have their litters. There was no significant difference in the weight gain and length of gestation of the dams across the groups, no observable physical malformation in the litters, but a significant reduction in the litter size, a significant increase in the birth weight and weight at 21 days post parturition. Biochemical analysis of the kidney and liver of pups showed a decrease in serum urea and total bilirubin respectively in the group treated with 250 mg/kg of LT. In conclusion, LT when administered to pregnant rats did not cause observable physical malformations but may increase the weight of pups, cause abortion of the foetus at a dose of 500 mg/kg, and a decrease in serum urea and total bilirubin in the offspring.