Prenatal Stress Alters Hormonal Profiles in Rat Offspring: Protective Roles of Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Melatonin

Abstract Background: Prenatal stress can disrupt endocrine homeostasis and induce long-term physiological alterations in offspring through fetal programming mechanisms. Such disturbances may impair reproductive hormone balance and elevate stress-related hormones, predisposing offspring to metabolic and neuroendocrine dysfunctions. Natural antioxidants such as Hibiscus sabdariffa and melatonin have been reported to possess protective properties against oxidative and stress-related damage. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and melatonin on the hormonal profile of offspring from stress-exposed pregnant Wistar rats. Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 8): non-stress with vehicle (NSV), stress with vehicle (SV), stress with Hibiscus sabdariffa (SHS), stress with melatonin (SM), and stress with combined Hibiscus sabdariffa and melatonin (SHSM). From gestational day 7 to 21, animals in stress groups were subjected to restraint stress for one hour daily. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract and melatonin (10 mg/kg each) were administered orally during the stress period. Three weeks after parturition, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), cortisol, prolactin, adrenaline, and noradrenaline were measured in the offspring. Results: Offspring of stressed dams exhibited significantly reduced FSH and LH levels alongside elevated prolactin, cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline compared with the non-stressed group (P < 0.0001). Treatment with Hibiscus sabdariffa or melatonin significantly attenuated these stress-induced hormonal alterations. Combined treatment produced a greater improvement in hormonal balance than either treatment alone. Conclusion: Prenatal stress disrupts endocrine regulation in offspring, whereas Hibiscus sabdariffa and melatonin mitigate these effects. Their combined administration appears to provide enhanced protective benefits, possibly through complementary mechanisms involving modulation of gonadotropins and stress hormones.