Effect of aqueous extract of alligator pepper (Zingiberacea aframomum melegueta) on litter size of alloxan induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: This study was done to find out if aqueous extract of alligator pepper can prevent the development of fetal macrosomia in type 1 diabetic pregnant rats. Eighteen female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups A, B and C (n=6 each).Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats in groups B and C. Seventeen female rats, which met the criteria for inclusion, were mated with 17 male rats in separate cages. Thereafter, the pregnant female rats were placed in separate maternity cages and fed with growers mash and water ad libitum . On day 4 of gestation, the rats in groups A and B were given an intra-peritoneal injection of 13.3ml/Kg body weight of distilled water, while the rats in group C were given an intra-peritoneal injection of 13.3mg/Kg body weight of aqueous extract of alligator pepper. There was a non-significant increase in the weight of litters from non-treated diabetic rats in group B (p > 0.05) and a significant decrease in the weight of litters of treated diabetic pregnant rats in group C (p < 0.05). It was concluded that alligator pepper significantly reduces litter size in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats with type 1 diabetic mellitus. Key words : Effect, Alligator Pepper, Litter Size, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: E. Ehiagwina, Ute Inegbenebor
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2552673623