Effect of Launaea taraxacifolia on Pregnancy Outcome, its Safety Profile and Mechanism(s) of Alleviating Labour Pain in Gravid Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26538/tjdr/v3i3.4Keywords:
Launaea taraxacifolia, Pregnancy, Labour pain, Prostaglandin E2, Prostaglandin F2α, EstradiolAbstract
Purpose: Launaea taraxacifolia (LT) is traditionally utilised by pregnant women to ease labour. This study evaluated LT’s effects on pregnancy outcomes, its safety profile, and the mechanism by which it alleviates labour pain. Methods: Whole plants of LT were extracted by maceration in distilled water. Pregnant rats were assigned to four groups and treated as follows: control (distilled water, 5 mL/kg/day); 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day LT, respectively, from gestational day (GD) 14 to GD 20. On GD 21, pups were delivered via caesarean section, and pregnancy outcome parameters were assessed. Blood samples, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, placenta, and maternal organs were analysed. The active constituents in LT were identified using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed in pregnancy outcomes, including the weights of dams, pups, and placenta; litter size; crump-rump length; and head circumference. Biochemical analyses indicated a reduction in sodium and chloride ions in the 100 mg/kg LT dose group and an increase in alkaline phosphatase in the 50 and 100 mg/kg LT groups. Estradiol levels decreased across all treated groups; however, prostaglandin E2 concentrations in both the amniotic fluid and umbilical cord samples remained unchanged, while prostaglandin F2α increased significantly in the amniotic fluid of the treated groups. Major active components in LT include cyanogenic glycosides, phytate, epihendrine, steroids, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, and naringin. Conclusion: LT had no adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes, and its mechanisms for alleviating labour pain and facilitating labour may be attributed to its effects on estradiol and prostaglandin F2α.Downloads
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