Body mass index at onset of puberty in rats exposed to aqueous extract of hibiscus sabdariffa in utero

The present study was designed to investigate whether or not maternal consumption of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) during pregnancy has any effect on body weight, body mass index (BMI) and weights of some selected visceral organs at onset of puberty in the female offspring. Eighteen in-bred virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats aged between 10-12 weeks and weighing 125 ± 5.5g (mean ± SEM) with two consecutive regular 4-day estrus cycle were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 6rats/group. One group had tap water (control); another had 1.5g-extract/kg while the third group had 3.0g-extract/kg in their drinking water throughout pregnancy. Maternal fluid and food intake were recorded throughout pregnancy and offspring weights were recorded at birth, weaning and weekly thereafter until onset of puberty. Results showed that HS consumption during pregnancy significantly decreased maternal fluid and food intake; increased body weight, BMI and the weights of the kidney, liver, heart and spleen; and delays the onset of puberty in the female offspring. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 203 - 208) Key Words; Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Food and Fluid intake, BMI, Onset of Puberty