Effects of Aqueous Extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) Leaf on Pregnancy Outcome of Wistar Rats

摘要

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) leaf extract is used medicinally to treat various kinds of diseases such as diabetes, fever, bronchitis etc, in different parts of the world including Nigeria. This study investigates the effect of A. occidentale leaf extract on reproductive outcome of Wistar rats. Twenty female wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (I, II, III, and IV), n = 5 in each group. Group I is the control while groups II, III and IV are experimental groups. 300 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of A. occidentale was administered orally to group II, III and IV during early (days 1-7) mid- (days 7-14) and late (days 14-21) pregnancy respectively. The leaf extract significantly (pA. occidentale administered revealed low birthweight, crown-rump length in early and mid pregnancy but increased birthweight and crown-rump length in late pregnancy.