Effects of Croton pendliflous Methanolic Extract on Intestinal Enzymes and Protein Content in Pregnant Rats

摘要

The seeds of Croton penduliflorus (Family Euphorbiaccea) are often used as a purgative. The physiological effects of the methanolic extract on some intestinal disaccharide splitting enzymes were investigated in pregnant rats using an in vivo study. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 550 mg kg~-1 body weight during the three phases of pregnancy. The extract caused a significant increase in maltase activity in the three phases of pregnancy, a significant increase in total protein concentration in early and late pregnancy and a significant increase in albumin concentration in early and mid pregnancy (p<0.01).