Ameliorative Potentials of Phoenix dactylifera Fruit Extract on Selected Biochemical Parameters of a Rat Model of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder with numerous symptoms that affects both the mother and the child. The ameliorative potentials of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract on selected biochemical parameters of the rat model of preeclampsia were investigated using standard analytical methods. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the Phoenix dactylifera fruit following extraction with ethanol solvent before administering it to rats. This study was undertaken to analyse the ameliorative potentials of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extracts on biochemical parameters of the rat model of preeclampsia. Mean values (M) ± SD were calculated, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for multiple comparisons. A total of twenty-four (24) healthy albino rats (100 - 200 g) of both sexes were housed and cohabited with fertile male rats in a ratio of 2:1 (F: M). The rats were sacrificed painlessly, and blood was collected through cardiac puncture from each rat into heparin and ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) sample bottles for haematological and biochemical analysis, respectively. The experimental animals were divided into four groups containing six animals each (Four female rats and two males) as follow: group 1- Control (received normal feed and water), group 2- ( induced preeclampsia by administering 50 mg/kg/day of N (ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on gestation day 11), group 3 and 4 (were induced preeclampsia in addition to 20 mg/kg/day losartan between gestation day 12-20 and 100 mg/kg/day Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract between gestation 5-18). The pilot study carried out ascertained that 100 mg/kg/day of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract was the dose that gave the best treatment on the birth weight and number of live pups in rats. Phytochemical screening of Phoenix dactylifera fruit revealed: tannins 0.92±0.20%, saponins 5.25±0.05%, alkaloids 4.68±0.06%, flavonoids 14.64±0.22%, hydrogen cyanide 0.01±0.00%, oxalate 3.18±0.03%, and phenol 10.50±0.12%. L-Name induced preeclampsia had a negative effect on the biochemical parameters, particularly lipid profile parameters, cardiac parameters, as well as some liver function and kidney function parameters; however, treatment with losartan and Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract significantly reversed this effect on the biochemical parameters. It can be concluded that Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract is a promising source for managing preeclampsia in the rat model. This study has shown that Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract is a promising source for managing preeclampsia, particularly on lipid profile parameters, cardiac parameters, and some liver function and kidney function parameters.