Abortifacient Eficacy of Moringa oleifera Seed Powder on the Trimesters of Pregnancy in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the abortifacient effect of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seed powder [MSP] on pregnant albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. Acute toxicity carried out using Lorke’s method. Sixty albino Wistar rats of reproductive age were used for the study. Pregnant rats were grouped (n=6) and graded doses of MSP (100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg), and control (1 ml/kg normal saline) was administered orally from day 2 to day 8 of confirmed pregnancy. Histological screening was carried out on the brains, hearts, kidneys, and lungs of the rats. Phytochemical screening results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and steroids. Acute toxicity results showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg. The control and low-dose group (100 mg/kg) recorded normal pregnancy outcomes, while the higher-dose groups (200 mg/kg and above) exhibited no litters. Significant reductions in body weight were observed in the treated groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). 100% abortion rate was recorded at the higher dose (200 mg/kg and above). Litter size was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The findings indicate that MSP possesses abortifacient properties and histological abnormalities, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.