Potential of pre–gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (stinging nettle) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal–maternal health

ObjectiveTo examine the potential of pre-gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (L. interrupta) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal-maternal health by determining its influence on embryonic implantation and growth, placental labyrinth vasculo-angiogenesis, and junctional zone morphology.MethodsEight-week-old female mice were divided into groups and fed daily with 3.5 g food/mouse. The control was given drinking water, the treatment groups, low (LC), medium (MC), and high (HC) concentrations, were given 25%, 50%, and 100% v/v stock solution, respectively for 14 days, prior to mating. Pregnant mice were sacrificed at 14.5 days post-coitus. The uteri and placentae were collected and weighed; implantation sites were counted as either viable or resorbing. The estimated weight (g)/ embryo, as a function of the number of implantation sites, was evaluated. The histology of placental labyrinth angiogenesis and junctional zone morphology was examined.ResultsThe viable site ratios increased as leaf decoction concentration increased. This was most significant in the HC group (P<0.05). The HC group exhibited increase in the estimated embryo weight and implantation sites, and placental labyrinth with very prominent blood vessels. There was lesser depletion of junctional zone in all treatment groups with large blood vessels and glycogen cells that were more apparent in MC and HC group than those of the control and LC groups.ConclusionsPre-gestational consumption of L. interrupta leaf decoction in high concentrations demonstrated its potential to support fetal-maternal health.