Mechanism of the decreased food consumption and weight gain in rats following consumption of aqueous extract of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa during pregnancy

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanisms of the decreasing fluid and food consumption following Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) consumption.MethodsOn the 1st day of pregnancy, rats were randomly divided into three groups with six animals per each group. One group was given tap water, one was given with extract at 0.6 g/100 mL while the third group was given with extract at 1.8 g/100 mL as their drinking solution. All groups received normal rat chow and drinking solution ad libitum. Fluid& food intake and weight were measured daily throughout pregnancy and Na+ concentration in plasma was determined on the 18th day of pregnancy.ResultsResults showed decreased fluid and food consumption, decreased weight gain and increased sodium ion concentration in plasma of rats with HS extract compared with the control group.ConclusionsConsumption of aqueous extract of the calyx of HS during pregnancy decreases food consumption and weight gain through mechanisms that may depend on Na+ in HS content and elevating Na+ concentration.