Synergistic Effects of Synclistia Scarbrida and Sterculia Tragacantha on Pregnancy Development and Blood Parameter of Gravid Dams

Abstract

This study evaluated the synergistic effects of the aqueous extract of Synclisia scabrida and Sterculia tragacantha (AESSST) on maternal and fetal parameters in mature pregnant Wistar rats. Eight groups of rats (five per group) were administered AESSST at oral doses of 0, 50, and 300 mg/kg/day for 0–21 days or 14–21 days. All dams received a single dose of oxytocin on day 12 of the experiment. Maternal and fetal outcomes, including litter size in utero and hematological indices, were assessed. Significant improvements in hematological parameters were observed. White blood cell (WBC) counts increased compared to the control (15.4 ± 0.0, 16.42 ± 0.2a, and 18.21 ± 1.0d), as did red blood cell (RBC) counts (5.8 ± 0, 6.6 ± 0.1a, and 8.4 ± 0.1d) and packed cell volume (PCV) (34.6 ± 0.4, 35.45 ± 0.1b, and 38.96 ± 0.4d). Platelet (PLT) and neutrophil (NEU) counts remained unaffected (PLT: 67.01 ± 0.2, 66.90 ± 0.2, and 66.89 ± 0.7; NEU: 20.98 ± 0.3, 21.00 ± 0.2, and 20.99 ± 0.3). The body weight index of gravid dams showed significant increases compared to the control at day 7 (183.9 ± 0.2, 192.1 ± 3.9b, and 204.2 ± 5.2d), with p-values at a = p < 0.05, b = p < 0.01, c = p < 0.001, and d = p < 0.0001. Standard procedures were used to assess gravid rats, including the number of uterine implants, quantal pregnancy (%), implantation index (%), pre-implantation loss (%), gestation index (%), and mean gestation day (days). The results indicated that AESSST acted as an immune-boosting agent and fertility enhancer, with significant increases in RBC, WBC, and PCV counts, while PLT and NEU levels remained stable. In conclusion, AESSST positively influenced pregnancy developmental parameters, increased litter sizes, prevented miscarriage, and acted as a natural immune-boosting agent. These findings support the traditional use of AESSST in pregnancy management.