Modulatory Effects of Phoenix dactylifera Fruit Extract on Pregnancy Parameters and Placental Specific Parameters of a Rat Model of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a prevalent issue among pregnant women; however, drug treatment options in mild and severe preeclampsia are limited. The use of natural chemical compounds from plants looked promising, hence the necessity for this study. The aim of this study is to analyze the modulatory effects of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract on pregnancy parameters and placental specific parameters of a rat model of preeclampsia using standard analytical methods. A total of twenty-four (24) healthy albino rats (100 - 200 g) of both sexes were housed and co-habited with fertile male rats in a ratio of 2:1 (F: M). 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. L-Name induced preeclampsia had a negative effect on the litter and maternal characteristics, placental antioxidants, cytokines and growth factors; however, treatment with losartan and Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract significantly reversed this effect. It can be concluded that Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract demonstrated positive modulatory effects on pregnancy parameters and placental specific parameters of preeclampsia induced rats, hence can be utilized as a potential agent for the management of hypertension and placental related complications during pregnancy.