ABSTRACT

This work aims at determining the oxytocic effect of date fruit, Phaenix dactylifera was obtained from Sokoto state in Nigeria West Africa, air-dried and milled. Phytochemical analysis was carried on a portion of the milled plant using standard methods, while the remnants were stored for further use. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of tannins (3.30 mg/100 g) as compound with the highest concentration, while steroids (0.00 mg/100 g)) was absent. Others include alkaloids (0.34 mg/100 g), flavonoids (0.09 mg/100 g), and saponins (0.16 mg/100 g). For biochemical and haematological assay, a total of 30 Wistar rats with body weight of 200 ± 50 g were used for this study. They were acclimatized for a period of2 weeks and fed Vital growers mash feed and water ad libitum, and then grouped into 6 groups (n “ 5). Group 1 served as normal control and was administered only feed and water, while groups 2 and 3 were positive and negative control and were administered phenylhydrazine (PHZ), and PHZ + fero-haemoglobin, respectively. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were all administered PHZ, with co-administration of the extracts at 1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. This administration lasted for a period of 4 weeks, after which they were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood samples collected into EDTA, and plain tubes for haematological and biochemical tests, respectively. Laboratory analysis was carried out on the blood samples using standard methods and precautionary measures observed for reliability. The results were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 26. ANOVA was used to compare the groups and significance was accepted at p <0.5. From the results, haematological indices showed that results of platelets and white blood cells had significant (p<0.05) increase when the positive control was compared with the extract-treated groups, while haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cells indicated significant (p<0.05) decrease when the positive control group was compared with the extract group. From the oxytocic assay results showed that the plant extract had significant (p<0.05) contraction at the highest dose which is not significantly different from the contraction of maximum dose of oxytocin. Also, salbutamol significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the contractile effects of both the extract and oxytocin. The pregnant rats littered completely following the administration ofthe extracts. With respect to the biochemical assays, results of catalase and glutathione peroxidase show that the groups administered the extract of P. dactylifera at doses of 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg indicated significant (p<0.05) increases when compared with the positive control, while superoxide dismutase had no significant (p<0.05) effect. Malondialdehyde shows a marked significant (p<0.05) increase in the positive control when compared with other groups. Furthermore, it was observed that the results of albumin and total protein has significant (p<0.05) increase in all the extract-treated groups when compared with the positive control group. Results of this study indicate that the extract of P. dactylifera possesses some significant biochemical effects, oxytocic effects but not an abortificient and therefore further studies should be recommended to ascertain the active ingredients responsible and their possible mechanism(s) of action.