Effect of Maternal Consumption of Sucrose and Saponin Extract from Gongronema latifolium Leaves During Lactation on Sexual Maturity in Rats Offsprings

Introduction: Dietary effects of the mother on the metabolism and reproduction of the offspring. Gongronema latifolium is a medicinal plant with high saponin and flavonoids content, which has been reported to have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity.  Objectives: This study aimed to explore the metabolic and reproductive effects of maternal consumption of sucrose and saponin extract of G. latifolium during lactation period in the rat pups.  Study Method: 20 female albino Wistar rats were assigned randomly into various groups, control group (water only), sucrose group, sucrose + 100 mg/kg b.w. saponin, sucrose + 200 mg/kg b.w. saponin and sucrose + metformin (500 mg/70 kg b.w.). The treatments were given during lactation for 21 days. Body weight, food consumption, glucose tolerance, lipid profile, insulin, leptin, sex hormones and gonadal histology were evaluated in offspring.  Results: The maternal saponin intake had significantly reduced the body weight of the offspring compared to controls, but maternal saponin intake had increased the body weight of the offspring relative to the sucrose group, as with metformin. The intake of food was significantly reduced in the saponin groups (weeks 4–6), and 100 mg/kg was the most effective. Blood glucose was significantly reduced, especially at 200mg/kg, indicating a dose dependent hypoglycemic effect. The reduction in triglyceride and VLDL was noted compared to sucrose and there was no change in cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels. There was no effect on insulin levels, but there was a significant increase in leptin in the 100 mg/kg saponin group when compared with sucrose. Although the metabolic benefits were apparent, there were also potential reproductive risks as seen in the ovarian follicular atrophy and mild disruption to the testicles (testes) by histological examination. Conclusion: G. latifolium saponin extract during lactation had beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis, possibly by decreasing glucose and triglyceride, but had negative effects on gonadal tissue integrity. The results suggest that both therapeutic and reproductive risks exist and these agents should be used with caution.