Abstract

Brassica oleracea popularly referred to as white cauliflower, is traditionally used as food and in the treatment of infertility. At present, there is no scientific report on its use in the treatment of infertility and miscarriages in females. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical content, and toxicity study in mice and determine the effect of the n-hexane extract of Brassica oleracea on the stages of pregnancy in female albino Wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. An acute toxicity test was carried out using the Organization for Economic and Co-operation Development (OECD) method. Pregnancy outcome tests were carried out using standard procedures. Results obtained from the phytochemical screenings showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, steroids, and tannins. After 72 hours of administration of 5000 mg/kg of the extract to the experimental group of mice, there was no sign of toxicity, nor did mortality occur. The pregnancy outcome study, showed significant increases in the weight of dams, number of implantation sites, width of uterine horns, and serum progesterone levels, respectively, in the treatment groups at the first and second trimesters. After parturition, it was revealed that there was a significant increase in the birth weight of pups, crown-rump length, tail length, and onset of labour. In conclusion, this study revealed that the n-hexane extract of B. oleracea possesses vital and safe phytochemicals that could be useful in pregnancy development and as a tocolytic agent to prevent preterm birth.

Keywords: Brassica oleracea; pregnancy outcome; phytochemical screening; gravid rats; tocolytic agent.