EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max) ON THE PLACENTA OF ADULT FEMALE WISTAR RATS

ABTRACT

Glycine max is a type of legume that is extensively cultivated for its versatile edible bean and has significant concentrations of nutritional minerals, B vitamins and phytic acid. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of Soybean (Glycine max) on the placenta of the adult female Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) pregnant animals were allotted to three groups with eight (8) rats each. Animals in group A served as the control group while those in other groups served as the experimental groups administered with Glycine max extract. The Wistar rats were fed with grower mash feeds and the rats had free access to water throughout the growing period. Group A which served as control was given food (feed mash) and 1 ml distilled water. Group B were administered with 250mg/kg of aqueous extract of soybean. Group C were administered with 500mg/kg of aqueous extract of soybean. The experiment lasted for 21 days. At the end of the 19 days administration period, the rats were sacrificed. The placenta for each fetus was collected and weighed and each fetus was also weighed and their Crown Rump Length (CRL) was measured. The placenta major and minor diameter was also measured after which they were placed in EDTA bottled and fixed in formal-saline to avoid autolysis and taken through tissue processing. Results shows decrease in the body weight of the fetus in groups administered with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively, while there was no significant difference in placenta weight. There was a statistical significance decrease in fetal placenta ratio in the group administered 500mg/kg. There was also a statistical decrease in placenta major and minor diameter in the group administered 500mg/kg while the group administered with 250mg/kg had a statistical decrease in placenta minor diameter. The Crown Rump Length (CRL) in the group administered 500mg/kg showed a statistical significance decrease. Histological results showed that Glycine max negatively affected the normal morphology of the placenta such that high dosage at 500mg caused more degeneration compared to those administered with 250mg. In conclusion, increase in consumption of soybean causes a reduction of intrauterine growth and can also be a distress to the fetus. It is therefore advised that pregnant females consume it with caution.