Objective: Potash known as potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is a mixture of salt with other components, including impurities which coexist in mineral and salt is highly consumed in various forms by pregnant women. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of potash on the weight index of pregnant Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 25 albino Wistar rat with weights ranging from 180 to 300 g were used and allocated into five groups of five animals each (four females and one male) designated as Groups A, B, C, D, and E. The experimental Groups B, C, D, and E were administered through oral route different doses of potash of 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg, respectively, after pregnancy was detected by checking for mucus plug in the vagina. Group A served as the control group and was administered distilled water only. The animals were allowed for 1 week for acclimatization under normal temperature (270–300°C), which they were being fed with normal feed (grower’s mash) and water ad libitum for 1 week. Results: The result showed a significant (p˂0.05) reduction in weight with the highest level seen with the 1200 mg/kg group when compared to the control. Conclusion: Therefore, the effect of potash alters the physical activity and decreases weight, by implication may induce growth retardation of the Wistar rats which is not healthy for a pregnant animal.

The anxiolytic effect of the leaves of water lily was investigated using mice as experimental animals. Thirty (30) were mice randomly divided into group 1, 2 and 3. Before the neurobehavioral parameters were assessed, the LD50 and the phytochemical screening of the leaves of the plant were determined. The open field maze and the transition box apparatus were used to determine the level of fear and anxiety related behaviors in mice. In the open field arena, the grooming frequency was statistically not different when compared to control. Stretch attend posture frequency (SAP) was statistically higher in the test groups when compared to control (P<0.001). It was also observed that the frequency of defecation decreased in the treated groups when compared to the control group (P<0.01). The light duration box and frequency of transition were statistically higher (P<0.001) compared to control. Thus, the leaves of the plant tend to reduce the level anxiety in mice.

Background and Aim: The effects on body weight and exploratory behavior following acute administration of the leaves of Nymphaea lotus were determined using mice as experimental animals. Methods: Thirty Swiss white mice were randomly divided into group A, B and C. All the mice had access to clean drinking water ad libitum. Before the neurobehavioral parameters were assessed, the LD 50 and the phytochemical screening of the leaves of the plant were determined. The open field maze and the light/dark transition box apparatus were used to determine the level of exploratory behaviors in mice. Results: In the open field maze, the line crosses and rearing frequency were significantly different when compared to control (P<0.01). Stretch Attend Posture frequency (SAP) was significantly higher in the test groups when compared to control (P<0.01). It was also observed that the frequency of grooming in the light/dark transition box decreased in the treated groups when compared to the control group (P<0.05 and at P<0.01). Frequency of transition were significantly higher (P<0.01 and at P<0.001) compared to control. The body weight was significantly higher in the mice treated groups when compared to control (P<0.01). Conclusion: Thus, the leaves of Nymphaea lotus enhances exploratory behavior and increases body weight in mice.

Excess body fat deposition is known to be unhealthy. There have been several discourses on defined anthropometric indices for the assessment and a better prediction of obesity in pregnant women. This is because certain cut-off values relating to obesity in pregnant subjects are highly influenced by age, sex, ethnicity and trimesters of pregnancy. This study is aimed at investigating the use of two basic anthropometric indices to measure obesity and evaluate its prevalence in the different trimesters of pregnancy. The research is a prospective study involving 460 pregnant women in the sample proportion of 110, 110, 240 in the 1 st , 2 nd , 3rd trimesters respectively chosen randomly from antenatal clinic of the Rivers State Primary Health care centre, Rumukuta, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Measurements of height, weight, hip circumference (HP) were obtained. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from values of height and weight. Waist to height ratio (WHtR) was also calculated from waist and hip values. The result showed a BMI prevalence of 3.6%, 7.3% and 0.8%; WHtR prevalence of 56.4%, 51.8% and 40% all in the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters respectively. A negative linear correlation was shown between the other indices and BMI as an independent variable in first trimester with value (r= -0.015) against a (r= 0.165) in WHtR. There was an association of WHtR against BMI with no statistically significant difference at level of 95% (p<0.05). Generally, the study provides a low prevalence of BMI and a high prevalence of WHtR in relation to WHO values as well as establishing 1 st trimester as a good indicator of obesity in pregnant women and WHtR as a better predictor of obesity in pregnant women in the population studied. The results of this study are therefore recommended as a guide for clinical judgement in preventive comprehensive health care services on obesity management.