Castor oil Induces Morphological Changes in Endometrium and Biochemical Parameters in Pregnant Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, used for the management of miscarriages and labour. Castor oil is a natural plant extract that has been reported to have some abortifacient Properties Objectives: This study investigated the labour induction and abortifacient properties of castor oil, as well as possible effects on the electrolytes and hormones that regulate pregnancy, as well as to compare these effects with a standard labour inducing drug misoprostol, in Wistar rats. Methods: The study was conducted out in 2 phases. The pregnant rats were administered varying Castor oil doses of low (12.4ml/kg), medium (18.6ml/kg) and high (24.8ml/kg), which were compared with misoprostol group as well as a control group. All animals were euthanized on gestational day 15 and day 20 respectively for the two phases and blood samples collected via cardiac puncture from the apex of the heart for hormonal assay, electrolyte and kidney function tests. The uterus was also removed for histological processing. Results: The abortifacient effect of castor oil is dose dependent with high dose castor oil group seen to have significantly reduced serum progesterone level (32.8±4.25 and 40.8±0.70 compared with 51.0±2.00 of controls), resulted in weight loss and interference with kidney function (increase in serum potassium while decrease in sodium electrolytes). Castor oil also exhibited labor inducing properties. Conclusion: Castor oil has the potential to induce abortion. This study has demonstrated a possible usage of castor oil in medical induction of labor in rats as it exerted uterotonic principle on the uterus.