High Dose of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Extract Affects Fetal Weight and Placental IGF-1 Receptor Expression in Feed-Restricted Maternal Wistar Rats

Pregnancy-related undernutrition can alter Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor signaling, impacting fetal development. Research suggests that Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn (HSL) extract consumption during pregnancy may influence fetal outcomes. However, limited studies have examined the effects of HSL on fetal growth through the IGF-1 receptor pathway in feed-restricted mothers. This study aims to investigate the impact of high doses of HSL extract on fetal weight in feed-restricted maternal rats by targeting the placental IGF-1 receptor pathway. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, feed-restricted groups (FR), and FR groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg BW HSL extract. A Caesarean section was performed on day 18 of pregnancy to deliver the fetuses. The fetal weight was measured, and placental IGF-1 receptor expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR. The results revealed that fetal weight in FR group (833  206.35) and FR+HSL groups (709  235.93; 1453  76.45) respectively, were significantly lower than the control group (1410  76.75; p <0.05), and placental IGF-1 receptor expression in FR group (1.006  0.116) and FR+HSL groups (1.127  0.373; 0.847  0.315) were significantly lower than the control group (1.658  0.153) (p <0.05). Furthermore, placental IGF-1 receptor expression was positively correlated with fetal weight (r = 0.731, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of high doses of HSL extract to feed-restricted maternal rats did not result in a significant increase in fetal body weight through IGF-1 receptor expression. Caution should be exercised when consuming high-dose HSL during pregnancy.