Abstract
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. (LP) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of different ailments. No published studies exist on the effects of ground LP while only one study exists on the effects of aqueous LP extract. Thus, this study is the first to investigate the difference between using ground or aqueous extract of LP on body weight parameters and consumptions of feed and water in young adult Wistar albino rats. Four groups (one rat of either sex per each group) were administered with 25%, 50% and 75% ground LP mixed with the regular feed for 7 days, while the control rats were given the regular diet. Five groups (two rats of either sex per each group) were orally gavage with 3, 9, 15 and 20 g LP extract/kg body weight, while the control group was gavage with water, daily for 14 days. Findings were compared with the control groups. The mean body weight loss and feed inefficiency ratio s for the ground LP groups were higher, leading to lower feed and water intakes. Rats that consumed 15 and 20 g LP extract/kg had higher mean body weight loss and feed inefficiency ratio and lower water and feed intakes for the first but not for the second week. Therefore, both forms of LP affect weights and consumptions of water and feed during the first week. Thus, while using LP for any medicinal or therapeutic uses in humans, any effects on weight or feed and water consumptions may last only for a week.