Experimental study on the preventive effect of Anemarrhena rhizome on pregnancy loss and the incidence rate of cleft palate in A/J mice

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is a significant concern worldwide, encompassing miscarriage and stillbirth. Miscarriage, defined as the loss of a baby before 28 weeks of gestation, accounts for approximately 15% of pregnancies. Stillbirth, occurring at or after 28 weeks of gestation, affects nearly 2.0 million pregnancies annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income regions. This study aims to investigate the potential of Anemarrhena rhizome (AR) herbal medicine in mitigating pregnancy loss and reducing the incidence of cleft palate in A/J mice models. A total of 390 6-week-old A/J mice were used for the study. Three different dosages of dried AR (6, 12, and 18 g) were boiled to prepare water extracts. The mice were divided into experimental groups receiving these extracts and a control group. Pregnancy outcomes, including fetal mortality rates and incidence of cleft palate, were assessed. The experimental groups receiving AR herbal medicine demonstrated significantly lower fetal mortality rates compared to the control group. Additionally, the incidence of cleft palate was notably reduced in the experimental groups, with the AR 6 g and AR 12 g groups showing significant reductions compared to the control group. AR herbal medicine shows promise in mitigating pregnancy loss and reducing the incidence of cleft palate in A/J mice models. These findings suggest the potential of AR as a therapeutic agent for improving fetal health outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize dosage strategies for maximizing its therapeutic benefits in pregnancy-related complications.