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Souza MR, Brito ECB, Furtado LS, Barco VS, Cruz LLD, Moraes-Souza RQ, Monteiro GC, Lima GPP, Damasceno DC, Volpato GT. Maternal-fetal toxicity of Strychnos pseudoquina extract treatment during pregnancy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116459. [PMID: 37023837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Plants and herbs have been used by women throughout history for therapeutic purposes. Strychnos pseudoquina, a plant used in the treatment of various diseases, can also function as an abortive herb. There is no scientific confirmation of its effects during pregnancy, and the activity of this plant needs to be substantiated or refuted with experimental evidence. AIM OF THE STUDY Evaluating the effect of the S. pseudoquina aqueous extract on maternal reproductive toxicity and fetal development. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark was evaluated in Wistar rats. Pregnant rats were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 12 rats/group): Control = treated with water (vehicle); Treated 75, Treated 150, and Treated 300 = treated with S. pseudoquina at dose 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were treated by an intragastric route (gavage) from day 0 to day 21 of pregnancy. At the end of pregnancy, maternal reproductive outcomes, organs, biochemical and hematological profiles, fetuses, and placentas were analyzed. Maternal toxicity was evaluated through body weight gain, water, and food intake. With knowledge of the harmful dosage of the plant, other rats were used on gestational day 4 for the evaluation of morphological analyses before embryo implantation. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The S. pseudoquina treatment showed elevated liver enzymatic activities. The Treated 300 group presented toxicity with reduced maternal body weight, water and food intake, and increased kidney relative weight compared to those of the Control group. At a high dosage, the plant presents an abortifacient activity, confirmed by embryo losses before and after implantation and degenerated blastocysts. In addition, the treatment contributed to an increased percentage of fetal visceral anomalies, decreased ossification sites, and intrauterine growth restriction (300 mg/kg dose). CONCLUSION In general, our study showed that an aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark caused significant abortifacient activity that testified to its traditional use. Furthermore, the S. pseudoquina extract caused maternal toxicity that contributed to impaired embryofetal development. Therefore, the use of this plant should be completely avoided during pregnancy to prevent unintended abortion and risks to maternal-fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Rocha Souza
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course on Tocogynecology, Univ Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Caroline Barbosa Brito
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
| | - Linne Stephane Furtado
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Soares Barco
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course on Tocogynecology, Univ Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Larissa Lopes da Cruz
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course on Tocogynecology, Univ Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Rafaianne Queiroz Moraes-Souza
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course on Tocogynecology, Univ Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Gean Charles Monteiro
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course on Tocogynecology, Univ Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Tadeu Volpato
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso - Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso State, Brazil.
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Leal-Silva T, Souza MR, Cruz LL, Moraes-Souza RQ, Paula VG, Soares TS, Dela Justina V, Giachini FR, Damasceno DC, Américo MF, Volpato GT. Toxicological effects of the Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extract on maternal reproduction and fetal development in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:609-615. [PMID: 35502509 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2070197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Morinda citrifolia L., also known as Noni, is widely used plant in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. However, reports on its effects during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the M. citrifolia fruit extract on maternal performance and fetal development during pregnancy in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 12/group) were treated from gestational days (GD) 0-21 with water (control group) or the aqueous extract of M. citrifolia fruit at doses of 200, 400, or 750 mg/kg, orally. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed intake, and water consumption were noted. On GD 21, the rats were anesthetized and blood was collected to evaluate various biochemical parameters. During laparotomy, reproductive performance parameters were recorded, and fetuses were weighed and the anomalies analyzed. Reduced placental efficiency and fetal growth restriction were observed in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of M. citrifolia extract. The highest dose (750 mg/kg) augmented aspartate aminotransferase concentration and preimplantation losses, while reducing the number of live fetuses. Furthermore, both doses (400 and 750 mg/kg) of the plant extract caused fetal anomalies. In conclusion, consumption of high doses of the M. citrifolia aqueous extrac during pregnancy leads to maternal hepatotoxicity, anti-implantation effects, intrauterine growth restriction and fetal abnormalities, indicating that the plant fruit extract can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Maysa Rocha Souza
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate Program on Gynecology Obstetrics and Mastology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Larissa Lopes Cruz
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate Program on Gynecology Obstetrics and Mastology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rafaianne Queiroz Moraes-Souza
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate Program on Gynecology Obstetrics and Mastology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Verônyca Gonçalves Paula
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate Program on Gynecology Obstetrics and Mastology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Thaigra Sousa Soares
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Dela Justina
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate Program on Gynecology Obstetrics and Mastology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Madileine Francely Américo
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Tadeu Volpato
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças, Brazil
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Nunes RCS, Neves SCD, Salustriano FR, Vilela MLB, do Nascimento VA, Arunachalam K, Gomes RDS, Kassuya CAL, Mota JDS, Oliveira RJ. The Ethanolic Extract of Piper glabratum Kunth Is Teratogenic and Interferes with the Ossification Process of Swiss Mice Fetuses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030430. [PMID: 36986529 PMCID: PMC10051201 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Piper glabratum Kunth is a plant traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation in the Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Even pregnant women consume this plant. Toxicology studies of the ethanolic extract from the leaves of P. glabratum (EEPg) could establish the safety of popular use of P. glabratrum. Thus, the effects of the ethanolic extract of leaves of P. glabratum (EEPg) on the reproductive performance and embryofetal development of Swiss mice were evaluated. Pregnant female mice were treated with 100, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg throughout the gestational period by gavage (p.o). The control group received the EEPg vehicle (Tween 80–1%) in the proportion of 0.1 mL/10 g (p.o.). The results demonstrated that EEPg has low maternal toxic potential and does not alter the reproductive performance of females. However, it altered embryofetal development and caused fetal weight reduction (increasing the frequency of small-for-gestational-age fetuses) at the two highest doses. In addition, it interfered with placental weight, placental index and placental efficiency. The frequency of visceral malformations increased by 2.8 times for the lowest dose of EEPg, and skeletal malformations increased by 2.48, 1.89 and 2.11 times for doses of 100, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of EEPg, respectively. It is noteworthy that 100% of the offspring treated with EEPg showed changes in the ossification process. Thus, it is considered that the EEPg has low maternal toxic potential; it does not alter the reproductive performance of females. However, it is teratogenic and interferes, mainly, in the ossification process, and therefore its use is contraindicated in the gestational period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Carlos Sanfelice Nunes
- Centro de Estudos em Células-Tronco, Terapia Celular e Genética Toxicológica (CeTroGen), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento da Região Centro-Oeste, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Silvia Cordeiro das Neves
- Centro de Estudos em Células-Tronco, Terapia Celular e Genética Toxicológica (CeTroGen), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento da Região Centro-Oeste, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabricia Rodrigues Salustriano
- Centro de Estudos em Células-Tronco, Terapia Celular e Genética Toxicológica (CeTroGen), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Luiz Brandão Vilela
- Faculdade de Medicina Dr. Hélio Mandetta (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Valter Aragão do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento da Região Centro-Oeste, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Karuppusamy Arunachalam
- Centro de Estudos em Células-Tronco, Terapia Celular e Genética Toxicológica (CeTroGen), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento da Região Centro-Oeste, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Candida Aparecida Leite Kassuya
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados 79825-070, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jonas da Silva Mota
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Dourados 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Juliano Oliveira
- Centro de Estudos em Células-Tronco, Terapia Celular e Genética Toxicológica (CeTroGen), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento da Região Centro-Oeste, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-67-98434-6510
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