Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Potentials of Salacia lehmbachii in Rats

Use of herbal remedies in pregnancy may be deleterious to both mother and fetus. Against this background, aqueous and ethanol root bark extracts of Salacia lehmbachii, widely used herbal remedies for treatment of malaria in some localities were evaluated for embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in albino rats. One hundred and five pregnant rats weighing 170-180g were assigned 7 groups (n=15), labeled Control, 1-6. Control rats had 2 mL of distilled water. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received 250, 500 and 750mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract respectively while groups 4, 5 and 6 had similar doses of ethanol extract. Administration was orally on days 1 to 6 of gestation for implantation studies and days 7 to 15 for teratogenicity. The rats were observed daily for lethality, abnormal behaviour and vaginal bleeding. Their weights, food and water intakes were recorded. Cesarean sections were performed on day 20 of gestation to remove their uterine horns and implantations, resorptions, live and dead fetuses recorded. The weight and crown rump lengths of live fetuses were obtained and the placentas weighed and examined along with the litters for anomalies. There were no signs of maternal toxicity, miscarriages and dead fetus. Number of live fetuses in treated rats were similar to control just like litter weights, crown rump lengths and placental weight. There were no external anomalies on the fetuses and placenta. The extracts at the doses used in the study are relatively safe for pregnant rats and developing fetuses.