P-89: Effect of Ruta Graveolens Aqueous Extract on Embryo Development in Mouse

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ruta graveolens (RG) Aqueous Extract on in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and embryo development. RG, commonly called sudab or rue, has been known as a medical plant since ancient times. Recently some medicinal properties were reported for RG such as: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-androgenic, anti- conceptive and anti-fertility activity. Flavonoids, rutin, quercetin, furocoumarin and lemonins are major active constituents in RG. Materials and Methods: 20 adult female mice were divided into four groups as control, control-sham and tests. Control-sham group received saline normal 0.2 ml per day. The test group was subdivided into two groups of high dose (300 mg/kg) and low dose (150 mg/kg) and received the aqueous extract of RG daily, orally for 14 days. 48 hours after PMSG injection, Germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes were collected from mentioned groups. The GV oocytes were dissected out of the ovary and put into a plastic dish containing α-MEM medium. After 12 to 24 hours of incubation, matured oocytes collected and put into in vitro fertilization medium. And then capacitated sperm were added to fertilization drop, containing mature oocytes. Fertilized oocytes and embryo development were evaluated in next 5 days. Results: The results for in vitro fertilization of the RG group animals were remarkably lower than the controls group. The considerable point was that most of the 2-cell embryos had stopped division and did not continue to four and/or more cells embryos in test groups. Conclusion: RG was able to induce embryo toxicity and can induce infertility.