Evaluation of the toxicity of the aqueous stem bark extract of Enantia chlorantha on some reproductive and developmental parameters
Kuissu Mimosette M, Enow-Orock George E, Mezui Christophe, Nkwengoua Ernestine Z, Nchengang Benjamin, Siwe Gael T and Tan Paul V
E. chlorantha is widely used in African pharmacopeia and many patients, including pregnant women, use the bark aqueous extract to treat many diseases. The present work was carried out to investigate the possible reproductive and developmental toxicity that could result when the extract was given to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis. Male rats were crossed overnight each with virgin females. Upon confirmation of mating (day 1 of pregnancy), E. chlorantha extract (0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW) was administered once daily to four groups of 16 pregnant rats by gavage for 10 consecutive days (days 6–15 of gestation). On day 19 of gestation, 8 rats per group were sacrificed. The remaining females were allowed to deliver and pup development followed up to weaning. No dam deaths or abortions were recorded during experimentation. On day 19 of gestation, dam body and organ weights and fetal characteristics in extract-treated groups did not vary compared with controls. At delivery, gestation length and neonatal developmental parameters did not significantly varied in extract-treated groups compared with control. At the extract doses of 500 - 1000 mg/kg, persistent cystic glandular hyperplasia was observed in the uteri, as well as increased glandular epithelial cell proliferation. The extract of E. chlorantha in general did not present visible toxic effects in dams and pups treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg dose. Glandular hyperplasia recorded at 500-1000 mg/kg could be considered as toxicity signs. This suggests that the extract must be taken with precaution by pregnant women.
Kuissu Mimosette M, Enow-Orock George E, Mezui Christophe, Nkwengoua Ernestine Z, Nchengang Benjamin, Siwe Gael T, Tan Paul V. Evaluation of the toxicity of the aqueous stem bark extract of Enantia chlorantha on some reproductive and developmental parameters. J Med Plants Stud 2020;8(2):86-94.