Cytotoxicity and maternal toxicity attributed to exposure to Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) dry leaf extract

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), popularly known as "bitter melon" or "bitter gourd," is a climbing plant well-adapted to tropical countries. This plant is used traditionally to treat several conditions including diabetes mellitus, inflammation, liver dysfunctions, and cancer. Given the widespread ethnopharmacological use, this study aimed to examine the cytogenetic, maternal, and developmental toxicity attributed to exposure to dry extract of M. charantia leaves using Allium cepa and Wistar rats as test models. First, phytochemical characterization of the dry extract by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses was performed. Then, Allium cepa roots were exposed to three different concentrations of the dry extract (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/ml) to determine the mitotic index, frequency of chromosomal aberrations, and nuclear abnormalities. In addition, pregnant Wistar rats were administered either 500; 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg dry extract during the gestational period (GD) days 6-15, and subsequently possible toxic effect on the dams and fetuses were recorded. HPLC analyses confirmed rutin as the main secondary metabolite present in the dry extract. In the Allium cepa test, the dry extract was cytotoxic. In Wistar rats, dry extract administration reduced water and feed intake and mean body mass gain, indicating maternal toxicity during the organogenesis period. However, the dry extract did not markedly affect reproductive outcome parameters evaluated. Regarding developmental toxicity assessment, the dry extract treatment did not significantly alter number of skeletal malformations in the offspring. Data demonstrated that the dry extract of M. charantia leaves presents cytotoxicity and low maternal toxicity, indicating indiscriminate use needs to be avoided.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn during pregnancy and lactation on neurobehavioral parameters of rats' offspring

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus niruri L. (Phyllanthaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine, mainly to treat kidney stones. However, the effects of maternal exposure to P. niruri remain poorly explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of administration of aqueous extract of P. niruri (AEPN) during pregnancy and lactation, in maternal toxicity, reflex maturation, and offspring memory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant rats were divided into three groups (n = 8/group): Control (vehicle), AEPN 75, and AEPN 150 (each respectively treated with P. niruri at a dose of 75 and 150 mg/kg/day). The animals were treated via intragastric gavage during pregnancy and lactation. Weight gain, feed intake, and reproductive performance were analyzed in the mothers. In the offspring, the following tests were performed: Neonatal Reflex Ontogeny, Open Field Habituation Test and the Object Recognition Test in adulthood.

RESULTS

Maternal exposure to AEPN did not influence weight gain, feed intake, or reproductive parameters. In the offspring, anticipation of reflex ontogenesis (time of completion) was observed (p < 0.05). During adulthood, the AEPN groups presented decreases in exploratory activity upon their second exposure to the Open Field Habituation Test (in a dose-dependent manner) (p < 0.05). In the Object Recognition Test, administration of the extract at 75 and 150 mg/kg induced significant dose-dependent improvements in short and long-term memory (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Administration of the AEPN accelerated the reflex maturation in neonates, and improved offspring memory while inducing no maternal or neonatal toxicity.