Abstract
Citrus aurantium L., commonly known as bitter orange, is widely used in folk medicine, but there is little data in the literature about the effects on pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of essential oil obtained from fruits of Citrus aurantium on the maternal reproductive outcome and fetal anomaly incidence in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n minimum = 12 animals/group): G1 = control, G2 to G4 = treated with essential oil from C. aurantium at dose 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Rats were orally treated, by gavage, with plant essential oil or vehicle during pre-implantation and organogenic period (gestational day 0-14). On gestational day 20 the rats were anaesthetized and the gravid uterus was weighed with its contents and the fetuses were analyzed. Results showed that the treated group with 500 mg/kg presented decreased placental weights and placental index, although the treatment with bitter orange essential oil did not show any alteration in maternal reproductive performance, toxicological effect, changes in ossification sites, and malformation index. In conclusion, the treatment of Citrus aurantium essential oil was not teratogenic and did not alter the maternal reproductive outcome.
Highlights
A large number of plants have been used in folk medicine for centuries
The treatment with essential oil did not alter the parameters of maternal reproductive outcome compared to control group
Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae family), popularly known in Brazil as bitter orange, is among the species most frequently used for medicinal purposes
Summary
A large number of plants have been used in folk medicine for centuries. It is common to assume that medicinal plants of traditional use have already must be based on several experimental evidences, confirming that the possible injury cause by its usage is supplanted by the benefits (Lapa et al 2004).Fruits of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae family), commonly known as bitter orange, sour orange or Seville orange, are used as food, but this popular plant is more commonly used as a medicinal or dietary supplement (Fugh-Berman and Myers 2004). It is common to assume that medicinal plants of traditional use have already must be based on several experimental evidences, confirming that the possible injury cause by its usage is supplanted by the benefits (Lapa et al 2004). (Rutaceae family), commonly known as bitter orange, sour orange or Seville orange, are used as food, but this popular plant is more commonly used as a medicinal or dietary supplement (Fugh-Berman and Myers 2004). Safety information is extremely limited, and because Citrus aurantium contains the sympathomimetic drug m-synephrine (phenylephrine), consumption of the herb may lead to increased blood pressure and risk of adverse cardiovascular events (Bent et al 2004, Hansen et al 2011). Safety information is extremely limited, and because Citrus aurantium contains the sympathomimetic drug m-synephrine (phenylephrine), consumption of the herb may lead to increased blood pressure and risk of adverse cardiovascular events (Bent et al 2004, Hansen et al 2011). Hansen et al (2012) verified that synephrine, a component in the bitter orange extract, did not produce developmental toxicity in rats when administered in lower dose. Arbo et al (2009) indicated a low subchronic toxicity and possible alteration in the oxidative metabolism of the C. aurantium and synephrine in mice
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