Maternal-fetal safety evaluation of an aqueous extract of Casearia sylvestris leaves in rats.

Abstract

This study evaluated the maternal, embryotoxic, and teratogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Casearia sylvestris (AECS), a species listed in the Unique Health System of Brazil, and widely used for treating several conditions, such as diarrhea, wounds, pain, and ulcers. Pregnant rats were daily treated orally with 0, 175, 350, or 700 mg/kg/body weight of AECS, from gestational day (GD) 6 to 15 (organogenesis period). On GD 20, the pregnant rats were euthanized, and the litters submitted to an assessment of fetal development. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in the dams during the treatment. In the embryo-fetal development study, a significant increase in the basal zone height of the placenta was observed in the intermediate dose group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the relative anogenital distance measurement of female fetuses in the lowest and intermediate dose groups. Although no visceral abnormalities were observed in the treated-fetuses, skeletal anomalies evidenced by changes in the ossification of the sternum and the presence of supernumerary ribs were found in the intermediate and high dose groups. In conclusion, the treatment with AECS during organogenesis at this dose level had detrimental effects on the normal development of fetuses.