Assessment of Cytotoxicity, Fetotoxicity, and Teratogenicity ofPlathymenia reticulataBenth Barks Aqueous Extract

Abstract

Scientific assessment of harmful interactions of chemicals over the entire reproductive cycle are divided into three segments based on the period: from premating and mating to implantation (I), from implantation to major organogenesis (II), and late pregnancy and postnatal development (III). We combined the segments I and II to assess Plathymenia reticulata aqueous extract safety. In order to investigate reproductive toxicity (segment I), pregnant rats received orally 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg of extract, daily, during 18 days. These concentrations were determined by a preliminary in vitro LD50 test in CHO-k1 cells. A control group received deionized water. The offspring was removed at the 19th day, by caesarean, and a teratology study (segment II) was carried out. The corpora lutea, implants, resorptions, live, and dead fetuses were then counted. Placenta and fetuses were weighted. External and visceral morphology were provided by the fixation of fetuses in Bouin, whereas skeletal analysis was carried out on the diaphanizated ones. The increase in the weights of placenta and fetuses was the only abnormality observed. Since there was no sign of alteration on reproduction parameters at our experimental conditions, we conclude that P. reticulata aqueous extract is safe at 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg and is not considered teratogenic.

Nigella sativaRelieves the Altered Insulin Receptor Signaling in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet

“…I-OMe-AG538 was dissolved in DMSO (10 mg/mL) and stored as a stock solution at −20°C [ 20 ]. This stock solution was diluted to 1.0 mg/mL in PBS and its LD 50 was calculated according to the equation: Log LD 50 (mg/kg) = 0.372 Log IC 50 ( μ g/mL) + 2.024 [ 21 ]. The subgroups of nondiabetic and diabetic rats were i/p injected with either 0.001 (IOMe 1) or 0.01 (IOMe 2) of I-OMe-AG538 LD 50 for 21 days in the absence and presence of NSO administration.…”

Letter to the Editor in response to Hostetler

“…Based on our preliminary observations, we anticipated that there might be fewer pups in the treated groups. This alone would cause decreased maternal body weight compared to controls [5]. Mice were provided a gel diet supplying both food and water.…”