Evaluation Teratogenicity of Phyllanthus Acidus (L.) Skeel Leaf Ethanol Extract in Pregnant Wistar Rats

Abstract

The Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels has been used as traditional medicine. It has been proved to have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. Toxicology data in pregnant women are still unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of an ethanol extract of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels leaves (EEPA) on pregnant women and fetuses. The pregnant Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a negative control (vehicle), a positive control (5-fluorouracil 10 mg/kg), and three experiment groups (22.5, 90, and 1000 mg/kg). The extract was given orally between the 6th and 15th days of pregnancy, during the organogenesis phase of fetal growth. The EEPA found light maternal toxicity. It was demonstrated by the lower weight of fetuses from rats given EEPA and the lower number of fetuses than the vehicle. EEPA did not cause abnormalities in the skeleton or organs of the fetus, but the pale color and smaller size of the fetal's kidneys, heart, and lungs were observed after a dose of 1000 mg/kg. Although the EEPA affected fetal weight during pregnancy and the genetic disorders require further research.