Fetopathies associated with exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor fromTropaeolum majusL.

Abstract

The prevalence of the use of herbal medicines is on the rise across the world, especially amongst pregnant women. A fact that draws attention is that many species commonly used by pregnant women, including the Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae), also present inhibitory activity on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Herein, we have investigated the effects of T. majus extract (HETM) on fetal development, evaluating its relationship with possible ACE inhibitory activity. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with different HETM doses (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg/day) from gestational days 8-20. Rats were sacrificed on the day 20 of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights, maternal ACE activity and aldosterone levels, live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage, fetus weight, and fetal malformation. All pregnant rats treated with high HETM doses showed significant reduction in plasma ACE activity accompanied by a decrease in serum aldosterone levels. Moreover, significant changes in fetal development were observed, including growth retardation and renal damage after 20 days of gestation. Thus, data presented demonstrate the significant effects of the use of HETM on fetal development during pregnancy.

Traditional practices and adverse pregnancy outcomes in migrant women

“…It has been shown to have inhibitory action on the angiotensin-converting enzyme, and cause growth restriction and renal damage after 20 days of gestation in rats. 14 An ethobotany survey in Eastern Ivory Coast found that 90% of pregnant women used medicinal plants during pregnancy. 15 Similarly, 80% of pregnant women in Mali used medicinal plants during pregnancy, principally for treatment of malaria, urinary tract infections and reduction of oedema.…”

“…It has been shown to have inhibitory action on the angiotensin-converting enzyme, and cause growth restriction and renal damage after 20 days of gestation in rats. 14…”

Renal development in the fetus and premature infant

“…The renin–angiotensin system augments ureteric bud branching, and maternal use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers is associated with renal agenesis and anomalies [131]. Other medications, including glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil, antiepileptic drugs, and cyclophosphamide may be associated with renal anomalies [132–136].…”

Efecto del extracto etanólico de Tropaeolum majus “mastuerzo” sobre la micosis inducida por Trichophyton mentagrophytes en Rattus norvegicus

“…Tropaeolum majus L. es una planta nativa de los andes de Sudamérica (Perú, Colombia y Brasil) que actualmente se encuentra ampliamente distribuida en todo el mundo [11,12] . Sus grandes flores de color naranja, amarillo o rojo; que florecen desde la primavera hasta el otoño, se utilizan en la alimentación y la medicina popular [13] .…”