The Effect of Liman Leaves Extract on Fetal Rat Development

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to observe the effect of liman leaves extract on fetal rat development and provide safety information for its use during pregnancy.
 Methods: Estrus cycles of female Wistar rats were observed and mated to male rats, 0 day of pregnancy determined after finding a vaginal plug or in a vaginal smear, there was sperm. Sample was administered orally using sonde with a single administration on the 11th day of pregnancy, at doses of 3750 mg/kg bw, 1185 mg/kg bw, and 375 mg/kg bw. On the 19th day of pregnancy, the rats were sacrificed and then observed the number of implantation, corpus luteum, intrauterine death, and fetal abnormalities.
 Results: The dose of 375 mg/kg bw exposed the highest average implantation rate (13.20%) and the largest number of corpus luteum (13.90%). The highest total intrauterine death was presented by dose of 3750 mg/kg bw and significantly different (p<0.05) compared to the control group. The dose of 375 mg/kg bw expressed the highest percentage of embryos with resorption (19.03%), while the lowest average fetal body was shown by 3750 mg/kg bw compared to the other groups. The highest percentage of external abnormalities was given by the dose of 375 mg/kg bw (12.91%), which abnormalities found were dwarf, cleft palate, hydrocephalus, short sleeve, and hematoma.
 Conclusion: Liman leaves extract was mild teratogenic on Wistar rat fetus.