Maternal and developmental toxicity evaluation of Acanthus montanus leaves extract administered orally to Wistar pregnant rats during organogenesis

Acanthus montanus is a plant used in Cameroon to treat pains and threatened abortion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of methanol/methylene chlorides leaves extract from Acanthus montanus on Wistar pregnant rats and identify the substance(s) essential for these actions. Dams were treated orally from days 6 to 15 of the pregnancy at the dose levels of 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/(kgday). They were sacrificed on day 20 or allowed to deliver and wean. Various parameters were assessed. The F(1) generation offsprings were allowed to give birth to F(2) generation and a number of parameters assessed. The results showed that there was no maternal or organs toxicity. Embryotoxicity was observed during organogenesis manifested by reduction in foetal body weight, crown-rump and tail lengths and reduced ossification of extremities bones. However after delivery, these signs of growth retardation were seen before day 5, and henceforth, the treated pups regained all their parameters to normality. All others parameters for F(1) and F(2) generations were insignificant. beta-Sitosterol was the major chemical component of the extract and its role on these results could not be ignored. The MeOH/CH(2)Cl(2) extract of this plant is embryotoxic peri-natally at high doses but this failed to manifest after 5 days of post-natal survival. beta-Sitosterol may be central in the observed effects of the extract. This extract can be tolerated by pregnant patients.