Gestational and neurodevelopmental effects of black mustard seeds' (Brassica nigra) extract in wistar rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the crude aqueous extract of Brassica nigra (Black Mustard Seeds) in gestation and on the prefrontal cortex of newborn Wistar rats at different doses following prenatal administration. Eighteen (18) adult female rats weighing an average of 180±10g were used. The female rats were split into 3 groups of six animals; Group A received distilled water throughout gestation, Group B received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation, and Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation). Rat pups from the experimental groups were sacrificed on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 and subsequently prepared through routine histological and histochemical procedures. Brassica nigra was abortifacient at 200 mg/kg body weight and reduced litter size at 100 mg/kg body weight. No observed physical deformities in pups of treated groups. Comparative prefrontal microarchitecture revealed little to no alteration in the treated group. This study concludes that Brassica nigra (black mustard) is not totally innocuous and as such, should be moderately consumed or totally avoided in pregnancy.

Keywords: Brassica nigra; Mustard seeds; Gestation; Neurodevelopment.