The effect of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract on the histology of the spinal cord of albino rat fetuses

Abstract

Jatropha tanjorensis J.L.Ellis & Saroj is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to treat various ailments. However, the safety profile of its use during pregnancy is inadequate. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract on the histology of the spinal cord of albino rat fetus. Fifteen pregnant albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: Group A (control) received normal feed, Group B received 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract, and Group C received 1500 mg/kg of the extract. The extract was administered on days 7- 11 of gestation. On day 20, the rats were sacrificed and the foetal spinal cords were examined histologically. The control group showed normal spinal cord architecture. Group B fetus showed a moderately enlarged central canal occluded with blood, smaller myelin sheath, and sparse nerve fibers. Group C fetus exhibited a remarkably enlarged central canal, well-stained intermediate zone nuclei, smaller myelin sheath, and sparse marginal zone nerve fibers. The results suggested that the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis has teratogenic effects on the developing spinal cord of rat fetus, with more pronounced effects at the higher dose. This indicates the extract can cross the placental barrier and negatively impact foetal spinal cord development.