Toxic Effects of 70% Ethanol Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae) Leaf Extract on Wistar Albino Rat Embryos

Abstract

Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae) is a fast-growing tropical plant used as a native vegetable in southwestern Ethiopia. The plant is used for treating different diseases like malaria, hypertension, stomach pain, diabetes, and retained placenta. Yet, evidence of its teratogenicity is limited. The current study aimed to assess the toxic effects of M. stenopetala leaf on rat embryos. The leaves of M. stenopetala were extracted using 70% ethanol. Five groups of animals, each containing ten pregnant rats, were used for the current study. The first three groups were treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg M. stenopetala leaf extract, respectively. The last two groups were pair-fed and ad libitum control groups. The extract was administered from gestation days 6 to 12. Embryos were recovered at day 12 of gestation and assessed for growth retardations and development delays. When compared with the pair-fed control group, the maternal daily food intake and weight gain were slightly reduced in the high (1000 mg/kg) treated group, but it was not statistically significant. Increased numbers of resorption sites were observed in the 1000 mg/kg treated group when compared with the pair-fed control group. The number of embryos was also significantly reduced in the high dose treated group. The crown-rump length, number of somites, yolk sac diameter, and morphological scores of the embryos were also significantly reduced in 1000 mg/kg treated rats when compared with the pair-fed control group. When compared to pair-fed control group, the high dose treated rats had developmental delays in the yok sac circulation, otic system, and somite score. Therefore, administration of M. stenopetala leaves at a higher dose was found to have toxic effects on the development of rat embryos. It increased resorption sites and reduced the number of embryos at a higher dose. In addition, it delayed the development of yolk sac circulation, sensory otic system, and somite scores in the high dose treated rat embryos. Hence, it is recommended to limit excess consumption of M. stenopetala leaves during pregnancy.