The Ethanolic Extract of Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Does Not Alter Reproductive Performance or Embryo-Fetal Development, nor Does It Cause Chromosomal Damage

Abstract

Gomphrena celosioides is a native Brazilian plant found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. This plant is used in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases, skin diseases, infections, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases and respiratory diseases. It is also used as an abortifacient. To evaluate the effects of Gomphrena celosioides ethanolic extract (EEGc) on reproductive performance, embryonic development, and chromosomal stability, Swiss mice were randomly divided into experimental groups (n = 10). The animals in the control group received the vehicle Tween 80 – 1% at the rate of 0.1 mL/10 g of body weight orally, from the first to the 18th day of pregnancy. Animals in the treatment groups received cEEG (100, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) from the first to the 18th day of gestation. The animals were subjected to assessments of reproductive performance, embryo-fetal development and genetic stability using the micronucleus test. The results showed that cEEG did not change the final weight, weight gain, uterine weight or net weight gain of the animals. The absolute and relative weights of the organs did not vary between the different experimental groups. Furthermore, cEEG did not change the numbers of implants, live fetuses, dead fetuses, or fetal resorptions. There were no differences in postoperative rates of post-implantation loss or resorption, nor were there differences in fetal viability or sex ratio. The use of cEEG did not induce malformations. Furthermore, cEEG did not change the frequency of chromosomal damage (frequency of micronuclei). Based on our findings, we consider Gomphrena celosioides extract safe for use during pregnancy, although some parameters indicated caution in its use.