Possible Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Effects of a Phytodrug (Ricom 1013-J) on Pregnant Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objectives: For centuries, virtually every indigenous culture has utilized plants in an attempt to control its population. Contrary to the belief that African local communities do not care about population growth, the Bassa people of Plateau State of Nigeria are known to have successfully used, for centuries, the seeds of a commonly available plant, Ricinus communis-linn (RICOM 1013-J) for birth control. Since the phytodrug, RICOM 1013-J has demonstrated high antifertility efficacy in adult cyclic rats and in women volunteers, there is need therefore to evaluate it for any possible embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in animals. Material and Methods: Forty virgin cyclic female albino rats with weight range of 170-220g were carefully selected for the study. Rat pellets and water were provided ad libitum. They were mated with proven males in a 3:1 (female: male) ratio and mating was ascertained the following morning by the presence of clumps of spermatozoa in vaginal smear. Animals were administered subcutaneously with 5mg/kg, 20mg/kg, 2g/kg and 20g/kg of RICOM 1013-J on day 10 of pregnancy and sacrificed on day 20.The foetuses were examined for litter quality (appearance, body weight and crown-rump length). Results and Conclusions: The data obtained did not show any evidence of litter abnormalities or any morphological changes in the pups between the 5mg/kg to 20mg/kg dose range. However, doses between 2g/kg and 20g/kg were embryotoxic.