Embryotoxicity test of the anti-anemia drug from Alternanthera sessilis

Issue Date

12-2023

Abstract

Alternanthera sessilis is a plant native to wetlands that is commonly known in the Philippines as “bunga-bunga” (Tagalog). Currently, A. sessilis is available as a natural product that can combat anemia in the Philippines. Anemia, together with diabetes, is one of the complications experienced during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify the safety of A. sessilis as a supplement for pregnant mothers by testing its embryotoxic and possible teratogenic effects in pregnant mice.The experimental design consisted of supplementation of 7.3 mg/mL (low) and 73 mg/mL (high) A. sessilis to pregnant dams compared with 10,000 IU/kg of isotretinoin (positive control), soybean oil (vehicle control), and distilled water (negative control group). Reproductive parameters, histological parameters, and gene expression pattern changes were observed in the embryos of pregnant dams. Dams and embryos in the isotretinoin group had reduced reproductive performance and induced teratogenicity. Administration of a low dose (7.3 mg/ mL) of A. sessilis capsule showed no significant changes in the reproductive performance of dams and embryo development (E11.5). Although not significant, a higher dose (73 mg/mL) of A. sessilis resulted in a slight reduction in reproductive performance and embryo growth when compared with the negative control group. According to the immunohistochemistry results, the high-dose group of A. sessilis had a significant increase in the expression of BCL-2 anti-apoptotic protein in the embryonic liver (E11.5) when compared with the negative control group and the isotretinoin group. The findings in this study suggest that the use of A. sessilis as a supplement at a low dose can be beneficial during pregnancy.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

0031-7683

Volume

152

Issue

6A

Page

2201-2211

Document Type

Article

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Frequency

bi-monthly

Physical Description

illustrations; graphs; tables; references

Language

English

Subject

Alternanthera sessilis, BCL-2, immunohistochemistry, isotretinoin

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ALTERNANTHERA SESSILIS; MEDICINAL PLANTS; TERATOGENS; ANAEMIA; MATERNAL IMMUNITY; TOXICITY TESTS; IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY; STAINING; PREGNANCY TOXAEMIA; PHYTOTHERAPY

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