Abstract:
The objective of this study vas to evaluate an) teratogenic
effects of the unnpe fruit extract of Mormodica charantia
Linn, on rats when given during mid-pregnancy (days
7-15). The exu^act was adniinisiercd orally in two different concentrations
{1 ml/100 g/day or 2 mi/IOOg/day). Vitamin A
(15,000 U/kg) was given inlramuscu!ai-iy on days 8, 9 or 10 to
serve as a positive controK Several teratogenic parameters were
determined in day 20 ictuses. Both doses of the extract
increased the number of small-for-dates fetuses and inhibited
fetal growth. The lower dose, in addition, induced a shortening
of the forearm of the right foreiinib of one fetus, h i conti'ast, vitamin
A treatment produced predomini .:ly dwarfed and sniallfor-
dates fetuses with external ma!formations (in 10%) and
.skeletal abnormalities (in 20%). In adult female rats, the exL^act
neither inhibited body weight gain, nor caused haemotoxicily
(in terms of leucocyte or platelet counts or clotting tiine) hepatoxicity
(in iei-ms of serum S G F r acti\) or nephi'oloxicity (in
terms of sennn Na"^ and and crcahnine levels) with chronic
administradon (for 26 weeks). We conclude that it is desirable
for pregnant women to avoid heavy consumption of unripe M.
charaniia fruits in view of possible teratogenic risks.
