Histological and morphological characteristics of placenta in the rats administrated with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract.

s: It had been demonstrated that Glycyrrhiza glabra extract has biological beneficial impacts include anti-inflammatory as well as anti-allergic properties, although there is little published data about its probable side effects on the placental integrity. Since, there is not enough data regarding the impacts of G. glabra on the placental histo-morphology. Therefore, this study was carried out on thirty-two pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats which were randomly distributed into four main groups (n=8). Experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with aqueous extract of G. glabra at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the organogenesis period (6 to 16 day of gestation) while control group was injected only with tap water. On the th th 17 day of gestation, all of the animals were euthanized; their fetuses and placentas were removed and th histomorphological study was performed. The obtained results showed that in the G. glabra-treated rats compared to control, trophoblastic giant cells were significantly decreased in the number and size. In addition, massive hyperemia was seen in the labyrinth interhemal membrane compartment of placenta in the G. glabra treated rats. Also, significant increase in the placental weight as well as in the placental index was found in the treated groups in comparison to the control rats. From this study, it is concluded that G. glabra extract administration has harmful effects on the placental structure and therefore popular consumption of this plant should be reconsidered.