Assessing the safety of using the dry extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae) during pregnancy of Wistar rats.

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae), popularly known as tilo, chamba and anador, is widely used in folk medicine in Latin American countries as a sedative, anti-anxiety, reducing menopause symptoms and in the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory tract. Although J. pectoralis is widely used by the female population, there are no studies on the safety of using this species during pregnancy. Aim of this study To evaluate the effects of prenatal treatment with dry extract from the aerial parts of J. pectoralis on maternal and developmental toxicity in Wistar rats. Material and methods Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were treated from gestational day (GD) 0 to 20 with the vehicle (control group) or with the dry extract of J. pectoralis at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed and water intake were evaluated. On GD 21, rats were anesthetized and intracardiac blood was collected to evaluate biochemical parameters. During cesarean section, reproductive performance parameters were recorded. The liver, kidneys, uterus and ovaries were removed for histopathological analysis. Fetuses were examined for possible malformations and/or skeletal and visceral variations. Results Treatment with dry extract of J. pectoralis did not alter weight gain, feed intake or biochemical and maternal reproductive performance parameters There were also no significant histopathological changes in the maternal organs, as well as external, skeletal and visceral malformations in the fetuses. Conclusion Oral administration of J. pectoralis dry extract during pregnancy did not induce maternal toxicity or embryotoxic and teratogenic effects.