ABSTRACT
It has been shown that Salvia leriifolia Benth. has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hyperglycemia, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, muscle relaxant and sedative effect. There is a considerable potential for usage of this plant during pregnancy. However, its effects on embryonic development have not been examined. In this study, the in vivo fetotoxicity of S. leriifolia aqueous and alcoholic extracts were evaluated in mice. For this purpose, 10% and 30% of the maximal tolerated dose [MTD] of aqueous or alcoholic extracts were daily injected intraperitoneally in pregnant mice on GD=6 [Gestation Day] to GD=14. On GD=18, embryos were harvested by Cesarean section and then morphological structures and skeletal anomalies were evaluated. Other embryos were fixed and stained for bone and cartilage assessments. Both doses of alcoholic and aqueous extracts caused significant decrease in weight gain of pregnant mice; length and weight of fetuses were also reduced remarkably compared to the control group. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts caused some abnormalities such as spina bifida, limb abnormalities, abdominal bleeding, and bone abnormalities. This study presents strong evidence that S. leriifolia can cause numerous embryotoxicities. Thus, pregnant women should be careful in using this herb during pregnancy and it is best to avoid its use until further studies are performed