RESUMEN
Caffeine at high doses is a known rodent teratogen and induces limb malformations along with cleft palate in various strains of rats and mice. The teratogenic effects of some drugs can be prevented by the application of antioxidant drugs and stimulation of the maternal immune system. Also, there is some evidence that galbanum is antioxidant. Therefore, in this study, the prophylactic effect of galbanum on teratogenic effects of caffeine was evaluated. This experimental study was performed on 28 pregnant rats that were divided into four groups. Control group received normal saline and test groups received caffeine [80 mg/kg], caffeine [80 mg/kg] plus galbanum [200 mg/kg] and galbanum [200 mg/kg], intraperitonealy at 9-11th days of gestation, respectively. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and length; they were stained by Alizarin red - Alcian blue method. Cleft palate incidence was 33.3%, in caffeine group and decreased to 8.3% by galbanum. The mean of weight and length of fetuses from rat that received galbanum were significantly greater than those received only caffeine. It is concluded that galbanum decreased cleft palate induced by caffeine; but its mechanism needs more details evaluation