Ginkgo biloba induced malformations in mice

ABSTRACT

To determine the gross structural malformations to the mice fetuses of the mothers given Ginkgo biloba during pregnancy. Experimental study. The Experimental Research Laboratory, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from May 2006 to December 2006. The teratogenic effects of Ginkgo biloba extract [78 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day] dissolved in water were studied on the gross features of mice fetuses. Three groups [A, B and C] of 6 females each were mated with 2 males in two cages with 31 ratio of females to males. The first two groups [A and B] served as experimental and the third [C] was used as a control. Pregnancy was confirmed by a vaginal plug and gravid female mice [6] were separated from the males. Group A was treated with human therapeutic dose [78 ppm] while group B was given a high dose [100 ppm]. Group C was given water only. Both experimental groups were given the drug orally throughout the gestational period. Result were compared using ANOVA with significance at p < 0.05. Forty-nine fetuses from B and C groups and 50 fetuses from A group were recovered. There was a significant [p < 0.05] decrease in weight and crown-rump length of fetuses in group B as compared to those from group A and C. Further, fetuses from groups A and C did not show any gross abnormalities, whereas those from group B exhibited a high frequency of malformations including round shaped eye and orbits, syndactyly, malformed pinnae, nostrils, lips and jaws. The results obtained substantiate the early finding that Ginkgo biloba can be teratogenic when given to pregnant mothers