Reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity studies of Kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila) in rats
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Date
2009
Authors
Sulaiman, Siti Amrah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Research has been conducted on standardised aqueous extract of Kacip
Fatimah or Labisia pumilar (var. alata), commercially known as Biolabisia., on the
reproductive, developmental and female toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Results
obtained indicated that the administration of Biolabisia"' up to 1000 mg/kg/day did not
cause mortality nor show noticeably any treatment-related signs of toxicity on the
physical appearance and behaviour of all the rats studied. There was a consistent
trend of less weight gain noted in all the herbal treated group animals. Treatment with
Biolabisia® to pregnant rats did not result in significant foetal loss or any congenital
malformations. The duration of oestrous cycles and reproductive organs weight of rats
were statistically unaffected by Biolabisia"', however the increase number of rats with
irregular cycles, presence of polycystic ovaries and increasing trends in progesterone
and free testosterone hormonal levels in animals that received 1000 mg/kg/day
Biolabisia., raised a little concern. Taking all the cumulative data together, the current
findings suggest that oral treatment of Biolabisia., up to 1000 mg/kg/day in female rats
is not associated with significant deleterious effects in reproductive parameters in rats.
However, body weight and estrous cycle of the females could be affected if Biolabisia"'
is administered at a very high dose and for a longer duration. These could be due to
the androgenic effects of the herb in rats.
Description
Keywords
Reproductive toxicity