Assessing Effects of Equisetum Ramosissimum Extract on Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Pregnant Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: As a medicinal herb, Equisetum ramossisemum has been utilized for centuries as a diuretic and has been
 recommended for different disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal toxicity of aerial parts of Equisetum
 ramosissimum extract on pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats.
 Methods: Females were mated and the coupling time was recorded at gestation day 0– E0. Four experimental groups I, II, III, and
 IV, received daily gavage doses of 0 mg, 500 mg, 250 mg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively, of Equisetum ramosissimum extract.
 Pregnant rats were observed for mortality and toxicological effects during daily treatment. On day E20, samples of blood were
 withdrawn from the retro-orbital sinus under light ether anaesthesia for haematological and clinical chemistry examinations.
 Results: Data analyses detected significant differences in biochemical and haematological parameters between the control group and
 other groups receiving extract.
 Conclusion: This study constitutes a first approach to defining adverse effects of using Equisetum ramosissimum as a medicinal
 plant during pregnancy. Daily gavage doses of Equisetum ramosissimum extract produced significant differences in biochemical and
 haematological parameters in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats as compared to the control group.