Exploration of Teratogenic Effects of Bambusa vulgaris on Wistar Rats by Evaluating Morphological and Skeletal Parameters

Abstract

Bambusa vulgaris is a commonly consumable plant, which is widely utilized by indigenous peoples as a source of food. Consumption of these plant products in various forms is typically acceptable due to their distinct tastes, and aromatic flavor. However, there is little information on the plant's safety and toxicity profile. Although toxicity information on B. vulgaris is readily available, the impact of plants during pregnancy has yet to be fully explored. To determine the possible mechanism behind teratogenicity, pregnant albino Wistar rats are administered aqueous extracts of B. vulgaris in a dose‐dependent manner. For determining the structural malformations, Teratogenicity indices include maternal common physiological parameters, number of implantations and fetal indices, number of live, resorpsed, and dead somites, morphological malformations, and skeletal malformations of different organs are evaluated by comparing different test groups with control groups. Most developmental indices, including implantation and fetalindices, vertebral, organ, and skeletal structures are significantly altered by the crude extract at higher dosages in treated as compared to control animals. The administration of aqueous extract of B. vulgaris during the organogenesis phase in rats has a considerable deleterious effect on embryonic and fetal developmental indices. It ruthlessly impacts the embryo's numerous organs as well as their typical physiological processes in a dose‐dependent way. The present investigation validates the capacity of B. vulgaris to cause developmental toxicity in Wistar rats, as evidenced by significant alterations in their gestational morphological, structural, and skeletal anatomy and physiology. It is recommended that further scientific studies be conducted to evaluate the more advanced mechanisms of teratogenicity associated with B. vulgaris.