<b>Post-natal development of rats` offspring treated with the ethanol extract of Neem leaves (<i>Azadirachta indica</i> A. Juss) during pregnancy and lactation

Abstract

Teratogenicity and developmental abnormalities in the offspring of female rats that ingested ethanol extract of Neem plants during pregnancy and lactation period were assessed. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly distributed in control group and in three experimental groups and treated during the 4 th , 5 th , and 6 th day of pregnancy. After birth, the lactating females received, by gavage, 65, 135 and 200 mg kg-1 of Neem ethanol extract, during 15 days. Results show, there was no significant difference in body mass index of neonatal rats in the 4 groups evaluated, whereas mean rate of offspring survival was 79.4%. Hair growth, incisor teeth eruption, ear detachment, eyelid opening, and spontaneous ambulation were similar for all groups. Likewise, physical development and development of motor activity, ambulation, and postural reflexes were similar for all groups. The administration of Neem ethanol extract did not cause any reproductive or systemic toxicity in animals. Results show that, Neem ethanol extract safe at doses 65, 135 and 200 mg kg-1 in pregnant or lactating rats.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. In Vivo Toxicity—An Updated Review

“…Ethanolic extract of A. indica leaves at different concentrations, 65, 135, and 200 mg/kg b.w., were orally administered to female rats during the 4th, 5th, and 6th day of pregnancy and after birth (lactating females) for 15 days [ 49 ]. After treatment, there were no signs of systemic or reproductive toxicity, such as weight loss, diarrhea, ataxia, piloerection, stereotypes, vaginal bleeding, coma, or death.…”

“…The development of the nervous system and physical development of the offspring was not affected, as well as the body mass weight. Thus, the extract used did not cause any systemic toxicity, nor induced teratogenicity, being considered safe for use during the pre- and postnatal period in rats [ 49 ].…”

Azadirachta indica A. juss: Safety and Efficacy during Pregnancy and Lactation

“…No signs of systemic or reproductive toxicity, such as piloerection, weight loss, diarrhea, stereotypes, vaginal bleeding, ataxia, coma, or death in the parents treated with the extract on the 4th, 5th, and 6th day of gestation, and from the 1st to the 15th day postpartum. The authors demonstrated through their findings, that the lactating rats and their offspring did not show clinical signs compatible with systemic toxicity, and no evidence of any significant decrease in body mass, no stillborn or any neonatal malformation [74].…”