Teratogenic Effects of Methanolic Extract of Ricinus Communis Seed Oil on the Morphology of Foetal Wistar Rats

R. E. Ucheya* and I. J. Biose

Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin-City Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: The teratogenic effects of the methalonic extract of Ricinus communis seed on the morphology of foetal wistar rats was studied, using 15 Cyclic female and 6 male Wistar rats (170-200g) for the study. Vaginal lavage was taken daily to monitor their oestrous cycle for 4 weeks. On the preostrous day of the cycle of each rat, a male rat was introduced into the cage. The presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal lavage was designated as day 1 of conception. The pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups consisting of five pregnant rats each. Group A (control), was gavaged with freshly prepared 2.5%Tween 80 in normal saline (0.2ml)from the 1st to the 12th day of gestation. Group B and C, were gavaged with 600mg/kg body weight of Ricinus communis seed extract from the 1stto the 5thday, and from the 8th day to the 12th day of gestation, respectively. And the same volume of 2.5% Tween 80 as in Group A, as vehicle for the extract. On the 20th day of gestation, all pregnant rats were sacrificed, foetuses were examined for malformation and gestational parameters monitored were: number of total implantation, resorption and dead foetuses. Live foetuses were weighed and examined for external malformations and variation. Foetal parameters recorded were: foetal numbers and weight; crown-rump-length; trans-umbilical cord length; and placental weight. The results showed that there was prevention of implantation; abortion; and significant reduction of foetal parameters: crown-rump-length; tail length; and weight, compared to control (p<0.05). In conclusion, the above results suggests that the methalonic extract of Ricinus communis seed at 600mg/kg body weight, prevents implantation, induces abortion and significantly reduce foetal growth parameters in wistar rats.

KEYWORDS: Methanoic extracts; Ricinus communis seed oil; morphology; foetal rats

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