Teratogenic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on the skeletal system and fetal growth in Balb/c mice

Several studies have shown that many pregnant women use medicinal plants during pregnancy without knowing some of those teratogenic effects. One of these plants is Stachys lavandulifolia that is used for many health treatments. The teratogenic effect of this plant has not been established yet. Therefore in this study the teratogenic effect of Stachys lavandulifolia was investigated in Balb/c mice. In this experimental study, 60 female Wistar rats (30-40 gr, 8-12 weeks old) were randomlydesignated into 6 groups. (2 control and 4 case groups). Pregnancy was confirmed with vaginal plaque. The doses of 50,100,150 and 200 mg/kg of the extracts of Stachys lavandulifolia vahl were injected intra peritoneal (i.p.) to pregnant mice from the 7th to 12th days of pregnancy. The fifth group received saline and theSixth group (control group) received nothing. In the 18th day of the pregnancy the fetuses were removed from the uterine tubes and their weight and height were measured by digital scale and Kullis, then they were painted by red alizarin and their skeletal disorders were checked. Data were analyzed with Chi square and Kruskal Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests. Using different doses of hydro alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia the fetal growth was impaired and this impairment increasesd with increased doses of the extract (P<0.01). In the dose of 200 mg/kg inter parietal bone was not observed in 40% of embryos (P<0.01), regarding the extra rib there was no significant difference between groups. In the case of having additional rib, no significant difference was found between the groups. Stachysl lavandulifolia extract has teratogenic effect and using it causes growth retardation and stopping the inter parietal bone formation. Therefore it should be considered as contraindication or use with caution, in pregnancy.