WEIGHT AND crown-rump LENGTH REDUCTION, GROSS MALFORMATION AND PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L-TREATED MICE

Background – The flowers of the plant Carthamus tinctorius L are used to provide color and flavor in the food industry. They are cheaper than saffron and therefore a water extract of these flowers is used instead of saffron. C. tinctorius also initiates bleeding in delayed menstruation. Therefore, in early pregnancy when the menstrual cycle is delayed, the use of C. tinctorius flowers may lead to malformation of the embryo. This experimental study was designed to investigate probable malformations due to C. tinctorius. Methods – One hundred and thirty Balb/C mice were maintained under standard laboratory conditions; then two females were housed with one male overnight, and successful mating was confirmed by vaginal plug. Pregnant females were divided into two groups. In the experimental group (120 mice), aqueous extract (1, 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally, on the 7th or 8th day of pregnancy as a single dose or on the 9th and 10th days as multidoses. Distilled water was injected into the control group (10 mice). The pregnant mice delivered on the 18th day of pregnancy and the fetuses were examined for external malformation. Each fetus was weighed, the crown-rump length was measured, and the number of live and resorbed fetuses was recorded. Results – Water extract of C. tinctorius flowers caused death and decreased crown-rump length and weight. Congenital malformations included exencephally, spina bifida and tail and limb necrosis also were seen. Conclusion – The water extract of C. tinctorius flowers has many toxic effects on early development of the embryo and its use in pregnant women must be avoided.