The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Celery (Apiumgraveolens) Leaves on Abortion and Morphological Characteristics of Embryo in Balb/C Mice

Many studies have shown that medicinal herbs despite several therapeutic effects, sometimes can have many side effects for the fetus and even lead to miscarriage. Celery (Apiumgraveolens) is a medicinal plant in traditional medicine with numerous therapeutic effects. However, there is no information regarding its effects on the fetus; therefore, this study was performed with aim to evaluate the effects of hydro alcoholic extract of celery leaves on Balb/c mice embryo. This interventional study was performed from June 20 to 10 July 2016 on 20 female mice which were buy from the animal center of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in histology laboratory of the Anatomy Department of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd. 20 female mice after mating were randomly divided into 4 groups. Control group received distilled water (gavage) and experimental groups 1، 2 and 3 were received 200mg/kg of the celery hydro alcoholic extract during the first, second, and third weeks of pregnancy, respectively. In 20th day of pregnancy, caesarean surgery was done and the number of absorbed embryos were counted and were considered as abortion. Furthermore, the embryos weight and heights were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and one-way ANOVA and LSD test. P The number of live fetuses was similar in the control group and the experimental group 1 (receiving extract during the first weeks of pregnancy), but had difference with other groups. Only 1 aborted fetus was observed in experimental group 3 (receiving extract during third weeks of pregnancy). Also, the embryos weight and heights were significantly decreased in the groups receiving extract (p˂0. 05). Celery extract has abortifacient effect and can cause morphological changes in embryo, so it is suggested to evaluate the effect of this herb in pregnant women.