The Teratogenic and abortifacient Effects of Heracleum Persicum Hydroalcholic Extract and its Correlation with Mother's Estrogen and Progesterone in Balb/C Mice

Heracleumpersicum is an Iranian medicinal plant which is used for various diseases. However، there is no scientific evidence to prove its side effects in pregnancy. Therefore، this study was designed to evaluate the teratogenic and abortifacient effects of Heracleum persicum hydroalcholic extract in Balb/c mice. In this experimental study، 30 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups، after mating and vagina platelets observation. First group received nothing، and second group received distilled water (gavage) and the third roup received 12. 5 mg/kg/day Heracleum persicum hydroalcholic extract for 7 days. In 18-19th day of the experiment، caesarean surgery was done and embryos were collected in normal saline. The embryos weight and heights were measured and any defects in skeleton or other observable defects in other parts were evaluated. Estrogen and progesterone levels were also measured to evaluate the mechanisms. There was a significant difference in estrogen percentage (13. 82±9. 09ng/ml in case group vs. 2. 4±0. 4ng/ml in control group) and in progesterone percentage (24. 56±18. 5ng/ml in case group vs. 52. 46±1. 35ng/ml in control group) between two groups (p<0. 05). The abortifacient effect of the plant was supported by the changes in blood estrogen and progesterone. The percentage of abortifacient was 0. 55±0. 14 in plant group and zero in control group. There was no significant difference in studied groups regarding embryos heights. However، the embryos weights were less in case group (p<0. 05). Considering plant effect on weight and hormone changes in pregnancy and abortifacient effect of Heracleum persicum in experimental group، its consumption should be with cautious during pregnancy.