Abortive effect of Boswellia hydroalcoholic extract in mice

In traditional medicine, Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae family) has been used for its various effects such as enhancing learning and memory. However, some side effects have been mentioned with emphasizing on a probability for abortion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate Boswellia serrata abortive effect in mice. In this experimental study, virgin young female mice (balb/c) with a 25-30 gr weight were used in three different time periods: before fertilization, pre-implantation period (days 1-5 of gestation) and during implantation (days 5-7 of gestation). In each study four groups (n=8) were used including experimental groups who received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of Boswellia extract (IP), respectively and a control group (received 0.3 ml distilled water (IP). Animals were sacrificed on days 11-13 of pregnancy and the number of implantation sites were counted. The average number of implantation sites in control and 50, 100 and 200mg/kg concentrations of extract in the pre-fertilization period were 9.83±1.17, 6.5±1.76, 6.5±1.22 and 6.67±2.07, respectively (P=0.003). In the pre-implantation period they were 8.5±0.91 6±1.31, 5±1.16 and 3.29±1.27, respectively (P=0.032), and during implantation were 9.38±2.77, 6.38±3.1, 5.25±2.25 and 3.57±2.17, respectively (P=0.035). Reductions in the number of implantation sites were found to be dose-dependent in preimplantation and implantation periods. Our findings showed that Boswellia exert has abortive effects in mice and the stronger effect was observed with higher doses during preimplantation and implantation periods.