The ethanolic extract of Salvia lachnostachys Benth is not maternotoxic, does not alter reproductive performance, but has teratogenic potential.

Salvia lachnostachys Benth is native to Brazil and has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antihyperalgesic activities. The population, including pregnant women, consume this plant to treat pain, inflammation, flu, spasms, insomnia, and depression, mainly. There are no safety reports on the use of this plant during pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of S. lachnostachys ethanolic extract (EESl) on reproductive performance, embryofetal development, and DNA integrity of pregnant female mice. Pregnant females were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): The Control group was treated with a vehicle, and treatment groups were administered with EESl at 100 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Treatment occurred by gavage throughout the gestational period until day 18. Afterward, reproductive performance, embryofetal development, and DNA integrity parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that EESl did not alter any reproductive performance parameters. However, it changed embryofetal outcome through reduced placental weight (EESl 100 mg/kg), decreased fetal weight (EESl 100 and 1000 mg/kg), and increased frequency of small for gestational age fetuses (EESl 1000 mg/kg). In addition, EES1 increased the frequency of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. Because of the above, it is considered that EESl is not maternotoxic, does not alter reproductive performance, but does alter embryofetal development. Its use in the gestational period is not indicated due to its teratogenic potential.

Behavior study of the doped castor bean polymer rod with bioactive glass and hidroxyapatite in mice femur medullary canal

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the polymer doped rods behavior with bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite for possible application as a fracture fixing method. Methods Twenty eight Rattus norvegicus Wistar underwent bone defect for access to the femoral medullary canal and distributed into three experimental groups: group A - doped castor bean polymer with bioactive glass; group B - castor bean polymer and; group C - castor bean polymer doped with bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite. After 15 and 60 evaluation days, the femurs were removed and sent for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Results Initially mild and moderate inflammatory infiltrate is observed that decreases as time goes by, and the presence of connective tissue capsule around the graft in all groups. Regarding the biomaterials resorption little was observed. The implanted rods did not favor the osteoconductive process in the femoral medullary canal which was observed only in the C15 group. Conclusions The association of castor bean polymer, bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite was biocompatible and osteointegrable. The osteoconductive only occurred in the presence of hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass (C15 Group) and little biodegradation was observed.