Effect of Libidibia ferrea bark and seed in maternal reproductive and biochemical outcomes and fetal anomaly in rats.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy pregnant women living in underdeveloped regions are usually treated by traditional healers, inadvertent of the potential toxic effects of plant-derivative substances. Thus, we investigated whether exposure to a hydroalcoholic extract of bark and seed of Libidibia ferrea during pregnancy results in fetotoxicity and maternal toxicity. The main constituents of both extracts were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). METHODS: Pregnant rats were divided into three groups: control (C), group exposed to extract of bark (Lfb-1.0 g/kg/day), and group exposed to extract of the seed (Lfs-1.0 g/kg/day). Biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, morphological effects in the offspring were analyzed. RESULTS: HPLC fingerprint confirmed the presence of ellagic in both bark and seed extracts, and the absence of detectable concentrations of gallic and catechin. Fetuses exposed to L. ferrea extracts presented shorter mean lengths for head and body sections when compared to those in C and exhibited visceral and skeletal anomalies. Pregnant rats exposed to Lfs extracts show alterations in serum creatinine levels and yield amniotic fluid with abnormal biochemical composition. CONCLUSION: Bark or seed extracts of L. ferrea do not exhibit safety level compatible to be used in the gestational period.

Lentinus edodes Exposure before and after Fetus Implantation: Materno-Fetal Development in Rats with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The presence of ß-glucans and phenolic compounds in Lentinus edodes suggests this mushroom can be used as a nutritional supplement. Two gestational conditions (before and after fetus implantation) were evaluated, and Lentinus edodes exposure was performed in diabetes mellitus rat model induced by streptozotocin in pre-clinical tests. METHODS: On the 20th day of pregnancy, cesarean sections were performed. Blood was collected for biochemical, hematologic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Placenta and amniotic fluid were collected, and fetuses were analyzed through morphological evaluation. RESULTS: The mushroom did not reduce the severe hyperglycemia of the mother-concept but promoted an increase in maternal insulin levels; reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and total cholesterol; protected the animals from post-implantation losses. Liver damage induced by streptozotocin was reversed in experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lentinus edodes mushroom has antioxidant properties that can minimize the damage caused by gestational diabetes mellitus.