Screening for reproductive toxicity in rats for a decoction of Himathanthus sucuuba stem bark

In order to evaluate the toxic potential of a Himathanthus sucuuba stem bark decoction, pregnant rats were treated from day 6 to day 15 of pregnancy with the decoction (40 mg per rat, twice a day) or distilled water (1.0 ml, twice a day) by gastric intubation. Half of the animals were killed on day 20 of pregnancy with the other half allowed to deliver. Maternal and fetal data suggest low reproductive toxicity and teratogenic potentiality and suggest that the beverage may be safe for human use in the treatment of gastritis and haemorrhoids.