The effect of Cecropia glazioui SNETHLAGE on the physical and neurobehavioral development of rats

This study aimed to determine the LD50, toxic effects on organogenesis/fetal-development, physical aspects, and developmental/neurobehavioral reflexes of litters previously exposed to Cecropia glazioui SNETHL (Cg) extract during the entire gestational period. Swiss mice were submitted to doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/Kg/p.o. Female rats received 1.0 g/Kg/day of Cg extract (G1, n = 10) or 1.0 mL/Kg/day of deionized water (G2, n = 10) during pregnancy. The number of successful gestations, pregnant females weight and born/dead-born offsprings were evaluated. Physical development (offspring weight; fluff and hair appearing; ear unsticking and opening; incisor teeth eruption; eyes opening; testis descent; vagina opening; rearing frequency; uprightness latency and negative geotaxis) and the sleeping time (30 mg/Kg/i.p. sodium pentobarbital assay) were also observed. Open field assay evaluated the developmental/neurobehavioral reflexes of pups. LD50 was higher than 5.0 g/Kg. The extract did not affect the gestation number, born/dead-born offspring number and the female weight during pregnancy. The weight and the physical development of both genders pups were not affected (p > 0.05), but the uprightness latency and the negative geotaxis reflexes were enhanced and the rearing frequency decreased (p < 0.05). Ambulation, cleaning activity, sleeping time, and immobility were not affected (p > 0.05). We concluded that Cg extract showed low toxicity to pregnant rats and their litters.