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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
[Study on embryo toxicity of Cinnabaris]
Aihua Liang1, Chunying Li, Ting Liu
1Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China. liangaihua@sina.com
Summary
Cinnabaris exposure during early pregnancy or prior to conception showed potential risks to mouse embryos, including skeletal malformations. However, administration during mid-to-late pregnancy did not reveal obvious embryonic toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Cinnabaris, a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for various conditions.
- Understanding its safety profile during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose:
- To investigate the embryonic effects of Cinnabaris administered at different stages of pregnancy in mice.
- To evaluate potential toxicity and malformations in mouse embryos following Cinnabaris exposure.
Summary:
- Mice received Cinnabaris orally from D6-D19 (experiment 1) or from D14 prior to pregnancy to D19 (experiment 2).
- No significant embryo toxicity or malformations were observed in experiment 1.
- Experiment 2 revealed increased abortion and absorbed fetus rates, and significant skeletal malformations in fetuses exposed to higher Cinnabaris doses (0.4, 4 g/kg).
Impact:
- Early pregnancy and pre-conception exposure to Cinnabaris may pose risks to embryonic development, particularly skeletal formation.
- The findings suggest a dose-dependent teratogenic effect of Cinnabaris when administered before and during early pregnancy.
- Further research is warranted to establish safe dosage guidelines for Cinnabaris use in women of reproductive age.
