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Published on: September 10, 2018
Safety evaluation of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy in mice
Chi Chiu Wang1, Lu Li, Ling Yin Tang
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1st Floor, Block E, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. ccwang@cuhk.edu.hk
Background:
It is unclear how safe the use of Chinese herbal medicine is during pregnancy and if the herbal medicines do any harm to pregnancy, embryo-fetal development and prenatal and post-natal growth. A large-scale preclinical study was conducted to detect the adverse effects of Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy.
Methods:
Twenty of the most commonly used Chinese herbal medicines prescribed for pregnancy were selected and the crude extract was administered to pregnant mice at clinical doses during five different gestational stages, namely post-implantation, gastrulation, organogenesis, maturation and whole gestation periods. Maternal effects on side effects, weight loss, litter reduction, implantation failure and fetal resorption and perinatal effects on growth restriction, developmental delay, congenital malformations and post-natal mortality were determined.
Results:
Adverse pregnancy outcomes were commonly observed after maternal exposure to the herbal medicines, particularly during early pregnancy. Major events included maternal and perinatal mortality were recorded. Maternal weight gain, embryo growth and post-natal weight gain were significantly decreased. Fetal resorption and skeletal malformations were significantly increased.
Conclusions:
Reproductive toxicity of Chinese herbal medicines commonly used during pregnancy was identified in mice. Caution should be taken in the clinical use of herbal medicines during pregnancy.
Insights
Chinese herbal medicine use during pregnancy poses risks, with preclinical studies showing adverse effects on maternal and fetal health. Caution is advised due to observed reproductive toxicity in mice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) during pregnancy is not well-established.
- Potential harm to pregnancy, embryo-fetal development, and growth requires investigation.
- A preclinical study was essential to assess CHM adverse effects in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and adverse effects of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy.
- To determine the impact of CHM on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring development.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical CHM use in pregnant individuals.
Main Methods:
- Twenty common Chinese herbal medicines were selected for preclinical testing.
- Crude extracts were administered to pregnant mice at clinical doses across five gestational stages.
- Maternal and perinatal outcomes, including mortality, growth, development, and malformations, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes were frequently observed, especially with early pregnancy exposure.
- Significant maternal and perinatal mortality occurred.
- Decreased maternal weight gain, embryo growth, and post-natal weight gain were noted.
- Increased fetal resorption and skeletal malformations were significant findings.
Conclusions:
- Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in pregnancy demonstrated reproductive toxicity in a mouse model.
- Significant adverse effects on maternal and fetal health warrant caution.
- Clinical use of CHM during pregnancy requires careful consideration and risk-benefit assessment.
