Developmental toxicity evaluation of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum, (E)-methyl isoeugenol chemotype, in Wistar rats.

Background: Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum (Myrtaceae) has been traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine. Studies have established the botanical characterization, phytochemistry profile, and pharmacological potential of this species, including antibiotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its widespread use, no previous study has been conducted regarding its toxicological profile, especially during pregnancy. Thus, this study investigated the developmental toxicity of the dry leaf extract of the P. pseudocaryophyllus, (E)-methyl isoeugenol chemotype, in rats.

Methods: First, the dry leaf extract was prepared by a spray-drying technique. Then, pregnant Wistar rats were orally treated with dry extract at doses of 0, 2000, 2500, or 3000 mg/kg from gestational day 6 through 15 (organogenesis period). On gestational day 21, the rats underwent cesarean sections and the reproductive outcomes and biochemistry parameters related to hepatic and renal markers were evaluated. Additionally, the fetuses were examined for external and skeletal variations and malformations.

Results: The spray-drying technique preserved the phytocomplex components and showed a satisfactory yield. No relevant differences were seen in the food consumption, reproductive performances, and hepatic and renal biochemical parameters between groups. However, there was a decrease in body weight gain of the dams during the organogenesis period and an increase of minor skeletal variations in the offspring (increased fetal incidences only of delayed ossification of the metacarpals, metatarsals, phalanges, sternebra, and rudimentary ribs) treated with the dry extract.

Conclusion: The extract of P. pseudocaryophyllus, (E)-methyl isoeugenol chemotype, showed low maternal toxicity and induced minor skeletal variations in the offspring. Birth Defects Research 109:1292-1300, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.