Two-generation Reproductive Toxicity Study of Barrisal (Herbal Drug) on the Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Aim: Barrisal is a herbal medication used in Pakistan for hepatic and spleen ailments. It is composed of Aloevera. The present study was aimed to evaluate the teratogenic effects of barrisal in two generations of rats. Study Design: Two generation teratogenic activity Place and Duration of Study: Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Ilyas Institute of Pharmacology and Herbal Sciences (Dr. HMIIPHS) Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, between June 2002 and July 2004. Methodology: In first phase two groups of female rats (10 rats each group) were used. One group received normal saline (as control group).Group II were treated with a single oral dose of 10ml/kg barrisal (10 female rats) during the whole period of gestation till the delivery of pups named as F1 generation. For second phase study 10 females were selected from F1 generation control and barrisal treated group and administered the saline and barrisal (10ml/kg) from day first of gestation until they delivered pups (F2 generation). Results: There were not any aborted or absorbed fetuses in normal saline group and barrisal treated group. Total number of collected pups after barrisal treatment in F1 generation and F2 generation are comparable to control rats. Control and barrisal treated rats had no resorption sites, malformation and any congenital defects. Conclusion: In conclusion, Barrisal (10ml/kg) during pregnancy not led to fetal growth retardation or fetal death at this dosage any abortion, fetal death, fetal growth retardation and teratogenic effect was not occurred and it is safe in rats.