Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Stem cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2
Burn and Wound Healing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3
Comparative and Experimental Medicine Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4
Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
5
Traditional Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
6
ShahreKord Branch, Islamic Azad University, ShahreKord, Iran
7
Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
8
Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of different diseases especially during pregnancy is increasing. It was shown that some herbs have irreparable effects on fetal development and on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris on fetal height and weight during pregnancy.
Methods: In this experimental study, one-hundred and twenty adult female mice were enrolled. After confirmation of pregnancy, they were divided to four groups evaluated during first, second and third week of pregnancy. The control group mice were pregnant without any intervention. The second, third and fourth group received 2000, 3500 and 5000 mg/kg of barberry, respectively. The fetal weight and height were measured in each group and compared.
Results: In the first, second and third week of gestation, 5000 mg/kg of barberry decreased the embryo’s weight and height in comparison to other groups.
Conclusion: The high dose of barberry resulted in adverse effects on fetal growth
especially in the last week of pregnancy. Therefore, it should be administered with caution during gestation period.
Keywords
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