Maternal exposure to aqueous extract of Jacaranda decurrens: Effects on reproductive system in male rats

Abstract

Context: Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species widely used for their medicinal properties. At least to our known, no study has been conducted concerning its toxicological profile after gestational and lactational exposure.

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of J. decurrens on development of the reproductive system in male rats.

Materials and methods: Pregnant rats were treated daily (gavage) with 250 or 500 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of J. decurrens or vehicle, from day 12 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation.

Results and Discussion: Both doses of J. decurrens significantly anticipated (p < 0.05) the age of testicular descent to the scrotum, a parameter indicative of puberty initiation. Furthermore, at puberty, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in testicular and epididymis weights in the offspring exposed to the higher dose of extract, without effect on sperm production and the histology of reproductive organs. On the other hand, at adulthood, the reproductive parameters analyzed did not differ among groups.

Conclusions: J. decurrens, in this experimental model, interfered with the initial development of the reproductive system, but without lasting effects on sperm production in adulthood.

Keywords::

• Medicinal plants
• toxicity
• pregnancy
• lactation
• sexual development

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from FUNDECT (Foundation to Support the Development of Education, Science and Technology of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.