Planta Med 2010; 76 - P085
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264383

Study the abortificant effects of pennyroyal decoction in pregnant mice

F Zeinali Nasrabadi 1, M Dashti-R 2, S Hosseini Biuki 3, M Anvari 2
  • 1Medical student, Shaheed Sadoughi medical University Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic Of
  • 2Assistant Professor, Shaheed Sadoughi medical University of Yazd yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic Of
  • 3pharmacology student, Shaheed Sadoughi medical University of Yazd yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Objective: Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) is a widely available herb that has long been used as an abortifacient. In this study, the effects of a Pennyroyal decoction on foetuses in pregnant Mice was assessed.

Methods: 20 female BALB/c mice, weighting 25–30 grams, were breed in the animal house of the medical college. The first day of pregnancy was the day on which the vaginal plaque was observed. The pregnant mice were divided into 2 subgroups. Each pregnant animal was placed in a separate cage throughout the gestational period. Animals in the control group received tap water, animals of the test groups received an aqueous pennyroyal decoction in the 2nd trimester of the gestational period. In 18th day of pregnancy, animals were anesthetized and their foetuses were extracted through a cesarean section. The placenta was excised, weighed, and the number and placement of implantation sites, live, dead and resorbed foetuses were recorded. All foetuses were stereo microscopically examined for any morphological abnormalities.

Result: There was no significant difference between the mean number of resorbed and dead fetuses of the test and control group.

Conclusion: Although the number of included animals is very low, our data indicate that Pennyroyal has no negative effect on pregnancy.