@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2252-0805    The Horizon of Medical Sciences 2016;22(2):92-101

Background
Capparis spinosa is a kapparis belongs to the family of Capparidaceae [1]. … [2-6] Its fruit, root and bark have therapeutic uses [7]. … [8-12]
Previous Studies
Hydro-alcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa has reducing effect on blood sugar and fat [13]. Because of protective effects of chondrocytes, it can also be used in the treatment of cartilage damages [14]. The plant, also, has activity against liver toxicity and inflammation of the joints [10, 14]. … [15-17]
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to assess the teratogenic effects of hydro-alcoholic leaves of Capparis spinosa in the fetal mice.
Research type
This is an experimental study.
Research society, place and time
Male and female Balb/c white mice from the school of pharmacy in Zabol were studied in 2014. The weight of the mice was 30-35 gr.
Sampling method and number
32 pregnant mice were randomly selected.
Used devices&materials
First, Capparis spinosa was collected from School of Pharmacy, University of Zabol. For mating, 2 Balb/c female mice and a Balb/c male were placed in PVC cage for two nights. All mice were investigated in vaginal plug in the last morning. 32 pregnant mice were placed in four groups (one control group and three experimental groups) in separate cages, and that day was considered as gestational day 0 (GD 0). Pregnant mice were weighted at day zero of pregnancy. In three experimental groups, 200,400, and 800 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Capparis spinosa were chosen to determine and evaluate the teratogenic effects of this plant [10]. In control group urban water was used. Experimental and control groups were received the extracts and urban water for 14 days by gavage, respectively. On the day 18 of gestation, pregnant mice were weighted at first. Then, they were anaesthetized by chloroform, undergoing cesarean. Embryos were washed by normal saline and examined grossly with stereomicroscope. Alizarin red assigned color was used for the bones. After a week, the stains were replaced with 1 to 1 glycerin-ethanol mixture. 1% potassium solution was replaced after 48 hours. By Graph pad Prism 5 software, raw numbers of each experimental group was entered as column. Appropriate statistical test for comparing the groups was one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Newman-Keuls method was used to compare the groups.
Findings by Text
Pregnant mice receiving the extract during gavage became withdrawn to some extent and showed less activity than the control group. The mean weight of pregnant mice on the eighteenth day of pregnancy showed significant difference in the group receiving Capparis spinosa in 800 mg/kg doses compared to control group (p<0.05). However, the difference was not significant in the groups receiving the extract in 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. In the study of the differences between the weight of pregnant mice on day zero and eighteen, also, a significant difference was observed in the group receiving the extract in 800 mg/kg (p<0.05). The difference was not significant in the groups receiving the extract in 200 and 400 mg /kg (Table 1). It, also, revealed that the mean height and weight of fetal mice receiving extract in 800 mg/kg were significantly different compared to control group (p<0.05), but these parameters were not significantly different in the fetal mice receiving extract in 200 and 400 mg/kg doses compared to control group (Table 1). After mice cesarean on day 18 of gestation, on cursory examination of the fetuses, it was observed that, as fetuses in control group, all fetuses in three groups receiving extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) had no abnormal appearance of the inappropriate torsion of hands and feet, the absence of fingers and toes, decrease or increase of fingers and toes, absence of tail, or the inappropriate twisting of the spine. In Alizarin red staining method no skeletal malformation was observed in any of the samples (Figure 1).
Main comparison to the similar studies
Pregnant mice receiving the leaf extract of Capparis spinosa in 800 mg/kg became withdrawn to some extent during gavage period, and showed less activity compared to the control group [18]. Quercetin and kaempferol are two types of flavonoids that are consisted with greater amount in this plant [14]. Flavonoid quercetin reduces blood sugar, cholesterol, and LDL and inhibits the absorption of glucose in the intestine. This process, specifically, takes place through glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) [18]. … [19-22] Eosinophilic hepatocytes may be caused by quercetin leading to apoptosis [23]. Quercetin at high doses produces superoxide radicals in cultured cells and isolated mitochondria [24]. Antioxidant activity of quercertin has been observed at low doses, while the use of high concentration (over 50 µM) of it reduces the cell`s ability to survive, the amount of thiol, the total antioxidant capacity, activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and Glutathione S-transferase [24]. … [25-27] High doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant in a short time may lead to a toxicity effect on body cells such as liver, kidney, and lung. It seems that the reduction in the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in the liver and kidney tissues is responsible for tissue damages [28]. A number of antioxidants such as quercetin can inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes and cause cellular damage in forms of necrosis and apoptosis [29].
Suggestions
Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds in this plant, evaluation of its anticancer effects is recommended.
Limitations
Of the limitations of this study, lack of investigation of teratogenic effects of Capparis spinosa on the Balb/c mice can be mentioned.
Conclusions
800 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Capparis spinosa affects height and weight of Balb/c mice fetus and may have teragenic effects on the fetus.
Acknowledgments
The School of Pharmacy of Zabol University of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Veterinary of Zabol University are appreciated.
Conflict of interest
Non-declared
Ethical Permissions
The research was approved by Ethics Committee for Medical Studies.
Funding Sources
This study was funded by Pharmacognosy Faculty of School of Medicine and Pathobiology Faculty of School of Veterinary of Zabol University.

TABLES and CHARTS

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