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Abstract
Salvia officinalis (sage) has many pharmacological effects as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor and anticancer. However the safety of its use during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of Salvia officinalis extract on pregnant albino rat fetuses. Pregnant albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were administrated daily an oral dose of 500 mg/kg from the 5th day of gestation till the end of lactation. The animals were sacrificed at the end of gestation and during lactation. Fetuses were removed from the uteri and evaluated for mortality rate, growth parameters, morphological and skeletal malformation as well as histological studies on fetal liver, kidney and brain. Results showed reduction in weight of pregnant rats and the weight of their placentae. No mortality in fetuses was detected. Fetal growth retardation during gestation, with time, an increase in weights of neonates was observed during lactation period. Fetal skeletal abnormalities were most obvious during gestation period included lack of bones ossification and bent in the last thoracic rib. While, during lactation period an increase in length of skeletal elements were observed. In addition, Salvia officinalis induced histopathological alterations in liver, kidney and brain of fetuses during gestation and lactation periods. Our findings suggest the need for great caution to handle Salvia officinalis especially during pregnancy and lactation