Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in Mice

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Periplocaceae), the herbal anti-malarial is a known cytotoxic and a DNA intercalator. Because cytotoxics can provoke adverse effects on developing foetuses, we studied the effect of the aqueous root extract of the plant (cryptolepis) on reproduction and foetal development in mice. Cryptolepis (62.5-1000 mg kg-1) reduced female fertility from 100% in the control group to 0% at a dose of 1000 mg kg-1. Cryptolepis (1000 mg kg-1) also abolished pregnancy in 60% of mice treated during gestation from the onset of organogenesis. In addition, intrauterine growth inhibition was 37.0% and foetal mortality was 12.0%. Cryptolepis however, did not alter the gestation period or induce any malformation. In the dominant male lethal assay, cryptolepis (62.5-1000 mg kg-1) did not induce significant increase in post implantation losses. Though, the present results cannot be directly extrapolated to man, the findings call for caution in the use of cryptolepis during pregnancy.