Teratogenic effects of an extract of unripe Mormodica charantia fruit in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate any teratogenic effects of the unripe fruit extract of Mormodica charantia Linn. on rats when given during mid-pregnancy (days 7-15). The extract was administered orally in two diff erent concentrations (1 ml/100 g/day or 2 ml/100 g/day). Vitamin A (15,000 U/kg) was given intramuscularly on days 8, 9 or 10 to serve as a positive c ontrol. Several teratogenic parameters were determined in day 20 fetuses. B oth doses of the extract increased the number of small-for-dates fetuses an d inhibited fetal growth. The lower dose, in addition, induced a shortening of the forearm of the right forelimb of one fetus. In contrast, vitamin A treatment produced predominately dwarfed and small-for-dates fetuses with e xternal malformations (in 10%) and skeletal abnormalities (in 20%). In adul t female rats, the extract neither inhibited body weight gain, nor caused h aemotoxicity (in terms of leucocyte or platelet counts or clotting time) he patoxicity (in terms of serum SGPT activity) or nephrotoxicity (in terms of serum Na+ and K+ and creatinine levels) with chronic administration (for 2 6 weeks). We conclude that it is desirable for pregnant women to avoid heav y consumption of unripe hi. charantia fruits in view of possible teratogeni c risks. Med Sci Res 27:807-809 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.