Analysis of the abortive and/or infertilizing activity of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart. Coville)

Abstract

Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatiman) is a tree found from Pará to Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo States (Brazil). The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity of the extracts of the broad beans of this species and to verify if they have some effect on the pregnancy of rats. The broad beans were collected in the region of Cuiabá (MT, Brazil) and separated in husks and seeds. The crude hydroalcoholic (2:1) extracts were prepared at room temperature and dried at a maximum of 55ºC. Female virgin rats were mated and received the extracts (0.5 ml/100 g weight, 100 g/l) or water in the same proportion (control) by gavage from day 1 to day 7 of gestation. Laparatomies were made at day 7 to count the number of uterine implants and the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day of gestation. The seed extracts reduced the weight of the uterus and the number of live fetuses compared to the control group. The mean lethal dose (LD50) calculated for this extract was 4,992.8 mg/kg and the LD50 of the extract of the husk was higher than 5,000 mg/kg. We may conclude that the extract of S. adstringens seeds impaired the gestation of rats, and its ingestion could be harmful to herbivorous animals.