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Abstract

Effect of the extract of the Plectranthus barbatus (Andr.) Benth in the reproductive performance of Rattus novergicus (Berkenhout, 1769). The supposed use of the extract from Plectranthus barbatus for abortive
purposes motivated this investigation about the possible toxic effects of ‘False-boldo’ on the embryos and on the offspring of female Wistar rats. Twenty-seven females and nine males, divided into three groups, were used in the experiment. The teas were prepared following the method of infusion, using the leaves of plants fully grown, gathered in residencial areas. After the first day of mating, the animals were submitted to different treatments: (T1) received water, (T2) received the dose of tea considered to be colloquial, and (T3) received a 200% higher dose. To evaluate the quality and to verify the stage of embryonic development, on the fourth day of mating, six females from each group were laparotomized (median abdominal laparotomy) in order to perform a uterine lavage, and the collected material was submitted to laboratorial analysis. The offspring resulting from the female rats that did not go through surgery were analyzed five days after their birth. The results did not show any interference with the embryonic development of any group. The offspring of the animals submitted to different treatments presented a normal pattern when compared to the control group. Congenital abnormalities were not observed.