Abstract
In the present study, the adverse effects of Trigonella foenum- graecum leaves aqueous extract (TGLE) on the organogenesis stage of
Sprague-Dawley rat fetus was investigated; particularly, the effect on fetal development of the hind limb long bone. TGLE was
administered in pregnant rats by intra peritoneal (i.p.) injection at the dose levels of 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 (g / kg / day) on the 10th day of
gestation. Then all rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation and fetuses were removed from their uterus. The fetuses were
assayed for histopathological signs of long bone. The results indicated that the treatment with TGLE (3.2 g /kg /day) were
significantly different in long bone structure and growth histology details disorder in comparison with the control group (p<0.001).
The treated group showed a correlation with the histopathological changes of long bone tissue in their fetuses. As a consequence, if
only TGLE is used without consumption of any herbal plant concurrently, TGLE has toxic potential on pregnant rats at the highest
dose level (3.2 g /kg /day). It showed that the extract has adverse effects on the development of hind limb long bone by disorder in the
histology details of cell structure and growth into long bone during endochondral ossification. Thus TGLE at the highest dose level
may cause severe adverse alterations in rat fetus. Proper clinical research should be carried out to confirm the same activity in human.
