EMBRYOTOXIC EFFECT OF MELILOTUS SICULUS (Turra) IN RATES

The present work was conducted to study the embryotoxic effects of meliletus siculus seed extract. Examination of both uterine horns on the 20th day of gestation, after administration of the extract in doses of 50 and 100 mg/100 g b.wt. revealed foetal resorption of 50% and 65.93% respectively. Foetal weigt and foetal length were both reduced to 25.30.70 mm and 23.65 +0.08 mm, and 3.7720.10 g and 2.92 + 0.15g respectively, compared to the control group. Skeletal examination showed the following malformations: Skull, 10% and 13.3% Vertebral column, 16.6% and 8.3%; Ribs, 13.3% and 25%; Sternebrae, 8.3% and 10%; Limbs, 53.3% and 66.6 in dams receiving 50 & 100mg respectively. The respective visceral malformation was: Brain malformation, 10% and 12.5%; Palate, 7.5% and 13%; Heast, 12.5% and 22.5%; Lung, 0% and 0%:13%; Liver, 31.25% and 37.5%, Kidney, 27.5% and 27.5%. Evaluation of these results showed a definite embryotoxic effect from the alcoholic extract of Melilotus siculus seeds in ratss. it is therefore, suggested that the inclusion of the seeds of Melilotus siculus in feed-stuffs of pregnant animals, should be avoided.