تاثير مصرف عصاره ي آبي گياه گلرنگ بر بروز ناهنجاري هاي چشمي در جنين موش سوري

Background: Carthamus tinctorius is a popular plant which is used as color and flavor in food industries. It helps the regulation of menstrual bleeding and women tend to use it when their menstrual bleeding is delayed. However, in case of pregnancy, this might have teratogenic effect on the embryo. This study was designed to investigate the probable effects of this plant on ocular abnormalities in mouse embryos in Shiraz during the years 2001- 2002. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study a number of Outbreed mice were initially placed in the standard condition. Then two female mice were caged with one male mouse. Following copulation the pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug formation. The pregnant mice were divided into experimental and control groups. A single dose intraperitoneal injection of the aqueous extract of carthamus tinctorius was given on the 7th and 8th days of pregnancy to the experimental group. Then a multidose injection of the same extract was Administered on the 9th and 10th days. Distilled water was given to the control group. The uteruses of the pregnant mice were opened on the 18th day of gestation, and the embryos were examined by an ophthalmologist for ocular malformation.The data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests. Results: The results showed teratogenic signs at higher doses: 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg; therefore, the ocular defects were dose dependent. Toxicity effects included cataract, lentocorneal adhesion, and eyelid defects. Conclusion: Considering the fact that the extract of carthamus tinctorius has the embryotoxicity effects, pregnant women should use it cautiously. Further studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms involved at the molecular level.