Evaluation of Maternal Toxicity in Rats Exposed to the Total Extract of the Alkaloids in the seeds of Peganum harmala L. during Pregnancy

Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) known locally as harmel is a medicinal plant. In traditional medicine, its seeds have long been used for therapeutic purposes because of their richness in β-carboline alkaloids. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal and developmental toxicity during pregnancy by daily IP administration of 7.99 mg/kg/day (1/20 DL50) of total alkaloids extract in P.harmala’ seeds. The results summarized in confirmed pregnancy rates were high 90-100%, decreased locomotor activity, paralysis, and hypothermia. Maternal body weight and weight gain changes were statistically significant in all pregnant. Precisely, the relative weight of ovaries was significantly changed in all the groups treated. The ALAT and gamma GT concentrations show a significant change in the group treated for seven days. Significant changes in the total and indirect bilirubin levels were observed in all treated groups. The hormonal analysis showed a significant decrease in FSH levels in a treated group for seven days and two weeks, Progesterone levels were increased significantly in treated groups for seven and three weeks and increased significantly in a treated group for two groups, however, the levels of Estrogen were changed significantly only in the treated group for three. The results show a significant difference in total resorbed litters and the number of fetus deaths in the group treated for three weeks. The fetus weight in the group treated for two weeks was significant. The results show a significant decrease in the number of implantations and an increase in pre-and post-implantation loss rates, and there were no developed live or dead, and no resorbed fetuses in all treated dams, there were only implantation sites in both uterine horns. The total extract of the alkaloids in the seeds of P. harmala has adverse effects on maternotoxicity, embryonic development, and abortion.