Determination of the effect of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract on cadmium embryotoxicity

Abstract

Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) is a homeopathic product used in the veterinary field. This study aimed to determine the effects of TCAE on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in the embryo. The study used 220 fertile, incubated chicken eggs divided into 11 equal groups on the 7^th day of incubation. The groups comprised untreated and physiological saline control groups, a group with TCAE alone, four groups with varying doses of Cd alone and four groups with the same doses of Cd plus TCAE. At the end of the incubation period, the eggs were opened, kidney and liver tissue samples were taken for histopathology and the number of dead and living embryos were recorded. In the prsent study, the median lethal dose of Cd was determined to be 0.029 mg per egg and the median lethal dose of Cd plus TCAE was determined to be 0.020 mg per egg. The histopathological examinations determined that kidney and liver damage were increased when TCAE and Cd were administered together, that was higher than when Cd was given alone. Thus, TCAE, which had no toxic effect on the embryo when used alone, might increase the embryotoxic activity of Cd. However, more detailed studies are needed.

Keywords: Cadmium; Embryotoxic; Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract; in ovo methods.

Fig. 1

Microscopic view of histopathological changes in groups including control, Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) and Cadmium (Cd) showing congestion (asterisk), necrotic changes in hepatocytes (black arrows), necrotic changes in kidney tubules (blue arrows), tubular dilatation (a) and expansion of bowman's space (b). (Hematoxylin-Eosin staining; Bars in liver control and TCAE = 100 µm, in the rest = 50.00 µm).