OBJECTIVETo observe the toxicity of hyperoside in rat embryo-fetal development, in order to provide preference for safe use of drugs during gestation period.

METHODHealthy pregnant rats were randomly divided into hyperosid groups (30, 175, 1000 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), the positive control group (cyclophosphamide, 7 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and the solvent control group (1% aqueous carboxymethylcellulose). These rats were orally administered with hyperosid or vehicle during 6-15 d after gestation and subcutaneously injected with cyclophosphamide during 11-13 d. Maternal clinical sign, abortions, premature deliveries and body weight were monitored throughout gestation. At termination (gestation days 20), pregnant females were evaluated for clinical symposiums, weight change, corpora lutea count, existence and death of embryos; live fetuses were examined for gender, external, visceral and skeletal malformation and variations.

RESULTAll pregnant rats showed no significant abnormality in appearance, viscera and skeletal development. However, there was a difference between the high-dose group of hyperoside and negative control group in the fetus body weight, the length of the embryos and the length of tail (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPregnant women are suggested to cautiously use hyperoside because it shows certain impact on development of fetal rats under the experimental conditions.