Aqueous Root Extract of the Antimalarial Herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr Delays The Development of Physical Landmarks and sensorimotor Systems in Mice

We demonstrated previously that the aqueous root extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (cryptolepis), with cryptolepine as the major constituent adversely affect reproduction and foetal development in mice. However, very little is known on the effect of prenatal exposure of cryptolepis on the post-natal life of surviving animals. Using murine models, we report here, the effects of prenatal exposure to cryptolepis on the growth and development of physical landmarks and sensorimotor systems. Prenatal cryptolepis (62.5, 100, 500 mg/kg; p.o) treatment of pregnant mice from gestation day 6 - 19 significantly caused a delay in eye opening and development of reflexes such as righting, mid-air righting, auditory startle and pinna reflex. Prenatal cryptolepis treatment also inhibited intrauterine growth but not post-natal growth. This study shows that prenatal cryptolepis treatment provokes functional toxicity by delaying the development of physical landmarks and sensorimotor systems in mice.