Phyllanthus niruri L. Administration during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Maternal evaluation and effects on initial development and adult behavior of male rat offspring

[Display omitted] •The aqueous extract of P. niruri (AEPN) did not cause maternal toxicity.•Intrauterine and neonatal exposure has no effect on postnatal physical growth.•Maternal treatment caused early opening of the ear canal and eyes in the male offspring.•Male pups exposed to AEPN showed a reduction in anxiety-like behavior. The leaves of Phyllanthus niruri L. are used in folk medicine in many countries to treat various diseases. However, despite the enormous therapeutic potential, use of the plant is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reports on the impacts of exposure to this plant on the development of the offspring of rats are still scarce and controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the administration of P. niruri aqueous extract, during pregnancy and lactation, on maternal toxicity, on postnatal physical development, and on behavioral aspects in adult male offspring. Pregnant rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 8/group) and treated daily during pregnancy and lactation, (gavage), with vehicle and doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg of aqueous extract of P. niruri. To assess maternal toxicity; weight gain, feed intake, reproductive outcomes, and biochemical profiles were analyzed. The male pups were evaluated for physical development through the end of lactation and submitted to tests evaluating their behavior in adulthood. Treatment with the aqueous extract of P. niruri (AEPN) did not cause significant changes in the maternal and reproductive parameters analyzed. However, changes in the biochemical markers of liver function were observed. In the male offspring, the extract did not alter postnatal physical growth, but caused early opening of the ear canal and eyes. In the evaluation of adult male offspring, it was found that the groups exposed to AEPN presented behavioral changes predictive of anxiolytic effect. Brain malondialdehyde levels of male offspring whose mothers were treated with AEPN were significantly reduced. Our results demonstrate that exposure to P. niruri extract did not induce significant changes sufficiently to indicate occurrence of maternal or postnatal toxicity. In addition, in the male offspring exposed to the extract, anticipation of physical maturation parameters and anxiolytic-like behavior was observed.