Planta Med 2000; 66(3): 231-236
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8560
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Reproductive Toxicity of Piperine in Swiss Albino Mice

Mahadeo B. Daware1 , Arvind M. Mujumdar2 , Surendra Ghaskadbi1,*
  • 1 Animal Sciences Division, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
  • 2 Plant Sciences Division, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Abstract

Piperine (CAS 94-62-2) is a constituent of various spices which are used as common food additives all over the world. The reproductive toxicity of piperine was studied in Swiss albino mice. Relevant short-term tests were employed to assess the effect on estrous cycle, mating behaviour, toxicity to male germ cells, fertilization, implantation and growth of pups. Piperine (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.) increased the period of the diestrous phase which seemed to result in decreased mating performance and fertility. Post-partum litter growth was not affected by the piperine treatment. Sperm shape abnormalities were not induced by piperine at doses up to 75 mg/kg b.w. Considerable anti-implantation activity was recorded after five days post-mating oral treatment with piperine. The sex ratio and post-implantation loss were unaffected after treatment with piperine. Intrauterine injection of piperine caused the total absence of implants in either of the uterine horns (16.66 %) or one of the horns (33 %) of treated females. No histopathological changes were detected in the ovary and the uterus at the cellular level. Prostaglandin E1-induced acute inflammation of rat paw was significantly reduced after piperine treatment. Our results show that piperine interferes with several crucial reproductive events in a mammalian model.

Abbreviations

PIP:piperine CMC:carboxymethyl cellulose b.w.:body weight PGE1:prostaglandin E1

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Dr. Surendra Ghaskadbi

Division of Animal Sciences Agharkar Research Institute

G. G. Agarkar Road

Pune-411004

India

Email: suren@aripune.ernet.in

Phone: +91 020 5651542