Developmental toxicity research of ginsenoside Rb1 using a whole mouse embryo culture model

BACKGROUND: Ginseng has been widely used around the world for many years. Knowledge is limited, however, on its effects on embryonic development. METHODS: Whole embryo culture was used to explore the developmental toxicity of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on mouse embryos. All embryos were exposed to different concentrations of GRb1, and scored for their growth and differentiation at the end of the 48-hr culture period. RESULTS: Total morphological score decreased significantly at the concentration of GRb1 of 30 microg/ml and was further reduced at 50 microg/ml. Yolk sac was affected at the lower concentration of 15 microg/ml. Developments of midbrain, forebrain, and optic system were relatively sensitive to GRb1 and were affected at the concentration of 30 microg/ml. Allantois, flexion, branchial arch, and limb buds were affected at 50 microg/ml. At this concentration, the embryonic crown-rump length, head length, and somite number were also reduced significantly compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that GRb1 has teratogenic effect during the mouse organogenetic period. We suggest that before more data in humans is available, ginseng should be used with caution by pregnant women in the first trimester.