Study of the embryotoxic effects of an extract of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

I P Lemonica et al. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1996 Feb.

Abstract

Extracts of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., have been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, an emenagogue, an antispasmodic and its aqueous extract does not present toxicity to man, presenting, however, abortive effects. In order to evaluate if this plant induces abortion and/or interferes with the normal development of the concepts, doses of 26 mg of a 30% (w/v) R. officinalis aqueous extract (13 mg solids/ml) made with leaves, flowers and stem were administered daily by gavage during two different periods of Wistar rat pregnancy.

Conclusion:

This result suggests that rosemary extract may present an anti-implantation effect without interfering with the normal development of the concept after implantation.