Objective: To evaluate the developmental toxicity of ginsenoside Rb1 and the potential mechanism of it in vitro.
Methods: Whole embryo culture system was used in this research. Embryos were exposed to various concentrations of ginsenoside Rb1, and scored for growth and development at the end of the 48h culture period.
Results: With the concentration of Rb1 rising, the total morphological scores significantly decreased; Developments of forebrain, midbrain and optic system were relatively sensitive to Rb1 and were affected at the concentration of 30 microg/ml; hindbrain, Branchial arch and limb buds were affected at 50 microg/ml; Yolk sac was affected at the low concentration of 15 microg/ml and the indexes of embryonic growth and development decreased at the high concentration of 50 microg/ml. Moreover, the rate of embryo teratogenicity were obviously increased.
Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rb1 displayed teratogenic action in mice. The damage on structure and function of yolk sac might be part of teratogenic mechanisms of it.