piperine and Fetal-Death

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.

Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Benzodioxoles; Embryo Implantation; Female; Fetal Death; Food Additives; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Rats; Spermatozoa; Teratogens; Uterus

The antifertility activity of piperine was investigated in pregnant mice when given by various routes of administration and at different periods of gestation. Piperine effectively inhibited implantation, produced abortion and delayed labor when it was given from day 2 through 5, day 8 through 12 and day 15 until labor, respectively. At the same dose level which interrupts pregnancy, piperine did not affect the estrous cycle. Neither uterotropic, antiestrogenic nor antiprogestational property was observed. Additionally, piperine also inhibited uterine contraction both in vivo and in vitro. These results suggested that the antifertility activity of piperine did not operate through any hormonal actions or uterotonic activity.

Topics: Abortifacient Agents; Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; Abortion, Spontaneous; Alkaloids; Animals; Benzodioxoles; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Depression, Chemical; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Implantation, Delayed; Female; Fetal Death; In Vitro Techniques; Litter Size; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Piperidines; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Prolonged; Uterine Contraction