Abstract

Cissus sicyoides L (Verbaceae) is popularly known by its antidiabetic action. The hydroalcoholic extract effect in pregnant rats and its offspring was evaluated through the following parameters: gestation duration, number of younglings for hatch, maternal weight gain, postural reflex, and day of eye’s opening and day of adult gait. The results suggest that the CS does not exert any effect on the fertility index. However, all doses (300, 600 and 1000 mg/ kg, i.p.) had promoted alteration in the postural reflex, but did not have alteration over  the eye opening parameter, as well as, in the adult gait, which is an important phase of neurological development for offspring. CS did not modify the maternal body's temperature and animals’ ambulation had no alteration in all periods. The CS promoted malformations in foetuses: Such as: abdominal organs outside cavity, sindactly, and absence of tail.                                                       

Key words: Cissus sicyoides L, embryotoxicity, offspring, wistar rats.