Abstract:
The cytotoxic effects of Eucalyptus deglupta leaf extract on non-mammalian systems have been reported in previous studies. However, the adverse effects of the extract on vertebrate tissues are not known. The present study aims to investigate the possible effects of E. deglupta leaf extract on the early head and brain development of an avian model, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus L. From an infusion of 5 grams powdered E. deglupta leaves in 1 liter water, three concentrations were formulated for administration to four treatment groups: 0% for the untreated Control group, 1% for the Low-dose group, 10% for the Medium-dose group, and 100% for the High-dose group. All embryos were approximately 24-hours old at the time of their respective treatment administration. Embryos were then extracted and assessed at 40, 52, and 100 hours of age. Morphological measurements using ImageJ software included head width, head length, forebrain width, midbrain width, and hindbrain width. In addition, all embryos were scored based on a morphological scoring system by Drake et al. (2006). Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences among all the parameters. The findings suggest that for up to 100 hours of age, the embryos had not manifested any adverse effects from exposure to E. deglupta leaf extract, even at the highest concentration of 100%. The implications for species-specific effects of the polar compounds of the plant extract are discussed.
