Teucrium polium Alters the Vascular Branching Pattern and VEGF-A Expression in the Chick Extra-Embryonic Membrane Model

Background: The Teucrium polium is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including inflammations, rheumatism, diabetes, and ulcers. While this herb and its aqueous extract have been consumed in Iran for hypoglycemia treatment, medicine has proved several side effects such as hepatitis, vomiting, changes in the kidney functions, and allergic responses. Also, using this herb is not safe during pregnancy or lactation. The chick embryo is a live animal model applicable for assessing the pathological property of herbs. In this regard, some details of the embryonic vascular toxicity of the Teucrium polium were evaluated via a chick embryo model. Objectives: The current study assessed vessels’ alteration in the chick’s extra embryonic membrane following Teucrium polium treatment. Change in molecular cues involved in early embryonic angiogenesis has also been investigated. Methods: The eggs of the chicken were divided into three equal treatment groups; as follow: first group one: considered as a sham, next groups: herbal extract that eggs injected with T. polium extract of 3 (150 g/50 L) or 6 (300 g/50 L) mg/kg, respectively. Results: The anti-angiogenic effect of the herb extract in which vessel area, total vessel length, and vascular branching decreased, whereas lacunarity increased in a dose-dependent manner. VEGF-A expression was also down-regulated in herb-exposed extraembryonic membranes. Concerns regarding the side effects of T. polium during pregnancy were confirmed. Conclusions: We conclude that changes in early vascular expansion and gene expression might finally lead to developmental defects in embryos following consumption of T. polium. Thus, this herb’s consumption should be decreased during embryonic development, and clinicians should limit the herb prescription in pregnant women, particularly at dosages > 3 mg/kg.