Jatropha curcas (L.) (Euphorbiaceae), is a large shrub, common in Brazil, India and Africa and thrive well in semi-wild conditions. This plant has potential therapeutic properties in man and animals. The seeds contain 30% oil which produce high-quality biodiesel. Feeding studies showed that the seeds contain curcin, a toxin which inhibits protein synthesis in in vitro studies. The oil also has pregnancy terminating effects in rats and mice and is used for contraceptive purposes in some African countries. A study was conducted to determine toxicity effects of Jatropha seed oil (JCO) on the placenta when fed to female Sprague-Dawley rats during early gestation (day 1-7) and late gestation (day 8-14). On day 21st of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed and uteri removed. Placentas were processed for histopathology. The data obtained was analyzed with SPSS using Friedman Test and Wilcoxon test and a p value < 0.05 is considered to indicate a significant difference. Treated group showed histological changes in maternal-fetal interface, trophoblastic giant cell layers and labyrinth layer with an increase in abnormal trophoblastic giant cells having atypical shape with pyknotic irregular nuclei. The results indicate that JCO stimulate deleterious effects on the placenta which were more pronounced during late gestation.
