Investigation of maternal and embryo/fetal toxicity of Ephedra viridis and Ephedra nevadensis in sheep and cattle

Abstract

Ephedra viridis and Ephedra nevadensis were gavaged at high doses to pregnant livestock to determine whether there existed any maternal or embryo/fetal toxicity. E. viridis was tested in both sheep and cows and was toxic, and generally induced ruminal impaction, diarrhea, vomition or anorexia. E. nevadensis was tested only in sheep, but was devoid of toxicity. Neither plant induced apparent adverse effects in unborn offspring of animals gavaged. They were normal at birth.