Dr. Gloria Jahnke authors the lead article on Berberine for Birth Defects Research.

Sciences International toxicologist, Dr. Gloria Jahnke, co-authored the lead article in the June 2006 issue of Birth Defects Research (Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology) entitled: Developmental Toxicity Evaluation of Berberine in Rats and Mice (pdf). Berberine, a plant alkaloid, is found in some herbal teas and is a component in goldenseal, another dietary supplement. Recently, there has been increased interest in berberine and berberine-like compounds as cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, there was no information in the scientific literature describing possible developmental effects of berberine during pregnancy. Dr. Jahnke was the lead author on the peer-reviewed article that addressed the developmental toxicity of berberine in rats and mice. NIEHS-National Toxicology Program sponsored the laboratory work and technical reports through a testing contract with RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC.

For questions please contact Dr. Scialli at anthony.scialli@sciences.com.

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