The teratogenic effects of dietary cassava on the pregnant albino rat: A preliminary report

Cassava is a tuberous root of a shrublike plant cultivated in tropical rain forests as a staple food in South Eastern Nigeria. Reports are on record showing correlation between cassava intake and occurrence of various types of neuropathies (Money, '59; Monekosso and Wilson, '66; Osuntokun et al., '68, '69). About 0.1–2 mg of cyanide/100 gm is released from Cassava by action of hydrolase (Paula and Rangel, '46). It has been suspected by several local clinicians as a cause of congenital anomalies if consumed in excess during pregnancy. However, it remains a controversial problem and precise scientific data is lacking. This study was conducted on albino rats by giving them milled cassava powder as 50% and 80% of their diet during the first 15 days of pregnancy. Fetuses collected on day 20. from the group receiving cassava as 80% of the diet showed a low incidence of limb defects, open eye, microcephaly, and growth retardation in the rat. Interpretation of this data for the human should be made with caution. Copyright © 1981 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company