Extracts from the leaf of Parameria laevigata (A. Juss.) Moldenke and yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poeppig & Endlicher) H. Robinson] tuber were studied for their antiteratogenic potential using duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.) embryos. Ten, 50, 100 μL of yacon tuber and 10, 30 and 50 μg/ml of P. laevigata leaf extracts showed no teratogenic activity on the developing 3-day old duck embryos. On the other hand, extracts administered with retinoic acid had antiteratogenic properties against retinoic acid by minimizing gross malformations especially when administered at 50 and l00 μL of yacon and 30 and 50 μg/ml of P. laevigata. Histological evaluation of brain and spinal cord abnormalities showed that l00 μl yacon and 50μg/ml P. laevigata were most effective in exhibiting antiteratogenicity potential.

Key words: Parameria laevigata, Smallanthus sonchifolius, Anas platyrynchus, yacon, antiteratogen, antiteratogenicity potential, duck embryo, gross morphology, histology, brain and spinal cord abnormalities.