Adverse Effects of Mono Sodium Glutamate, Sodium Benzoate and Chlorophyllins on some Physiological Parameters in Male Albino Rats

Background: Chlorophyllin is known as natural green. Chlorophyll derivative is used as a food additive (food–coloring agent). Mono sodium glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of amino acid glutamate, is a food additive that popularly used all over the world as “Flavor enhancer”. Aim of the work: This study aimed to determine the hazardous effects of sodium benzoate, chlorophyllin and mono sodium glutamate on some physiological parameters in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This study had been done on forty male albino rats. The Animals were divided into four groups; Group I (Control untreated group), Group II (Sodium benzoate-treated group), Group III (Chlorophyllin-treated group) and Group IV (Mono sodium glutamate-treated group). Blood samples were collected, sera were separated and used for estimation of some biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, kidney function, glucose, protein profile and lipid profile) and hormonal levels [testosterone, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)]. Results: There was an increase in the activities of liver enzymes ASAT and ALAT as well as the levels of glucose, kidney function (urea and creatinine), lipid profile (TC, TG, VLDL and LDL), Insulin and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) in the sodium benzoate- and mono sodium glutamate-treated groups. While chlorophyllin-treated group showed the same results except for glucose level, kidney function, insulin and HOMA-IR. In addition, there was an increase in the level of (T4) and (T3) in MSG group but these levels decreased in benzoate group. A drop in protein profile (total proteins, albumin), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and testosterone hormone in benzoate and glutamate groups as compared to the control rats. Conclusion: It could be concluded that some food additive like sodium benzoate and mono sodium glutamate have extreme effects on liver and kidney function, protein and lipid profiles as well as on thyroid and testosterone hormones. So, it is recommended to minimize the use of these additives to protect young children and mature people from these destructive effects.