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Background: Phytoestrogens are non-estradiol molecules categorized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can alter the hormonal equilibrium and cause reproductive problems. Studies suggested Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) possible use as alternative to hormone replacement therapy in ovarian hypofunction patients. Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) contains phytoestrogen steroids and isoflavonoids. The purpose of this research was to examine the estrogenic effects of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis aqueous extracts on male reproductive hormones and testicular histology and function. Methods: Three groups of six male rats each were utilized as follows: control (distilled water), H. sabdariffa (500 mg/kg aqueous extract), and S. officinalis (500 mg/kg aqueous extract). Blood, epididymis. Testis and serum samples were gathered after 30 days for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics, and histological evaluations. Results: Compared to the control and S. officinalis groups, H. sabdariffa caused a significant reduction in body weight (BW) and percent BW gain (%BWG). Relative to the control rats, the two extracts dramatically reduced testicular weight, sperm motility, concentration, and viability while raising abnormalities. Furthermore, the herbal extract groups demonstrated a significant decrease in blood testosterone levels while increasing serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Consumption of both herbs also caused testicular histological changes such as degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the presence of exfoliated cells in the tubular lumen. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis may negatively impact male fertility. However, more research is needed to validate these findings and investigate the mechanistic components of these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoestrogens are estrogen analogues of plant origin, allowing them to act as agonists at estrogen receptors. Objectives: This study was done to discover the effects of flaxseed and turmeric oils on male rats' fertility. Methodology: Eighteen male albino rats are divided into three groups (6 rats each). Group 1 (Control group) rats received distilled water 1 mL/kg orally); group 2 (Flaxseed oil group) rats received 1 mL/kg flaxseed oil orally;group 3 (Turmeric oil) rats received 1 mL/kg turmeric oil orally. After 30 days, blood samples, epididymis, and testis were collected for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics and histological examinations. Results: Flaxseed oil induced a significant decline (p<0.05) in % of body weight change relative to the control group. Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant declines (p<0.05) in gonadosomatic index and sperm motility, concentration, and viability, with a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Besides, Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum testosterone levels with significant increases (p<0.05) in serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption significantly decreased (p<0.05) plasma CAT and SOD while they significantly increased (p<0.05) plasma MDA relative to the control group. The testis of rats ingested flaxseed and turmeric oils showed degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and intact basement membrane. Conclusion: Feeding flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption to adult male rats induced hormonal disturbances with non-uniformities in sperm characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food's taste and appearance. Objective: To investigate the adverse effects of mixing some food additives on the biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on twenty-four young male albino rats. Animals were divided into four groups (6 each). Group I: Control group, Group II: administered with fast green and glycine. Group III: administered with fast green and sodium nitrate and Group IV: administered with sodium nitrate and glycine. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters. Results: body weight, total protein, albumin and testosterone hormone decreased in all treated groups. Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased in group received (fast green with glycine). Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in glucose level. The liver enzymes and the kidney function tests increased in all treated groups. Rats treated with fast green plus glycine showed significant decrease in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant increase. Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant decrease. T3 and T4 decreased in rats treated with the mixture of sodium nitrate and glycine while increased in rats treated with the mixture of fast green and glycine. Conclusion: The use of these compounds must be limited as its use leads to real vehement disturbance in biochemical parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food's taste and appearance. Objective: To investigate the adverse effects of mixing some food additives on the biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on twenty-four young male albino rats. Animals were divided into four groups (6 each). Group I: Control group, Group II: administered with fast green and glycine. Group III: administered with fast green and sodium nitrate and Group IV: administered with sodium nitrate and glycine. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters. Results: body weight, total protein, albumin and testosterone hormone decreased in all treated groups. Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased in group received (fast green with glycine). Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in glucose level. The liver enzymes and the kidney function tests increased in all treated groups. Rats treated with fast green plus glycine showed significant decrease in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant increase. Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant decrease. T3 and T4 decreased in rats treated with the mixture of sodium nitrate and glycine while increased in rats treated with the mixture of fast green and glycine. Conclusion: The use of these compounds must be limited as its use leads to real vehement disturbance in biochemical parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are a substance added to food to enhance its flavor or appearance or to preserve it. They are widely used nowadays. Objectives: The aim of the current work was to determine the hazardous effects of sodium nitrate, fast green and glycine on some physiological parameters such as liver enzymes, lipid profile, hormonal assays …etc. Materials and methods: This study has been done on forty male albino rats. The Animals were divided into four groups: Group I (Control untreated group), Group II (fast green-treated group), Group III (glycine-treated group) and Group IV (sodium nitrate-treated group). Estimation of some biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, kidney function tests, glucose, protein profile and lipid profile) and hormonal assays [testosterone, T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine) and insulin were done. Results: body weight was increased in fast green-treated group and decreased in sodium nitrate group. There was an increase in the activities of AST and ALT as well as urea and creatinine, in both sodium nitrate and fast green groups. There was a decrease in plasma proteins in both fast green and sodium nitrate groups. Lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-chol) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol)] were decreased in fast green-treated groups while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-chol) was increased. In sodium nitrate group, the lipid profile (TC, TG, VLDL and LDL) were increased while HDL was decreased. Serum glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) were decreased in fast green-treated group and increased in sodium nitrate-treated group. There was a decrease in T3 and T4 in fast green-treated group while were increased in sodium nitrate-treated group. Testosterone decreased in fast green-, glycine- and sodium nitrate-treated groups. While glycine-treated group showed the same results as the control group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that minimizing the use of food additives protects young children and mature people from their destructive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenoestrogens are defined as chemicals that mimic some structural parts of the physiological estrogen compounds, therefore may act as estrogen or could interfere with the actions of endogenous estrogens. Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) are substances that occur naturally in plants. They have asimilar chemical structure to our own body’s estrogen. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of both bisphenol-A (BPA) and liquorice together on some sexual hormones and illustration of the effect of vitamin C on their actions. Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats were used and divided into three groups: Group I: control (untreated group), Group II: rats treated with BPA and liquorice, Group III: rats treated with BPA and liquorice in addition to vitamin C. Blood samples were collected for different biochemical investigations. Results: The biochemical results showed high significant increase (p<0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/HDL levels. There was high significant decrease (p<0.01) in HDL-C, total protein, albumin, globulin, testosterone, and LH. These results turned back to the normal values after receiving the vitamin C as compared to normal group. Conclusion: it could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen had undesirable effects and it's recommended to minimize the utilizing of these compounds to protect people from its hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenoestrogens are a type of xenohormone that imitates estrogen. They can be either synthetic or natural chemical compounds. Synthetic xenoestrogens include some widely used industrial compounds, such as PCBs, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. "Dietary estrogen" is also called phytoestrogen, which is a plantderived xenoestrogen not generated within the endocrine system, but consumed by eating phytoestrogenic plants. Stem cell enhancer (SCE) (StemEnhance®) is a novel mobilizer of bone marrow adult stem cells that was shown to increase the number of circulating stem cells. Objectives: The aim of the current work was to clarify the effect of both BPA and liquorice together on some sexual hormones and illustration of the effect of stem cell enhancer on their actions. Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats were used and were divided into three groups: Group I: control (untreated group), group II: rats treated with BPA and liquorice and group III: rats treated with BPA and anise oil in addition to stem cell enhancer. Blood samples were collected for different biochemical investigations. Results: There was a highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in the level of ALT and AST activities, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/HDL. While, there was highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in HDL-C, total protein, albumin, globulin, testosterone and LH. These results turned back to the normal values after receiving the SCE as compared to normal group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoeostrogen have undesirable effects and it is recommended to minimize the utilization of these compounds to protect people from its hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenoestrogens are chemically distinct industrial products potentially able to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the action of endogenous steroid hormones. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal plant chemicals that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of both bisphenol-A (BPA) and anise oil together on some sexual hormones and illustration the effect of A. lappa on their actions. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on thirty male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Group I, control untreated group, Group II, rats treated with bisphenol-A and anise oil and Group III, rats treated with BPA and anise oil in addition to A. lappa. Blood samples were collected to estimate biochemical parameters. Results: The biochemical results showed highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLC, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/HDL levels. While, there was highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in HDLC, total protein, albumin, globulin, testosterone and, LH. All these results turned back to the normal values after receiving the A. lappa as compared to normal group. Conclusion: it could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen have undesirable effects and it's recommended to minimize the utilization of these compound to protect people from its hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenoestrogens are compounds like estrogens in effect but not in structure which are mimicking the action of endogenous estrogen and activate estrogen receptor. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal plant chemicals that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae (AFA) is a blue-green microalgal species which has antioxidant properties. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effects of both Bisphenol A (BPA) and anise oil (phytoestrogen) together on some sexual hormonal pattern in male albino rats and illustration of the adverse effects of AFA on their actions. Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups: Group I: control (untreated group), Group II: rats treated with BPA and Anise oil and Group III: rats treated with BPA and Anise oil in addition to AFA. Blood samples were collected for different biochemical investigations. Results: The biochemical results showed highly significant increase (p<0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, VLDL, LDL/HDL & TC/HDL). While, there was a highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in LDL-C, total protein, albumin, Globulin, testosterone and LH. These results returned back to the normal values after receiving the AFA as compared to normal group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen have undesirable effects and it is recommended to minimize the utilization of these compounds to protect people from its hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CANDEREL® is non-nutritive artificial sweetener, which is mainly composed of aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Materials and Methods: thirty male albino rats weighing from 100 to 120 gm. The period of the experiment was 30 days. The animals were divided into three groups; group 1: control, group 2: rats received CANDEREL® (1 tablet/kg b.w./day) and group 3: rats received CANDEREL® (1 tablet/kg b.w./day) + SCE (9 mg/kg b.w./day). The following parameters were measured: serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, serum creatinine, serum urea, protein and lipid profiles and hormonal levels (insulin, testosterone, serum T3 and serum T4). Results: there were many disturbances that occurred in the previous parameters, and SCE ameliorated most of these hazardous effects. Conclusion: artificial sweeteners are not safe in use; their disadvantages are more than their advantages. So, we recommended replacing non-nutritive sweeteners with nutritive ones to be away from any hazardous effects that may result from the use of artificial sweeteners. Also, SCE made a great job in fighting the impairments that occur during the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: phytoestrogens are a diverse group of plant-derived compounds that structurally or functionally mimic mammalian estrogens. They have been investigated at the epidemiological, clinical and molecular levels to determine their potential health benefits. Aim: the present study was carried out to investigate some biochemical effects of fenugreek oil and soymilk on male albino rats. Materials and Methods: eighteen (18) animals were divided randomly into three groups with 6 animals per group. Group "1" received normal saline 1 mL/kg body weight orally for four weeks. Group "2" rats were treated with oral dose of soymilk 1 ml/kg body weight/day once daily for four weeks, while rats in group "3" were treated with oral dose of fenugreek 1 ml/kg body weight/day once daily for four weeks. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment for biochemical analysis. Results: the fenugreek oil and soymilk induced highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein high-density lipoprotein ratio (LDL/HDL) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in high-density lipoprotein. The results also showed highly significant decrease in follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and sperm count compared to normal control group. Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that high levels of fenugreek and soymilk intake can cause hormonal disturbance and decrease sperm count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are products added to the basic foodstuffs with an aim of improving its aspect, flavor, taste, color, texture, food value and conservation. Aim of the work: This study aimed to determine the effects of AFA against the hazardous effects of sodium benzoate, chlorophyllin and monosodium glutamate. Materials and methods: This study was done on thirty male albino rats with an average body weight 120-140 g. The animals were divided into three groups (10 rats/each) as follows: Group 1: control, Group 2: rats treated with food additives mixture (sodium benzoate, chlorophyllin, and monosodium glutamate) and Group 3: rats treated with mixture, in addition to AFA (blue green algae). Blood samples were collected, and the separated sera were used for estimation of some biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, kidney function tests, glucose, HOMA-IR, protein profile and lipid profile) and hormonal levels [testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)]. Results: The study showed an increase in levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, activities of AST and ALT, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, VLDL, ratios of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDLC (risk factors) in mixture group. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in protein profile (total protein, albumin and globulin), HDL-and testosterone hormone levels as compared to the control rats. On the other hand, these results turned back nearly to the normal values after receiving the AFA (blue green algae). Conclusion: the present study clearly revealed the therapeutic capability of AFA to fight the grievous effects of food additives mixture on major physiological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are substances intentionally added to food to change its characteristics, maintain and improve safety, maintain the nutrient value and to improve taste, texture, and appearance. Aim of the work: This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of vitamin C against the hazardous effects of sodium benzoate, chlorophyllin and monosodium glutamate on some physiological parameters in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: this study had been done on thirty male albino rats with an average body weight 120-140 g. The animals were divided into three groups. Group 1: control, Group 2: rats treated with mixture sodium benzoate, chlorophyllin and monosodium glutamate and Group 3: rats treated with food additives mixture and vitamin C. Blood samples were collected and the separated sera were used for estimation of some biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, kidney functions, glucose, protein profile and lipid profile) and hormonal levels [testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)]. Results: The biochemical results showed an increase in levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, activities of AST and ALT, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, VLDL, ratios of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C (risk factors) in mixture group accomphined by a significant decrease in protein profile (total protein, albumin and globulin), HDL-and testosterone hormone levels . On the other hand, these results turned back nearly to normal values after receiving vitamin C. Conclusion: The present study revealed capability of vitamin C to fight the grievous effects of food additives mixture on major physiological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoestrogen is a plant-derived compound, which has estrogenic effect and it is found in liquorice root extract and sesame oil. Aim of the work: To investigate some biochemical effects of liquorice root extract and sesame oil on male albino rats. Materials and methods: 18 animals were divided randomly into three groups. Group A: Control group, group B: rats treated with oral dose ofliquorice1 ml/kg body weight/day for one month, and group C: rats treated with oral dose of sesame oil 1 ml/kg body weight/day. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: Liquorice and sesame oil induced highly significant decrease in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL(p<0.01)and significant increase in HDL(p<0.05). They also showed highly significantly decrease in FSH, testosterone and sperm count compared to control group (p<0.02). Conclusion: The study supports that the high level intake of liquorice root extract or sesame oil caused hormonal disturbance and decreases sperm count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food's taste and appearance by preserving its flavor and preventing it from souring. Materials and Methods: this study was conducted on twenty-four young male albino rats with an average 120-140 g body weight. Animals were divided into four groups (6 each). Group I: Control untreated group, Group II: it was administered sodium benzoate (SB) (5 mg/kg b.w./day) orally and monosodium glutamate (MSG) (15 mg/kg b.w./day), Group III: it was administered MSG (15 mg/kg b.w./day) and chlorophyllin (CHL) (15 mg/kg b.w./day) and Group IV administered orally with SB (5 mg/kg b.w./day) and CHL (15 mg/kg b.w./day). Blood samples were collected on the last day of experiment, for biochemical estimations. Results: There was marked elevation in levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, activities of AST and ALT, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, VLDL, ratios of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C (risk factors) in all treated group. Serum thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) increased in Group III. On the other hand, there was decline in levels of serum total proteins, albumin, testosterone and HDL-C in all treated groups in comparison with the control group. There was a highly significant reduction in the body weight, T3 and T4 in Group IV, while Group II showed highly significant increase in body weight and a highly significant reduction in globulin level as compared to control rats. Conclusion: The use of these compounds must be limited as it resulted in a vehement disturbance in the biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Süßstofftabletten is an artificial sweetener, which is mainly composed of cyclamate and saccharin. Aim of the work: clarification of Süßstofftabletten effects and the amelioration effect of vitamin E in male albino rats. Materials and methods: thirty male albino rats weighing from 100 to 120 gm. The period of the experiment was 30 days. The animals were divided into three groups; group 1: control, group 2: rats received Süßstofftabletten (1 tablet/kg b.w./day) and group 3: rats received Süßstofftabletten (1 tablet/kg b.w./day) + vitamin E (6 mg/kg b.w./day). The following parameters were measured: serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, serum creatinine, serum urea, protein and lipid profiles and hormonal levels (insulin, testosterone, serum T3 and serum T4). Results: there were many disturbances that occurred in the previous parameters, and vitamin E ameliorated most of these hazardous effects. Conclusion: the assertions that artificial sweeteners are safe and healthy in use by consumers are false. Natural sweeteners whose benefits are important and necessary to our bodies must be used instead of artificial sweeteners. Also vitamin E is very important in our daily diet as it fights many damages that encounter us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoestrogen is a plant derived compound which have estrogenic effect similar to estrogen. Aim of work: The present study was carried out to investigate some pharmacological and biochemical effects of anise oil on male albino rats. Materials and methods: twelve animals were divided randomly into two groups. Group A: Control. Group B: treated rats. The treated rats were given an oral dose of 1 ml/kg body weight/day anise oil once daily for one month. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: The anise oil induced highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL. In addition, significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL and highly significantly decreased in FSH, LH, testosterone and sperm count compared to normal control group. Conclusion: This study showed that high levels of anise intake cause hormonal disturbance and decrease sperm count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the easiest method of reducing calories is to replace the high caloric food products with sweetened ones. Aim of the work: this study aimed to determine the effects of acesulfame-k or aspartame on some physiological parameters in male albino rats. Materials and methods: we used thirty male albino rats of local strain weighing from 100 to120 gm. The period of the experiment was 30 days. The animals were divided into three groups; Group 1: control, Group 2: rats received acesulfame-k (15 mg/kg/day) and group 3: rats received aspartame (50 mg/kg/day). Results: there was an increase in serum glucose, insulin level, T3 and T4 in rats that received aspartame. In addition, there was increase in ASAT and ALAT activities, serum creatinine, serum urea and lipid profile except HDL-C in both treated groups as compared to the control group. Meanwhile, there was a drop in percentage of body weight and serum testosterone level in aspartame group as well as in total protein, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio in both treated groups as compared to control group. Conclusion: aspartame has more dangerous effects than acesulfame-k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoesrogenis plant derived compounds which have an estrogenic effect. Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate some pharmacological and biochemical effects of fennel oil on male albino rats. Materials and methods: Twelve animals were divided randomly into two groups. Group A: Control. Group B: Treated rats. The rats were given an oral dose of 1 ml/kg body weight/day fennel oil once daily for one month. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: The fennel oil induced highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while significant increased (p<0.05) HDL. In addition, it showed highly significant decrease (p<0.02) in FSH, testosterone and sperm count compared to normal control group. Conclusion: Fennel herb has several therapeutic benefits, but it also has negative effect on male sex hormone and sperm count. So men must reduce their usage of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are becoming popular as sugar substitutes for diabetic patients or to decrease body weight. Aim of the work: This study was aimed to determine the effects of sucralose and sodium saccharin on some physiological parameters in male albino rats. Materials and methods: We used thirty male albino rats weighing from 100 to120 gm. The period of the experiment was 30 days. The animals were divided into three groups; Group 1: control, Group 2: rats received sucralose and group 3: rats received sodium saccharin. The following parameters were processed: serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, serum creatinine, serum urea, protein and lipid profiles and hormonal levels (insulin, testosterone, serum T3 and T4). Results: There was an increase in ASAT and ALAT activities, serum creatinine and serum urea levels in group 2 and group 3, lipid profile in the group received sucralose (TC, HDL and LDL) and T3&T4 in the group received saccharin as compared to the control group. Meanwhile, a drop in serum glucose, insulin, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio and triglycerides in group 2 and group 3, lipid profile in the group received saccharin (TC, HDL and LDL) and T3&T4 in the group received sucralose was observed when compared to the control group. Conclusion: it could be concluded that sucralose and sodium saccharin must be carefully used because they have very dangerous effects-especially sodium saccharin- and we have to replace them with natural sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: alterations in the level of hormones including thyroid hormones lead to physiological/clinical abnormalities. Aim of work: this study aimed to illustrate the protective effect of Trigonella, Allium sativum or their mixture against hyperthyroidism induced by L-thyroxin in male albino rats. Materials and methods: thirty albino rats were divided randomly into five groups. Group A: healthy rats, Group B: normal rats were subcutaneously injected with 500 µg/kg body weight L-thyroxin once daily for two weeks to induce hyperthyroidism, Group C: hyperthyroid rats received oral dose of 250 µg/kg body weight/day Trigonella extract. Group D: hyperthyroid rats received oral dose of 250 µg/kg body weight/day Allium sativum extract. Group E: hyperthyroid rats received mixture of Trigonella and Allium sativum extract. At the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: hyperthyroid rats had significant increase (P<0.05) in serum levels of triodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), TG, VLDL, AST, ALP, BUN and uric acid as well as a significant decrease in TSH, LDL, HDL, LDL/HDL and TC, total protein and percentage of body weight change compared to the normal control group. Oral administration of these extracts ameliorated most of the tested parameters. Conclusion: This study concluded that Allium sativum, Trigonella or their mixture have a protective effect against hyperthyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Natural remedies were used for cancer treatments, particular breast cancer. Also, the consumption of food products containing high amount of flavonoids and antioxidants had reported to lower the risk of various cancers. Bee venom (BV) and propolis were produced by honey bee. They were characterized by naturopathic formulation, affordability and containing high amount of antioxidants. Moreover, they were used safely since ancient times globally. Although that, there is no information about the synergistic or antagonistic anticancer effects of their combination. This study was designed to evaluate cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of BV, propolis, and their combination on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Materials and Methods: As preliminary study, MCF-7 cells were treated with BV (5, 10, and 20μg/ml) and propolis (50, 150, and 450μg/ml) to specify the desired combination doses of each treatment with no anticancer effect individually. Consequently, doses of (5μg/ml BV+ 50μg/ml propolis and 5μg/ml BV+ 150μg/ml propolis) were chosen to evaluate the possible synergistic anticancer potential between them. All groups in this study were examined at 2, 4, and 12 hours intervals. The morphological changes were evaluated by acridine orange/ ethidium bromide dual fluorescent staining and Giemsa staining to reveal the formation of apoptotic bodies or nuclear condensation and cytoplasmic blebbing, respectively. DNA fragmentation assay was also carried out to record the reduction in DNA content and apoptosis. Bcl-2 expression, cytoplasmic anti-apoptotic marker, was used to prove the apoptotic properties, and autophagic cell death by florescent microscopy was evaluated also. Results: Morphological observation by inverted and florescent microscopy revealed apoptotic cell death under exposure to BV (10 and 20μg/ml) and propolis (450μg/ml). On the other hand, the results of combined treatments revealed significant morphological alterations after fluorescent and Giemsa staining. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation was clearly observed and Bcl-2 recoded significant down regulation which proved the apoptotic properties of combined treatments. Additionally, autophagic degradation results also supported the occurrence of stress on treated cells leading finally to cell death. All results of powerful anticancer potential were obvious among all combined-treated groups in dose and time dependent manner. This clear that, the combined treatments have possible synergistic effect which, propose it as potential candidates to be used in development of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]