Amelioration Effects of Aphanizomenon Flos-aqua (AFA) on Hazardous Effects of Mixture (Sodium Benzoate, Mono Sodium glutamate and Chlorophyllin) Intake in Male Albino Rats.

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]