Antagonistic Effects of Chinese Salt and Folic Acid on Developing Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

One of the most often utilized taste enhancer in commercial meals is monosodium glutamate (MSG) commonly called Chinese salt. MSG utilization has been increasing over time and linked with toxicity in liver and other organs. Objective: To determine the teratogenic and toxic effects of Chinese salt and folic acid on developing mice. Methods: In this study, 20 female pregnant albino mice were divided into four groups, each consisted 5 mice. The control group was supplied with water. To check the teratogenicity and toxicity of Chinese salt and folic acid the treated groups such as Group-I, Group-II and Group-III were supplied with Chinese salt and/or folic acid of concentration 7.50 ug/g of their body weight. The dose was administered orally on daily basis during 6th to 12th day of gestation. This was accomplished through an 18 days trial. On the eighteenth day of gestation, the pregnant mice underwent dissection and the fetuses were retrieved. Fetuses were taken from all groups for histopathological findings and morphometry. Results: Vast range of morphological, morphometric and histological abnormalities in mice were observed in pregnant mice and fetuses. Conclusions: The findings of this study clearly revealed that Chinese salt and folic acid overdose are potentially toxic to liver and stomach.