Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effect of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (ASM) on biochemical, blood parameters and neuro-behavioral aspects of mice. The results indicated that exposure induced many changes in fear and anxiety behavior. The non-social and social behavior of the exposed mice was significantly affected, showing an increase in the former and a decrease in the later stages, respectively. The elements of social behavior including attack, numbers of fights and bites, naso-nasal and naso-genital contacts were decreased significantly. The latencies to threat and attack and first bite were increased significantly. Locomotor activity and neuromuscular coordination (grip strength) were decreased in treated animals as compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count platelets count and testosterone hormone in the treated males. The activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme decreased as compared to the control. In conclusion, the current study indicated that exposure to food additives MSA and ASM was dangerous to mice in relation to behavior and biochemical analysis. In addition, these food additives need more scientific researches to investigate their effect on other parameters. Key words: Mono-sodium glutamate, mono-sodium aspartame, fear and anxiety, locomotory behavior, grip strength, acetylcholinesterase.
Highlights
Food additives that are intended for human use are generally approved after testing for their toxicity through animal toxicity tests (Kokoski et al, 1990)
The results indicate that exposure to monosodium glutamate (MSG) and ASM led to changes in social behavior of mice
Concerns about food additives most often relate to artificial ingredients added to them (Rangan and Barceloux, 2009)
Summary
Food additives that are intended for human use are generally approved after testing for their toxicity through animal toxicity tests (Kokoski et al, 1990). The overall goal of such tests is twofold: to assess the additive's potential to cause toxic effects in humans and to determine if safe conditions of use can be established. Evaluation for the safe consumption of such food additives is usually based on their toxicity data obtained from animal studies since human data are scantily available (Lin et al, 1992).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
