Hepatotoxic Potentials of Food Additives on Liver Enzymes and Tissues of Wistar Rats

Abstract

BackgroundFood additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate (SB), and Sunset Yellow (SY) are widely consumed and have been linked to adverse hepatic effects. However, the available evidence is largely derived from in vitro or single-additive studies, with limited comparative in vivo data integrating biochemical and histopathological outcomes under uniform experimental conditions.ObjectiveThis study compared the hepatotoxic effects of MSG, SB, and SY in a Wistar rat model to address gaps in controlled in vivo evidence on multiple food additives.MethodsSixteen healthy Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups. The control group received a standard diet, while Groups II–IV received MSG, SB, and SY respectively. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, together with histopathological examination of liver tissue.ResultsThe MSG and SB significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels compared with controls (p < 0.05), indicating hepatocellular and cholestatic injury. Sunset Yellow did not significantly alter ALT levels (p = 0.074) but showed mild histopathological changes.ConclusionBoth MSG and SB exhibited greater hepatotoxic effects than SY in Wistar rats. These findings highlight the need for routine safety re-evaluation of commonly consumed food additives, strengthened regulatory oversight, and further long-term studies to inform evidence-based public health policies.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2026;9(2):327-341