Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry

Tartrazine and Carmoisine Toxicity in Experimental Rats: A Systematic Review of Multi-Organ and Haematological Effects

Ibioku Elekima — 2026-04-01

Background: The study is a systematic review focusing on the tartrazine and carmoisine toxicity on renal, hepatic, pancreatic, glucose metabolism, and haematological indices in albino rats.

Method: We systematically reviewed studies published using keywords and short medical terms/phrases between 1978 and 2026 from Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Global Health, and BIOSIS. No restrictions were placed on language or study type.

Results: The initial search identified 3,773 unique publications from Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, BIOSIS, and Global Health. Of the 3,773 articles, 2050 were excluded due to duplication, while 1628 were further excluded based on review articles, usage of multi-mixture of dyes, experimentation on fish and other animals instead of rats, leaving us a total of 95 full-text articles that were reviewed for eligibility. Of the 95 full-text articles, 39 were included in the study. Based on the systematic reviews, 61%, 26%, and 13% of the papers reviewed were done on tartrazine, carmoisine, and a combination of tartrazine and carmoisine, respectively. The review indicated that 56% of the treatment used ADI doses between 21 and 90 days, while 54% were on high doses between 2 and 300 days. In addition, 54%, 49%, 38% of the studies were on the liver, renal, glucose and pancreatic enzymes, respectively. Moreover, the studies retrieved for the review were categorized as follows: 28% were on acute toxicity studies, 49% on sub-acute studies, and 30% on chronic toxicity studies.

Conclusion: The systematic review indicated that the toxicities of tartrazine and carmoisine in rats are significantly reduced in exposed rats at the recommended ADI when used within 30 days. However, toxicological impact on organs and organ markers was observed at ADI doses when the duration of the studies was over 90 days. The systematic review further reveals that the use of high doses, particularly above 5-10 times the ADI dose, despite the duration of study, induces toxicities in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and haematological parameters.

Hypoglycaemic Effects of Combined Administration of Gongronema latifolium and Odontonema strictum on Diabetic Wistar Rats

Blessing Minaopunye Onyegeme-Okerenta — 2026-03-10

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, as well as therapeutic limitations with the available standard treatment options, necessitated the investigation of G. latifolium and O. strictum, two locally recognized herbal plants, as an alternative source of treatment. Acute toxicity test for the leaf extracts of G. latifolium and O. strictum was conducted using twenty-four mice of two groups, with zero deaths after twenty-four hours for either group of leaf extracts. The results indicated that LD₅₀ for G. latifolium and O. strictum is greater than 5000 mg kg^-1 of body weight. The effect of combined aqueous leaf extracts of G. latifolium and O. strictum on alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated for 28 days. A total of 35 male rats were placed in five groups, tagged NC, DC, MET, GLOS I and GLOS II, with each having seven (7) animals. NC was the normal control group; they were fed with rat chow and water. Diabetes was induced in rats in DC, MET, GLOS I and GLOS II by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg kg^-1of alloxan monohydrate. DC served as the diabetic control; they did not receive any treatment. MET received orally 150 mg kg^-1of metformin. GLOS I received 50 mg kg^-1 bodyweight of G. latifolium and 50 mg kg^-1 bodyweight of O. strictum, while GLOS II received 100 mg kg^-1 bodyweight of G. latifolium and 100 mg kg^-1 bodyweight of O. strictum. Changes in bodyweight, blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers were determined using standard methods. A significant increase (p<0.05) was recorded in the body weight, while a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats treated with 100 and 200 mg kg^-1of combined extracts when compared to untreated diabetic rats. There was a significant reduction in the liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers of GLOS I and GLOS II rats treated with the combined extracts when compared with rats in the NC and DC groups. The results suggested that the combined aqueous extracts of G. latifolium and O. strictum have hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects on alloxan–induced diabetic rats, hence, can be used as a herbal treatment for diabetes.

Nutritional Evaluation and In-vitro Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Pontederia Crassipes Aqueous Leaf Extract from Amassoma River Ecosystem

Ruth Kuroka Agene — 2026-03-10

Pontederia crassipes Mart., commonly known as water hyacinth, is a free-floating, invasive, perennial aquatic plant widely distributed in freshwater ecosystems across tropical and subtropical regions. It has gained scientific attention for its rich phytochemical profile and potential applications. This study evaluated the nutritional and radical scavenging activity of the plant P. crassipes. The methods applied to analyze the plants are Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) for bioactive compounds, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) for mineral composition, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for amino acids and Spectrophotometric methods for antioxidant assays. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. The proximate composition of carbohydrate was 39.09 %. Seventeen amino acids, including essential and non-essential types, were identified. Isoleucine exhibited the highest concentration (29.11 µmol/L), and methionine (0.79 µmol/L) exhibited the lowest. The minerals analysed in the leaf extract of P. crassipes showed that it contains micro- and macro-nutrients. They include Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Copper (Cu). The values from the results obtained are presented following the highest concentration to the lowest concentration order, Ca= 9.234±0.107 mg/L, to be the highest and Se=0.082± 0.001 mg/L. The plant is rich in both macronutrients and micronutrients. The antioxidant properties analysed were DPPH, ABTS, Hydroxyl radical, Nitric Oxide, FRAP, PAP and RPA. The plant shows significant antioxidant properties when compared to standards. The results from DPPH at the highest concentrations of 100 mg/ml was 95.50%, and at the lowest, 10mg/ml is 78.52%, ABTS at 300 mg/ml is 78.82% and at 100 mg/ml is 70.25%. Hydroxyl radical at 80 mg/ml is 62.23% and at 10 mg/ml is 57.88%, Nitric Oxide at 80 mg/ml has 0.1715%, FRAP at 80 mg/ml is 40.29% and at 10 mgml is at 17.38%, PAP at 80 mg/ml is 0.111% and at 10mg/ml is at 0.084% and RPA at 80 mg/ml is 42.73% while at 10 mg/ml it is 39.37%. Hence, P. crassipes can serve as a supplementary source of amino acids, minerals and antioxidant compounds.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potentials of Annona muricata (Soursop) Leaf

Chukwunonso Anthony Nsude — 2026-03-21

Leaves of plants, especially soursop (Annona muricata), have been widely exploited for feed formulation, functional food, and medicinal purposes owing to their rich supply of phytochemicals and natural antioxidants. This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity of soursop leaf extracts using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. In soursop leaves, a total of twelve phytochemicals were detected. The results revealed high amounts of anthocyanin (5.34±0.007%), phenol (3.80±0.077 mg/g), alkaloids (3.31±0.077%), cyanogenic glycosides (2.65±0.022%), cardiac glycosides (2.27±0.041%), saponin (1.78±0.021%), flavonoids (1.14±0.099%), tannins (1.06±0.020%), and steroid (1.03±011 mg/g), but low amounts of phytate (0.65±0.024%), oxalate (0.33±0.011%), and hemagglutinin (0.08±0.012 mg/g). Antioxidant assays proved concentration-dependent properties of the aqueous extract of soursop leaf. Strong Fe³⁺ ion reduction was demonstrated by the maximum FRAP activity (63.76±0.014%), which was recorded at 80 mg/ml. Also, the leaf extract was most effective at scavenging DPPH free radicals (87.541%) and hydroxyl radicals (64.045%) at 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml, respectively. High anthocyanin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents found in this study suggest that soursop leaf holds weighty antioxidant potential, with implications for protecting against oxidative stress-related damage and potential as a beneficial functional food.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Plant - Derived Resveratrol in Carrageenan- Induced Inflammatory Model in Wistar Rats

Uzoefuna Casmir Chima — 2026-03-24

Background: Inflammation is a protective biological response to harmful stimuli but may cause tissue damage when excessive or prolonged. Carrageenan-induced inflammation is a widely used experimental model for studying anti-inflammatory agents. Plant-based resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, its effects on hematological parameters, inflammatory cytokine, and paw edema in carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses require further investigation.

Objective: This study investigated the Anti-inflammatory effect of plant-drived resveratrol in carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses in Wistar rats by assessing body weight, hematological parameters, paw volume, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels.

Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=5): normal control, carrageenan-induced untreated group, carrageenan plus resveratrol (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and carrageenan plus diclofenac sodium (25 mg/kg). Inflammation was induced using 0.1 ml of 10% carrageenan. Treatments were administered orally, and parameters including body weight, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, paw volume, and IL-6 levels were evaluated.

Results: Data were analyzed using Stattistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 29) and results were expressed as mean ± SD using one way ANOVA at P<0.05. Carrageenan induction significantly (P<0.05) increased white blood cell count, paw volume, and IL-6 levels while decreasing red blood cell count compared to the control group Treatment with plant-based resveratrol significantly reduced inflammatory markers, decreased paw edema, lowered IL-6 levels, and restored hematological parameters toward normal values in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to diclofenac sodium, particularly at moderate and high doses.

Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol may be attributed to its antioxidant activity, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine, and modulation of immune responses. These mechanisms help reduced leukocyte activation, cytokine production, and inflammatory tissue swelling. Plant-derived resveratrol effectively attenuates carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses in Wistar rats by improving hematological parameters, reducing cytokine levels, and inhibiting paw edema. These findings support its potential as a natural and effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Effects of Azadirachta indica Aqueous Leaf Extract on Liver and Kidney in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Wistar Rats

O. H. Anafi — 2026-03-26

Obesity is one of the major health challenges in the globe. Azadirachta indica leaf has demonstrated various biological activities such as antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimalarial activities e.t.c. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract on liver and kidney in high-fat diet-induced obesity in albino rats.Twenty-five male and female adult wistar rats were divided into five groups. Five animals in each group. Group A served as negative control group fed with normal diet for 12 weeks. Group B were administered orally, with high-fat diet and normal diet for 12 weeks. Groups C, D and E received high-fat diet + normal diet for 6 weeks and treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lipostatin, 200mg/kg.bw and 400mg/kg.bw of Azadirachta indica extract respectively for another 6 weeks. During the treatment, abdominal circumference, body weight and body mass index were measured weekly. After treatment, animals were euthanized and liver, kidney were harvested for laboratory analysis.The result showed the body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference were significantly decreased (p< 0.05) in the treated groups compared to high-fat diet group, while the histological examination of liver, kidney of treated groups showed clearance of lipid deposition. In conclusion, these results confirmed the effect of Azadirachta indica extract in obesity as indicated by by improvement of some anthropometrical parameters and restoration of liver and kidney abnormalties.

Impact of Organic Substrates on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Responses in Perionyx excavatus

K. R. Shashank — 2026-03-27

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of different organic substrates on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in the earthworm Perionyx excavatus, with particular emphasis on biochemical responses, antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative damage biomarkers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance under vermicomposting conditions.

Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted over a 28-day exposure period to assess oxidative and biochemical responses of P. excavatus under 04 substrate treatments: garden soil (control), cow dung + sugarcane bagasse (1:1), horse dung + sugarcane bagasse (1:1), and a mixed substrate of cow dung + horse dung + sugarcane bagasse (1:1:1). Biochemical parameters such as total protein content and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was analyzed. Detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were also quantified. Oxidative damage was assessed through lipid peroxidation (MDA) and DNA damage using comet assay. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n = 5) and analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test (p < 0.05).

Results: Organic substrates significantly modulated biochemical and oxidative responses in P. excavatus. Treated groups exhibited elevated protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the control. The mixed substrate showed the highest SOD, CAT, GPx, GST activities and GSH levels, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense. Conversely, the horse dung + bagasse treatment exhibited increased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, reflecting higher oxidative stress.

Conclusion: Substrate composition strongly influences oxidative physiology in P. excavatus. Mixed substrates enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative damage, supporting efficient vermicomposting. The species also serves as a reliable bioindicator of substrate quality and oxidative stress.

Behavioural Characteristics of Paddy Growers Influencing Adoption of Recommended Bio-fertilizers Practices in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

A. Thirumal — 2026-03-30

This study aimed to assess the innovativeness, risk orientation and information source utilization of paddy growers regarding the recommended biofertilizer practices in selected six villages at Gudiyattam taluk in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. The sample size of 120 was determined using a proportionate random sampling method, considering time and resource constraints. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule, with the researcher conducting face-to-face interviews with the respondents. The collected data were then analysed and tabulated for statistical analysis. The results revealed that 57.50 per cent of the respondents exhibited a medium level of innovativeness, followed by a low level (22.50 %) and a high level (20.00 %). Regarding risk orientation, slightly more than half of the respondents (55.84 %) showed a medium level of risk orientation, followed by a low level (30.00 %) and only 14.16 per cent demonstrated a high level of risk orientation. A little more than half (55.00 per cent) of the respondents had medium level of information source utilization followed by low level (35.83 %) and high level (09.17 %).