Abstract

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF OREGANO LEAVES EXTRACT ON ASPARTAME TOXICITY BY WHOLE BLOOD CULTURE AND PBMC ASSAY, IN VITRO

Namrata V. Bhagia* and Nayan K. Jain

Abstract

Aspartame is the most widely used artificial sweetener worldwide. Used in over 6000 products in almost 200 countries it is utilized as low calorie sweetener acting as replacement of sugar in diet supplements. Approved by FDA in 1984 with acceptable daily intake of 40mg/kg body weight, there is still concern over its toxic effects as it is known to cause several neurological and behavioral disturbances. Over the years studies have been done to study its toxic effects as lately consumption of aspartame have increased in and as dietary enhancements. In present study acute effect of aspartame on blood cells in vitro were studied at 2mM, 4mM and 10mM concentrations and oregano leaves extract were used as antidote for amelioration. Various Oxidative stress enzymatic and non enzymatic parameters were studied. Catalase, SOD, protein thiol, reduced glutathione and Protein carbonyl showed decrease in activity and GST and GPx activity increased. Oregano administration ameliorated aspartame treatment, with significant changes (p

Keywords: aspartame, acute toxicity, oregano, oxidative enzymes, protein carbonyl.