Aliyu et al., JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_012
Keywords: Monosodium glutamate, Renal Toxicity, Allium sativum (garlic), Guinea pigs, Nephroprotective.
2025-05-24 DOI: JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_012
Background: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food additives. MSG sold under the brand name AJI-NO-MOTO is a sodium salt of naturally occurring (non-essential) L-form of glutamic acid routed into the body with absolutely no limits in hundreds of food items daily. Therefore, its toxicological effects, are a major public health challenge. This research investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulb (AEASB) (Garlic) on MSG-induced renal toxicity in Guinea pigs. Methods: In the present study, 25 Guinea pigs were divided into 5 groups, named and treated as follows; Group A (Control) received normal saline. Group B received MSG (150 mg/kg bwt). Groups C, D, and E received 150 mg/kg of MSG with 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg of (AEASB) respectively. All administration was via oral route and lasted for 21 days. Twenty-four hours (24) after the last administration experimental animals were sacrificed via chloroform inhalation, kidneys were harvested for histological studies, and blood was collected for biochemical studies. Results: In MSG-treated Guinea pigs, examined sections revealed degenerated lumen, and shrunken glomeruli with the widening of capsular spaces, tubular dilations, and shortening of tubular epithelium. Additionally, MSG caused a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels. Notably, these changes were reduced by (AEASB). Conclusion: The study showed MSG caused distortions in renal tissue, which can impair renal functions as corroborated by urea and creatinine levels. However, (AEASB) (Garlic) is protected against MSG-induced renal toxicity by its antioxidant properties.