DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i02.005

Pages: 44-47

Abstract: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is consumed as food additive around the world, studies has revealed some deleterious effect of MSG on different body organs and tissues. This work was undertaken to determine the effect of MSG on the gross weight of albino rats. A total of 30 male rats were at random divided into five groups (A-E) of six rats each. Group A served as control and received normal saline, while rats in group B were administered 4mg/kg body weight of MSG for 28days, rats in group C received 8m/kg body weight of MSG for 14days, group D rats were administered 8mg/kg body weight of MSG for 28days. Rats in group E received 8mg/kg body weight of MSG for 28days and allowed to stay for another 28days post treatment to observe for reversibility, persistence or delayed occurrence of any effect. At the end of the experimental period, each animal was sacrificed and the heart was carefully removed and weighed. Administration of MSG to rats showed a significant increase in heart weight when compared with those in the control group. Withdrawal of MSG for 28days showed some degree of recovery by a reduction in weight of the heart. The findings suggest that the gross weight of the heart can significantly be increase with continuous and/or increased use of MSG.