Biochemical and biological studies on the interaction of some food colorants and preservatives

This study aims to investigate the effect of some food colorants and preservatives on Sprague-Dawley albino rats. The study was conducted on six equal groups fed on either basal control diet [group 1] or experimental diets [groups 2-6] as following: groups 2, 3 and 4 received a standard diet containing beta-carotene, tartrazine or benzoic acid, respectively at a dose of 200 mg/kg diet, while groups Sand 6 received a standard diet containing benzoic acid [200mg/ kg diet] incorporated with beta-carotene or tartrazine [200mg/ kg diet], respectively. Animals were fed ad libitum for 45 days. Body weight, food intake, feed efficiency and some biochemical analyses were measured, also histopathological examination of liver was performed. Our results showed a significant increase in blood urea, serum creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin in all groups except that received beta-carotene. Liver glycogen showed a significant decrease in rats fed on tartrazine alone or in combination with beuzoic acid. The histopathological results showed no significant toxic effects of beta-carotene alone while when combined with benzoic acid, moderate congestion and necrotic degeneration occurred. Tartrazine also induced slight mononuclear infiltration and benzoic alone showed marked vaculation, while in combination showed marked congestion, vascular infiltration and vaculation. In conclusion, the present study showed that even the permitted doses of colorants [e.g. beta-carotene and tartrazine] and food preservatives [e.g. benzoic acid] when taken together or if taken in excessive quantity may be harmful

Effect of tartrazine on lymphoid organs, percentage of THY 1.2[+], PNA[+] and Ig[+] lymphocyte subpopulation in thymus and spleen in female balb /C mice during gestation and lactation period

Weanling 60 female mice were treated by at the dose of 375 mg/kg b.w/day of tartrazine till sexual maturity to gestation and lactation period. Body weight absolute and relative weight of the thymus gland and spleen were recorded. Also percentage of Thy 1.2[+] and PNA[+] in thymus and Thy 1.2[+], Ig[+] in spleen respectively during gestation days [15, 17, 19] and weekly during lactation period. The total body weight, absolute and relative weight of the thymus and spleen recorded a significant decrease during gestation. An increase in body weight was recorded as well no significant difference in absolute or relative weight was observed in lactation period. On the other hand, an significant decrease well be observed in PNA[+], Thy 1.2[+] and Ig[+], in both two organs

Histological study on the effect of some food colouring agents on the spleen of adult male albino rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three synthetic food coloring agents commonly used in Egypt [tartrazine, brilliant blue and sunset yellow] on the spleen. Sixty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into eight groups of eight animals each. The results showed that giving ADI of any of the three coloring agents for one or two months caused no histological changes in the spleen compared with the control group. On the other hand, giving 5 ADI of any of the three coloring agents caused histological changes in the spleen in the form of atrophy of white pulp, depletion of lymphocytes and dilatation and congestion of the blood vessels and blood sinusoids of the red pulp. There was an increase in the number of macrophages. Collagen content was increased, while reticular fibers were damaged and fragmented. These effects were more obvious after two months

Erupción fija pigmentaria por jugos artificiales / Fixed pigmentary drug eruption due to artificial juices

Se presentan tres pacientes entre siete y once años de edad, que desarrollaron una erupción fija pigmentaria tras al ingesta durante más de tres años de jugos artificiales dietéticos. Se realizó estudio histológico, que fue de compatibilidad en el primer y segundo caso, mostrando un patrón liquenoide en el tercero. Se discute el rol de los edulcorantes contenidos en estos jugos artificiales, como así su asociación con las sulfas

Sodium salicylate sensitivity in an asthmatic patient with aspirin sensitivity

Non-acetylated salicylates have been recommended for use as alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in aspirin and/or tartrazine-sensitive patients. We experienced a case of an aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patient who developed a broncho-obstructive reaction after taking 100 mg of sodium salicylate. The result of this study suggests that sodium salicylate may cross-react with aspirin in aspirin-and tartrazine-sensitive patients.

Aditivos de las presentaciones medicamentosas / Additive of the medical samples

La Tartrazina y Sulfitos son responsables del 90%de las reacciones a los aditivos. Colorantes como Amaranto (Rojo Nro.4), Eritrocina (Rojo Nro.3), Azul Brillante (Azul Nro.1), etc. y conservantes como parabenos, nitratos, benzoatos, etc., son citados por reportes aislados en la literatura como causantes de racciones medicamentosas. En nuestro país la mayoría de prospectos de los medicamentos no detallan los excipientes. Se inició el presente trabajo revisando uno por uno los prospectos adjuntos de las presentaciones farmacéuticas, en farmacias y droguerías de nuestra ciudad. Se agruparon los medicamentos en 5 categorías. Se enviaron cartas a 104 de los Laboratorios, solicitando nos confirmen o nos rectifiquen, si existe error en cuanto a la lista de presentaciones farmacéuticas que adjuntamos. Así tenemos: 1)Medicamentos con sulfitos. Ej: Biletan (comp.), Gentamina (amp.). 2)Medicamentos con tartrazina. Ej: Pankreoflat AD (comp.). 3)Medicamentos que no aclaran excipientes. Ej.: Berco (susp.) 4)Medicamentos que aclaran excipientes, sin sulfitos, ni tartrazina. Ej.: Ventolin (cpto)(jarabe). 5)Medicamentos que no se conocen sus prospectos por falta de existencia. Ej.:Amplidine Balsámico (susp.). Hay laboratorios que colaboran y otros que no contestaron nuestras cartas. El listado de las presentaciones medicamentosas, resultante de este trabajo, permitirá que los médicos alergólogos, tomen conocimiento de los excipientes que en ciertos pacientes sensibles pueden causar reacciones