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African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines
African Ethnomedicines Network
ISSN: 0189-6016
Vol. 14, No. 5, 2017, pp. 89-95
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Bioline Code: tc17062
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Vol. 14, No. 5, 2017, pp. 89-95
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IMPACT OF ASPARTAME CONSUMPTION ON NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN RAT BRAIN
Baothman, Othman A.S.; Moselhy, Said S.; Shehri, Sharifah H. Al- & Malki, Abdulrahman L AL-
Abstract
Background: Aspartame (APM), a common artificial sweetener, has been used for diabetic subjects and body weight
control for a long time. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the impact of APM consumption on
neurotransmitters and oxidative stress in rat’s brain.
Materials and Methods: Four groups of male Wistar albino rats was used: Group1, control (Rats fed on normal diet).
Group 2: Rats were received aspartame (50 mg/kg b w). Group3: Rats were received aspartame (75 mg/kg b w). Group 4:
Rats were received aspartame (125 mg/kg b w). Five rats were decapitated after 10, 20, 30 and 40 days from start of
experiment. Blood and brain tissue were collected for biochemical analysis. Biochemical analysis of brain tissue includes
neurotransmitters (Acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, γ-aminobutyric acid and serotonin). Serum for
determination of lipid peroxidation (MDA), reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Results: the data obtained showed that antioxidant activities (SOD and GSH) were reduced significantly (p<0.001) while
malondialdhyde (MDA) level was increased compared with control. Brain neurotransmitters levels (serotonin, GABA and
dopamine) were reduced significantly compared with control (p<0.001, <0.01) after consumption of APM. However, the
level of acetylcholine and norepinephrine increased in rats fed AMP compared with control (p<0.001). The effect of APM
is dose dependent.
Conclusion: Consumption of APM for a long time increased oxidative stress in brain tissue and disruption in
neurotransmitters that affect physiological functions.
Keywords
Aspartame; neurotransmitters; oxidative Stress; rats.
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