ABSTRACT

The contamination of food products with industrial dyes poses significant public health concerns. Among these, Sudan III and Sudan IV dyes have been illegally added to palm oil to enhance its red coloration, despite their well-documented toxic effects. This study investigates the impact of Sudan III- and Sudan IV-contaminated palm oil on progesterone levels, body weight and uterine morphology in female rats. Sixteen female wistar rats were divided into four groups(four rats per group). Over a period of 28 days, group I was given a normal diet, group II received crude palm oil, group III-IV were fed 480mg/kg body weight of Sudan III and IV respectively. Results showed that Group I had a standard weight increase (15.56±8.11g), Group II had the lowest weight gain (8.46±10.27g), Group III (Sudan III) recorded the most significant weight gain (44.42±5.89g) compared to control and Group IV(Sudan IV) showed moderate weight gain (12.73±7.05g). Serum progesterone levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while histopathological analysis of uterine tissues was conducted to assess morphological alterations. The results demonstrated a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in progesterone levels in the treatment groups compared to controls. The mean progesterone concentration in the control groups was 0.0933 ± 0.0208 ng/mL (Control I) and 0.0900 ± 0.000ng/mL (Control II), while the Sudan III-exposed group showed a sharp decrease to 0.0433 ± 0.0058 ng/mL. The Sudan IV-exposed group also exhibited a less pronounced reduction at 0.0733±0.0116ng/mL. Histopathological examination of the uterus showed a normal myometrium containing muscle cells with an underlying normal endometrial layer and endometrial glands. These findings provide critical evidence of the endocrine-disrupting effects of Sudan dyes, highlighting potential reproductive health risks associated with their consumption. The study underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory policies and enforcement to prevent food adulteration and safeguard public health. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term reproductive consequences of chronic exposure to these dyes.