THE EFFECTS OF SUDAN III AND IV DYES CONTAMINATED PALM OIL ON THE LEVEL OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE IN WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of Sudan III and IV dye-contaminated palm oil on body weight and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were assigned to different groups: Control I (Group II) received a standard diet, while Control II (Group IV) received crude palm oil. Treatment groups were given 480 mg/kg of Sudan III (Group VI) or Sudan IV (Group VIII) in palm oil for 28 days. Body weight and ACTH levels were measured and analyzed.Significant differences in weight gain were observed. Control II males had the highest weight gain (162.00 ± 5.28 g to 190.01 ± 6.60 g), while Control II females showed the lowest (134.03 ± 4.58 g to 142.49 ± 15.96 g). Among the Sudan-treated groups, Sudan IV-exposed males (Group VII) had the highest weight gain (135.51 ± 4.90 g to 179.93 ± 6.88 g), while Sudan III-exposed females (Group VI) gained the least weight (123.16 ± 2.94 g to 132.57 ± 4.65 g), suggesting metabolic changes.ACTH levels did not show significant differences (p ≥ 0.05), but variations were seen. Sudan-treated females exhibited the highest ACTH levels (7.04 ± 4.69), while Control II males had the lowest (1.38 ± 0.24). These results indicate that Sudan dye exposure may disrupt metabolic processes, affecting nutrient absorption and energy regulation, leading to reduced weight gain. Additionally, changes in ACTH levels suggest endocrine disruptions, with some groups showing heightened hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis activity, while others exhibited reduced ACTH secretion, possibly indicating adrenal dysfunction. The presence of Sudan dyes in palm oil raises public health concerns, underlining the need for stronger food safety regulations, public awareness, and further research on the long-term effects of these dyes on metabolic and endocrine health.