TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SUDAN III AND IV AZO DYE IN PALM OIL ON ANTIOXIDANTS MARKERS

ABSTRACT

Sudan III and Sudan IV are synthetic azo dyes widely used as colorants in various industries, including food, textiles, and cosmetics. However, their presence in food products, particularly edible oils, has raised significant health concerns. The aim of this study is to determine the toxicological effects of Sudan III and IV azo dye in palm oil on antioxidants markers and body weights of Wistar rats. The experiment lasted for a total of 3 weeks. The first week was for acclimatization, two(2) weeks for SUDAN III & IV administration (everyday). The total of 48 male albino rats were used for this study and they all had equal rations of food and water. They were grouped into eight (8) categories for the study, each group having eight (6) animals. The results demonstrate a notable trend: higher doses of Sudan III and Sudan IV dyes were generally associated with increased body weights compared to the control group, particularly during the first week of exposure. The same high doses of Sudan III (50mg/kg) and Sudan IV (50mg/kg) that exhibited lower GST values also demonstrated the lowest mean MDA levels among all the treatment groups (Al-Malki et al., 2022). This study contributes valuable insights into the potential toxicological effects of Sudan III and Sudan IV azo dye exposure, highlighting the importance of further research, regulatory oversight, and vigilance in maintaining the integrity and safety of the food supply chain.