The role of shilajit in reducing the toxicity of monosodium glutamate on liver enzyme and kidney functions in albino mice

Abstract

Background. A flavor enhancer that sees extensive usage in the food business is monosodium glutamate (MSG). While many studies have shown that long-term consumption of MSG can cause oxidative stress in animals, especially in their liver and kidneys, it was the goal of this study to examine the biochemical effects of hepatitis and kidney inflammation caused by different doses of MSG and the protective effect of shilajit water extract in albino mice. This research is designed to assess the biochemical toxicity of various dosages of MSG on the kidney and liver function in albino mice. Materials and methods. Fifty adult mice were randomly assigned to one of five groups (10 animals each). In contrast to the experimental group (G2) that received MSG at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight, the control group (G1) received pure water. The third group (G3) received the same amount of MSG plus 100 mg/kg of shilajit extract. In contrast to the fourth group (G4), which received a higher dose of MSG (4 g/kg body weight), the fifth group (G5) received the same amount of MSG in addition to 200 mg/kg of shilajit. The oral medications were maintained daily for a period of 14 days. On day 15, the animals were euthanized after being put to sleep. Following that, biochemical analysis was performed on the collected samples. This included testing for renal function indicators (such as creatinine and urea) and liver enzymes (such as AST, GGT, ALP, and ALT). Results. Compared to the control group, groups G2 and G4, which received just MSG, had a significant rise (P ≤ 0.05) in liver enzyme levels (ALP, AST, and ALT), suggesting substantial liver damage. On the other hand, shilajit extract showed a significant decrease in these levels, suggesting that it may provide some protection against the toxicity caused by MSG. Conclusions. The current study found that when high doses of monosodium glutamate were administered, it caused significant disturbances in the function of both the liver and the kidneys. They were manifested by a significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT), as well as an increase in renal function indicators (urea and creatinine), which indicated that these organs had suffered tissue and functional damage as a result of excessive oxidative stress.