Physiological effect of a food additive on some haematological and biochemical parameters of male albino rats

           Food additives are used for various purposes, including preservation, colouring and sweetening. Some food additives, however, have been prohibited from use because of their toxicity. Azo dyes are one of these food additives which widely used as colorants in foods. The extent of such use is related to the degree of industrialization of the society. Approximately 1-5× 10⁵ pounds of the dye amaranth were used each year in over 60countries.
           The present study aimed to investigate the possible influence impacts of amaranth (red dye) on some hematological and biochemical parameters of male albino rat, Rattus norvegicus . So, sixty adult male rats weighing 100-110gm. were divided into 3groups, the first one served as a control, the second received 25mg/kg of amaranth and the third group was treated with 75mg/kg of amaranth. Rats were treated orally for 30days followed a recovery for another 30days.
           The obtained data reveal a marked decrease in the percentage of body weight gain, red blood cells (R.B.Cs) counts, Hemoglobin (Hb) content, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum total lipids and serum total cholesterol of rats treated with the high dose of amaranth. On the other hand, a noticeable increase in hematocrit (Hct) value, Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), activities of Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase  (ALP), glucose level, serum total protein and globulin were found in rats treated with the high dose of amaranth. In general, there was appreciable improvement after the recovery period.