South Asian Research Journal of Natural Products

Background: This study investigated the biochemical effects of prolonged administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soybeans in both male and female rats, using standard methods.

Methods: A total of two hundred and ten (210) Wistar rats (70 – 78g) were divided equally into three groups representing the various experimental durations (2, 4, and 6 months). Each of these groups was further sub-divided equally into fourteen (14) subgroups (7 groups for male rats and 7 groups for female rats). Out of the 7 groups for both the male and female rats, a group represented the control rats only fed commercial rat chow and water, whereas the rest were orally administered any of the 1000 mg/kg b.w (low dose), 2000 mg/kg b.w (medium dose), or 3000 mg/kg b.w (high dose) of aqueous extract of monosodium glutamate or soybean.

Results: No significant changes were observed in the urea levels after 2 and 4 months soybean respective administration to female and male rats, while H.D MSG significantly elevated the creatinine levels of male and female rats after 4 and 6 months administration. Administration of soybeans and MSG for 2 and 4 months had no significant effect on the bicarbonate and chloride levels. The HDL levels were significantly reduced while LDL, TC, and TG were significantly elevated after 6 months H.D administration of MSG and soybeans.

Conclusion: This study has shown that the prolonged high dose administration of monosodium glutamate produced diminishes the functional integrity of the kidney and the cardiovascular system regardless of gender.