Reproductive Toxicology of Tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No. 5) in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Abstract. Problem statement: Tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No. 5) is an orange-colored widely used in food products, drugs and cosmetics. This color has a potential toxicological risk. The current study evaluated the effect of sub-chronic consumption of tartrazine on the male reproductive system. Approach: Tartrazine was administered to adult male mice in drinking water at doses of 0, 0.1, 1 and 2.5% for 13 weeks. After that period, the weights of testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles were determined. Sperm counts in the testis and epididymides, motility, morphology and testis histology were assessed. Results: Body weight gain, absolute and relative testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles weights did not change. However, sperm count was decreased and sperm abnormalities were increased in the 2.5% tartrazine treated groups compared to the control. Sperm motility and histological changes in testis were observed in the middle and high treated groups. Conclusion/Recommendations: We concluded that excessive tartrazine consumption can have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. We suggested conducting surveys among the population to estimate their daily intake.

Effect of Dimethoate (An Organophosphate Insecticide) on the Reproductive System and Fertility of Adult Male Rat

“…These results are similar to the observations of Peiris et al (1995) in rats treated with methamidophos and of Mehedi et al (2009) in Swiss albinos mice treated with tartrazine. This decrease in feed consumption could be due to the decrease in metabolism, or inhibition of the hunger resulting in a lack of appetite or anorexia.…”

Oxidative Stress by Tartrazine in the Testis of Wistar Rats

“…The lumens of seminiferous tubules were also found to be reduced, indicating their compressed and bundled disorientation, whereas the same were radially oriented in control testes. Similarly, Mehedi et al (2009) [38] demonstrated the histological damages in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of tartrazine-treated mice. So, the altered architecture of seminiferous tubules in tartrazine group of animals is very well correlated to the damaged membrane proteins and lipids.…”

Toxicological and safety assessment of tartrazine as a synthetic food additive on health biomarkers: A review

“…Meanwhile, Mehedi et al (2009) reported that tartrazine has toxic effects on the reproductive organs comprising, decrease in reproductive performance, reduced sperm count and increased rate of sperm anomalies in mice with doses of 0, 0.1, 1.0 and 2.5% for 13 weeks.…”