Studies on the effect of vanillin (food additive) on some metabolic reactions of the experimental animals

Abstract

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) was administrated to hypercholesterolemic albino rats at low and high doses (1.0 and 2.0%, respectively) for nine weeks period. Lipid pattern, as well as liver and kidneys functions were determined in normal, hypercholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic rats administrated vanillin. Hypercholesterolemia was characterized by significant increase in the average levels of total lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides and a significant decrease in phospholipids content. Also, liver function (S.GOT, S.GPT, alkaline and acid phosphatase) as well as kidneys function were elevated compared to control group. Administration of vanillin significantly reduced liver and kidneys total lipids. Spleen and heart followed nearly the same trend but with moderate effect, while brain was not affected. Liver, kidneys, spleen and heart total cholesterol was significantly reduced while brain total cholesterol was not affected. Triglycerides were significantly decreased in liver and spleen, while that of kidneys and brain was not affected. Also, there was a significant decrease in the high activity of S.GOT, S.GPT, alkaline and acid phosphatase and the values were nearly attained to the initial level. Administration of vanillin exertes potent anabolic effects for protein metabolism as shown from the results of uric acid and creatinine.