Comparative Assessment of Liver Toxicity Induced by Sodium Benzoate, Ascorbic Acid, and their Co-Administration in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of preservatives such as sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid in food and beverages has raised concerns about potential health hazards, including the production of benzene, a known carcinogen. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid, and their combination on liver function parameters and histological integrity in albino rats. Methodology: Thirty-six albino rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group I (control) received distilled water; Group II received 120 mg/kg of sodium benzoate alone; Group III received 240 mg/kg of sodium benzoate alone; Group IV received 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) alone; Group V received a combination of 120 mg/kg sodium benzoate with 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid; and Group VI received a combination of 240 mg/kg sodium benzoate with 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid. Treatments were administered orally once daily for 28 days. Liver function was assessed using biochemical markers, including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT. Liver histology was also examined. Results: Group III (240 mg/kg sodium benzoate) exhibited significantly higher total bilirubin (5.25 ± 0.59 mmol/L) and direct bilirubin (7.56 ± 0.35 mmol/L) levels compared to Group VI (2.94 ± 0.73 mmol/L and 2.79 ± 0.67 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.05). ALT levels were significantly elevated in Group VI (30.46 ± 6.31 U/L) compared to Group I (21.62 ± 0.97 U/L, p = 0.000), indicating severe hepatocyte injury. ALP levels were significantly higher in Group II (40.08 ± 3.47 U/L) compared to Group V (26.60 ± 8.48 U/L, p = 0.024), suggesting biliary dysfunction. Total protein and albumin levels did not differ significantly across groups (p = 0.555 and p = 0.451, respectively). Histological analysis revealed degenerating hepatocytes, sinusoidal congestion, and tissue distortion, particularly in Groups III and VI. Conclusion: High dose of sodium benzoate (240 mg/kg) induce significant hepatotoxicity, and its combination with ascorbic acid exacerbates liver damage. These findings highlight the need for caution regarding the combined use of sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid in food products and emphasize the importance of further safety evaluations.