Influence of Sacoglottis gabonensis Ethanolic Extract on the Electrolytes of Swiss Mice Administered Aspartame

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the influence of Sacoglottis gabonensis ethanolic extract on the electrolytes of swiss mice administered aspartame.

Location and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the green house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria (Coordinates 4o48’14”N 6o59’12”E). The experiment lasted for Ninety days.

Experimental Design: A completely randomized experimental design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation.

Methodology: Ninety mice were assigned to six groups (A-F) of fifteen mice each. Group A was the negative control and so they were not given any treatment, but pellet and clean tap water. Group B was the positive control and received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame alone. Group C received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis leaf. Group D received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic extract of S. gabonensis bark. Group E received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract. Group F received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 500mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract. All the groups were exposed to their treatment by oral gavage for 30, 60 and 90days. Feed was withdrawn from the animals 24hours before the termination of experiment. Analysis of serum for electrolytes concentrations followed approved standard procedures.

Results: There was a significant increase in potassium and chloride level across experimental duration compared with the control group. There was significant increase in sodium level in group B across the duration of experiment with the lowest value recorded in group D 30 days. The level of bicarbonate decreased in groups B and C at 30 days, D and F at 60 days and increased in B and C at 90 days. Calcium level increased significantly across experimental duration with the lowest value observed in group F.

Conclusion: This study recorded alterations in the electrolyte concentrations in the serum of experimental mice especially group administered aspartame alone compared to the control group. However, these alterations reported in the level of electrolytes may lead to metabolic disorder in individuals exposed to frequent and high intake of aspartame. Therefore, moderate consumption of aspartame is advocated while the consumption of S. gabonensis is highly recommended.