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Abstract

Background: The current study investigates the histopathology of monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is a commonly used food additive that has potential hepatotoxic effects and can be countered with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for their ability as hepatoprotective agent. Methods: A total of 21 adult albino Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 7 per group). Group A was control; Group B received oral monosodium glutamate (MSG) [0.08 mg/g body weight] and Group C was given oral MSG with agar extract (AE) [0.08 mg/g MSG + 0.05 mg/g AE], administered for a period of 45 days. At the end of the experiment, liver samples were isolated, fixed in formaldehyde and prepared for histological assessment. Results: Admission of MSG also produced significant liver changes in leukocyte infiltration (P = 0.001), and centrilobular haemorrhagic necrosis (P = 0.001) and central venous congestion (P = 0.001). Further research is necessary since hepatic fibrosis did not exhibit statistically significant alterations (P = 0.27). Co-administration of GBE showed hepatoprotective benefits, improving hepatocyte regeneration, facilitating tissue healing, and lessening the degree of lesions caused by MSG. Conclusion: While ginkgo biloba extract protects and regenerates hepatic tissue, MSG markedly causes hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Its potential to prevent hepatic fibrosis has to be studied more thoroughly.

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