Biological Effects of Prickly Pear Powder and Extract aginst Tartrazine Toxicity on Experimental Rats

Effects of prickly pear powder and extract on biological and biochemical changes of toxicated rats by tartrazine were investigated. Thirty male albino rats were used and divided to 5 groups (n=6) each group rats. The rats injected with tartrazine at a dose 300 mg /kg of body weight/day diluted in distilled water. Serum liver functions (GOT GPT and TP), lipid profile (TG, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, and VIDL-c), kidney functions (creatinine uric acid and urea) and plasma glutathione transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The lowest GOT, GPT liver enzyme, cholesterol triglycerides, LDL-c and VLDL-c uric acid, urea, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of treated group recorded for group fed on mixture 10% & 100 ml prickly pear powder and extract with significant difference and verse versa with HDL-c levels.Data also indicated that addition of prickly pear powder and extract had improved all biochemical tested compared with treated groups for reduction of tartrazine risk with significant difference. As conclusion, addition of mixture 10% & 100 ml prickly pear powder and extract of treated group rats with tartrazine pigment significantly improved all biochemical tested by different rats. Therefore, prickly pear powder and extract could be used in our beverages and daily dishes for reduction of tartrazine risk. Keyword: Opuntia ficus-indica, dietary fiber, body's immunity, coloring substances.