Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
2
Food Technology Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
3
Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
4
Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
5
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafr Elsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
6
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
7
Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Suez, Egypt.
8
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
9
Histology and Cell Biology Dept, Faculty of Medicine, AL Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt.
10
The Holding Company for Production of Vaccines, Sera and Drugs (VACSERA-EgyVac), Giza, Egypt.
Abstract
Spirulina is a widely recognized nutritional supplement, yet the safety and quality of commercial products remain a concern due to potential heavy metal accumulation. This study investigated the heavy metal content, physiological, and histopathological impacts of two commercial Spirulina brands from the Egyptian market on Sprague Dawley rats. Commercial Spirulina and Lab-grown Spirulina (LGC) were analyzed for heavy metal content. Physiological effects were assessed by measuring liver and kidney function markers, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and hematological parameters. Histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues were examined. LGC was devoid of detectable toxic heavy metals, while commercial brands exhibited alarmingly high concentrations of cadmium (2200 ± 560 mg/kg and 1900 ± 679 mg/kg, respectively) and elevated aluminum. These levels significantly exceeded international safety limits. In vivo, Brand A induced severe dose-dependent histopathological alterations in rat livers and kidneys, including cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis, contrasting with the mild changes observed with Brand B and normal histology in the control. Hematological analysis revealed a significant reduction in red blood cell parameters by Brand B, indicative of anaemia, likely linked to its high cadmium content. Both commercial brands demonstrated antioxidant properties by reducing MDA levels, with Brand B showing superior efficacy.
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