Physiological Impact of the Non-Nutritive Artificial Sweetener, Aspartame, and the Therapeutic Potential of Aqueous Extract of .

The present study investigated the impact of aspartame (ASP) on biochemical and histological profiles and the therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of (PN) in female Swiss albino mice (20 ± 2 g b. w.). ASP (40 mg/kg b. w.) and PN (100 mg/kg b. w.) were fed to the mice for a period of 30 and 60 days. A significant ( ≤ .01) decrease was observed in body weight and relative organ weight in ASP-treated mice. ASP induced a significant ( ≤ .01) increase in lipid profile, bilirubin, creatinine, and enzyme activity. Furthermore, histomorphological changes in the liver and kidney, including atrophy, lesions, and derangement of cellular structure, were observed in ASP-treated animals. However, animals treated with ASP and supplemented with aqueous extract of PN showed significant ( ≤ .01) improvements in enzyme activity and histomorphological changes in the liver and kidney. Aqueous extract of PN mitigates ASP-induced physiological effects, including liver and kidney function markers and histomorphological changes. The study suggests a need for identification of mechanisms of interaction of ASP and its breakdown products once ingested and the bioactive compounds of PN responsible for its therapeutic potential.