Investigation of the Hepatic Effects of Stevioside on Chicken Embryo Method

Abstract

Background: Stevioside is well known for its sweetness in food industries. The liver plays an important role in food metabolism and is susceptible to the toxicity from food and its metabolites. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing stevioside hepatotoxicity in the chicken embryo model. Methods: Stevioside was injected on the day 4 of incubation of chickens. The fertile eggs were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (without injection), 10 ppm, 100 ppm, and 1000 ppm of stevioside. The livers and serum samples were collected on the day 20 of incubation. Oxidative stresses of organ, enzymatic activity, and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The changes in the liver enzymes activity and biochemical parameters were not significant. There was no significant difference in glutathione (GSH) level, lipid peroxidation, and cupric assay; there was a decrease in the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). Conclusions: There were no significant changes in liver enzymes activity and oxidative stress parameters of liver. It was concluded that stevioside did not cause marked damages in liver.