Graded Effects of Dry-Feed Added Sodium Benzoate/Ascorbic Acid Combination on Neurobehaviour, Oxidative Stress, and Markers of Inflammation in Mice

Background: Several concerns regarding the safety of sodium benzoate/ascorbic acid combination have been highlighted in various scientific investigations. However, there is a dearth of scientific literature on its effect on the brain. This study investigated the effects of dry-feed added sodium benzoate/ascorbic acid combination on neurobehaviour, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in mice. Methods: Adult male mice were assigned into ten groups of 10 mice each. One group was fed a standard diet, three groups were fed a diet containing sodium benzoate (NaB) at 125 mg/kg with ascorbic acid (AA) at 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of feed, another three groups were fed NaB at 250 mg/kg with AA at 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of feed, respectively, and the last three groups were fed NaB at 500 mg/kg with AA at 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg, respectively. Behavioural tests were assessed, following which animals were sacrificed, and their brains were homogenised for the assessment of biochemical parameters. Results: The result showed a decrease in body weight, self-grooming, total antioxidant capacity, inflammatory cytokines, mixed response with food intake, locomotor activity, Y maze spatial working memory, and anxiety-related behaviours and an increase in rearing and radial arm maze spatial working memory. Conclusion: Dry-feed added NaB/AA altered behavioural, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in mice. It was found that both beneficial and deleterious effects might be possible, depending on the concentrations ingested in food. However, further investigations are required to ascertain its effects on humans.