ABSTRACT
Over a span of time, in West Africa palm oil is manufactured and processed on a small, medium, and large scale, making it difficult to detect fraud in the system. One major drawback of using adulterants in palm oil is that these substances have not been thoroughly researched for their potential health hazards when consumed by humans. The aim of this study was to assess the toxic effects of Sudan III and Sudan IV adulterated palm oil on hematological parameters and body weight in albino rats. Forty-eight (48) albino rats were divided into eight groups and treated as follows; group I (control), group II received 0.1mL/kg of unadulterated palm oil. Groups III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII were administered adulterated palm oil at doses of 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg of Sudan III and IV, respectively, for a period of fourteen days. Hematological parameters (including red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets) were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer. The findings revealed a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in red blood cell and hemoglobin, along with a non-significant (p > 0.05) decrease in HCT in groups III, IV, and V that was treated with Sudan III compared to the control group. However, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in platelets (PLT) in all groups relative to the control. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight in all groups in comparison to control. This study indicates that exposure to adulterated palm oil may lead to the destruction of blood cells, rendering it unsafe for consumption.
