Effects of Sodium Benzoate and Ephedra alata on Some Cardiac Enzymes in Male Rats

Sodium benzoate is a common food preservative found in a wide range of items, including milk, toothpaste, mouthwash, fluids, and cosmetics. In Greco-Arab traditional medicine, Ephedra alata (E. alata) is used to treat respiratory issues, asthma, and cancer. The current investigation sought to determine whether Ephedra alata may shield rats from sodium benzoate-induced cardiotoxicity. Twenty male albino rats weighing between 195 and 300 g were split up into four equal groups, each of which had five male rats: Every day, distilled water was given to the first group, which was retained as the control. For two weeks, the second group was given an oral dosage of sodium benzoate (100 mg/kg/b. w.). For two weeks, E. alata (1 g/kg/b. w.) was administered orally to the third group. For two weeks, sodium benzoate and ephedra were given to the fourth group, also known as the combination group. According to the study's findings, there were no appreciable differences in the mean levels of CKMB, troponin, or LDH between the treatment and control groups; however, the combination group's troponin levels significantly increased in comparison to the control group. In summary, the study's findings demonstrated that ephedra did not effectively reverse the cardiotoxicity caused by sodium benzoate when taken alongside it