Validation of Replacement of the Synthetic Food Dye 'Sunset Yellow'-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Genotoxicity with the Nutraceutical 'Curcumin' in Mice

The study investigated the potential of replacing the synthetic food dye Sunset Yellow (SY) with the natural additive curcumin (CU) to mitigate hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. Thirty adult male mice were divided into three groups: a control group, an SY group, and a CU group, with the latter two receiving daily doses of 30 or 37 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. The SY group exhibited significant adverse effects, including weight loss, hair loss, skin issues, liver cell damage, and chromosomal aberrations. In contrast, the CU group showed a decrease in the mitotic index and no such harmful effects. The study concluded that curcumin could potentially replace Sunset Yellow as a safer colorant in foods, beverages, and drugs.