By Pooja Toshniwal PahariaNov 10 2023Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM In a recent study published in Foods, researchers comprehensively performed toxicity assessments of monellin and brazzein, recombinant naturally sweet proteins produced by yeasts.
About the study In the present study, researchers experimentally assessed the acute, sub-chronic, and chronic toxicity and allergenic and mutagenic properties of recombinant monellin and brazzein. Related StoriesAcute toxicity assessments included weight gain, the general condition of animals, intoxication symptoms, the relative mass of main organs, and the pathomorphological examination of internal organs.
In addition, the inflammatory response to concanavalin A was assessed in mice. The results were evaluated after 15 minutes and 24 to 48 hours . To investigate the mutagenicity of the proteins, the Ames test, bone marrow chromosomal aberration test, and micronucleus tests were performed in mice. Macroscopic examination of rats and mice organs following administering monellin or brazzein intragastrically showed no pathological alterations to the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, brain, spleen, pancreas, lymph nodes, esophagus, thymus, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, ovaries, or testes.