In Silico ADMET Profiling and Toxicological Evaluation of Sudan IV Dye on Allium cepa (Onions) Root Meristems

The widespread use of Sudan IV dye in the food industry raises serious concerns regarding its potential toxicity. This study therefore employed in-silico ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling to assess the toxicological potential of Sudan IV dye. Additionally, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the dye were done using the root meristems of Allium cepa. ADMET prediction tools were employed to assess the physicochemical properties and toxicity profiles of the compound. For cytogenotoxic assessments, onion roots were exposed to 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentrations of Sudan IV dye and ethanol for 24, 48, and 72 hours, with distilled water as the control for the study. Treated cells were fixed, hydrolyzed, squashed, and stained for microscopic observation at 1000x magnification. The ADMET profile prediction indicated a significant potential for bioaccumulation in adipocytes and highlighted risks of genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, hematotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The dye significantly induced (P < 0.05) nine chromosomal abnormalities in A. cepa root tips especially after 72 hours of exposure. These induced abnormalities included sticky chromosomes, ghost cells, faulty polarity, chromosome bridges, C-mitosis, vacuolated cells, binucleate cells, fragmented chromosomes, and spindle disturbances. The highest root growth inhibition of 82.93% occurred with 1.0% Sudan IV dye treatment, while ethanol caused the least inhibition of 58.54%. Furthermore, Sudan IV dye significantly reduced the mitotic index across exposed durations, indicating disruption of normal cell division. This study demonstrates the toxicity of Sudan IV dye and suggests that its use especially in food products should be discouraged.