Tartrazine-Induced Toxicity Is Attenuated by Naringenin in Wistar Rats: A Biochemical, Histological, and Behavioral Study

Background: Tartrazine (TZ) has been linked to hyperactivity in children, as well as to kidney and liver damage. Furthermore, naringenin (NG) is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may mitigate the damage caused by TZ. Methods: Four independent groups were used, each consisting of seven male Wistar rats—vehicle VEH (saline solution/DMSO, 0.600 mL; IP), TZ (150 mg/kg; IP), NG (100 mg/kg; IP), and TZ + NG (150 mg/kg; 100 mg/kg; IP). For 28 days, treatments were administered every 24 h, and the behavioral effects were evaluated via the open field and Rotarod tests. At the end of the behavioral tests, biochemical and histological analyses of the liver, kidney, and intestine were performed. Results: In the open field test, TZ decreased the number of crossings and rearing behaviors, which was attenuated in NG. The number of grooming behaviors was significantly reduced by TZ, while the duration of this behavior did not significantly differ between the treatment groups. In Rotarod, the TZ group presented less coordination than the other groups. In the TZ group, all parameters included in the liver and kidney function tests showed a significant increase compared to normal levels, reflecting a pathological condition in those organs. On the other hand, groups TZ + NG were within the reference intervals. Treatment with NG reduced the damage caused by TZ. Finally, in the histological analysis, damage to liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues was observed in the TZ groups, whereas treatment with NG mitigated the cellular damage caused by TZ. Conclusions: Naringenin exhibited a protective effect as it restored liver and kidney parameters to normal levels and demonstrated a predominant preservation of the histological architecture of the liver, kidney, and intestine. In this regard, the protective effect observed could be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties described for naringenin. However, further research is still needed to validate the use of naringenin as a potential candidate for improving renal and hepatic function, based on mechanistic studies.