Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that appears as a small, white to off-white, odorless crystal powder. It can cause serious health problems as its metabolites can be toxic to many organs. the current study aimed to determine the toxicity of MSG on fetal Rattus norvigecus domestica and the ameliorating role of pomegranate juice (Pg. J) against it. Punica granatum L. (Pg) is a long-lived and drought-tolerant plant. It has been used in the traditional medicine of various civilisations as a “curative food". The Pg tree offers several medicinal components, including its seeds, juice, peel, leaves, flowers, and root bark. Each part is linked to various health benefits, such as cancer prevention, reducing arteriosclerosis, and lowering high cholesterol levels.
Forty-two pregnant female were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7): the control group "C" received orally distilled water; "G1" received orally/daily 10ml (Pg. J) /kg b.w(dissolved in distilled water; "G2" received orally/daily 0.55 g MSG /kg b.w; "G3" received orally/daily 0.55 g MSG /kg b.w with 10 ml (Pg. J) /kg b.w; "G4" received orally/daily 1.6 g MSG /kg b.w; and "G5" received orally/daily 1.6 gMSG / kg b.w with 10 ml (Pg. J) /kg b.w. All groups treated on the 1^st – 20^th days of pregnancy. The fetal length decreased significantly in groups "2,3,4,5". Major skeletal abnormalities in the fetuses included incomplete ossification of the skull, vertebrae, and pectoral and pelvic girdles with their fore and hind limbs in groups 2,3,4,5. MSG has been shown to histopathologically alter the lungs and liver of fetuses. The high doses had the most chronic effect than the low doses.