Abstract: Introduction: Aspartame is a low calorie sweetener; is about 180 times sweeter than sugar. The use of aspartame by diabetic individuals is increasing and is widely used in the weight loss regime. Many researches suggesting possible adverse neurological and behavioral effects due to aspartame’s metabolic components which are produced during its breakdown.
Stevia belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is an amazing plant from the rain forest of Amazone. It has been found to be nontoxic, non-addictive, non-carcinogenic, nonmutagenic, non teratogenic and is devoid of genotoxic effect. It does not affect blood sugar level hence safe for diabetics.
Aim of the Work: comparison between the effect of aspartame and stevia on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex in adult male albino rats
Materials and Methods: 30 male adult albino rats, weighing about 200-250 gm, used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups: Group I: (Control Group), Group II: received daily oral 250 mg/kg of aspartame (ASP) for 4 weeks. Group III: received oral Stevia extract in a dose of 250mg/kg For 4 weak. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose, the cerebellum was obtained and processed for light and Electron Microscope.
Results: in both aspartame and stevia treated groups purkinje cells appeared shrunken with loss of their pyriform shape. The diameter of purkinje cells nuclei in both of them was signufiantly decreased. In aspartame group the thickness of granular layer was significantly decrease more than stevia and the cell appeared irregular in shaped with destructed nucleus and irregular-shaped organelles.
Conclusions: Stevia and aspartame appeared to have harmful effects on the structure of the cerebellar cortex which is more in aspartame than stevia.