Experimental evaluation of antipyretic and analgesic activities of aspartame.

Sir,

The letter by Pradhan et al.[1] describes the experimental evaluation of antipyretic and analgesic activities of aspartame. I would like to draw attention to several points mentioned in this study.

In the methodology of the antipyretic activity, the authors have mentioned the doses of aspartame for groups II, III and IV and the dose of paracetamol for group V. But, they have not mentioned the route of administration for the same. The route of administration makes a difference in bioavailability and, hence, the effects and side-effects of a drug.

The authors have also mentioned earlier studies in which the anti-inflammatory action and interference with rheumatoid factor activity by aspartame has been proposed to alleviate the pain and immobility resulting from chronic inflammation of the joint.[23] This can be a useful therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. But, some experimental studies show detrimental effects with the chronic use of aspartame. One of these studies show that aspartame is a multipotential carcinogenic compound whose carcinogenic effects are evident even at a daily dose of 20 mg/kg bw, much less than the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans in Europe (40 mg/kg bw) and in the United States (50 mg/kg bw).[4] Hence, further exploration of toxicity studies is required for the long-term safety evaluation.

The authors while concluding have mentioned that aspartame is an intense nutritive sweetener. Although aspartame is a biologically active substance, it is not a nutritive substance. Actually, it is a non-nutritive intense sweetener that is considered as a food additive. A clarification of the above issues could enhance the scientific value of this research undertaken by the authors.