Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(12): 2606-2612, 2011 ISSN 1991-8178 Corresponding Author: A.R. Ghazali, Biomedical Science Programme, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2606 Evaluation of the Biochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Budu (A Local Fermented Fish Product) Extracts on HepG2 Hepatoblastoma Cells A.R. Ghazali, N.F. Rajab, L.W. Wen, A.S. Rahmani, R. Abdullah, N.M. Ramli, F. Kamarulzaman, Z. Harun, and Hasiah A.H. Biomedical Science Programme, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Abstract: Budu is a fish product which is used as one of the condiments in daily Malaysian dish. As part of a safety evaluation of ingredients for use in everyday dishes, there is a need to determine its nutrient composition and toxicological profile. This study documented its biochemical profile in terms of macronutrients, food additives and heavy metals. The biological activity of budu was investigated in terms of its cytotoxic effects and antioxidant capacity. The macronutrients of budu were determined by proximate analysis. Both budu samples from Bachok and Tumpat, Kelantan showed high moisture contents. Detected food additives were colourants (Sunset Yellow FCF) and preservatives (benzoic acid). Heavy metals (mercury and lead) were not detected in both samples. All parameters in the biochemical profile conformed to the regulations of the Malaysian Food Act 1983. When investigated with the MTT (Microculture Tetrazolium Test) Assay, aqueous extracts of both samples did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells at low (60 μg/ml), moderate (500 μg/ml) or high (2000 μg/ml) concentrations. Weak antioxidant capacities were detected in the aqueous extract of both budu samples by the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) Assay. However, this capacity was not significant when the aqueous extract was tested in the presence of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, budu was considered not cytotoxic to HepG2 cells and had weak antioxidant capacities. Key words: Budu, proximate analysis, MTT assay, FRAP assay, HepG2 cells. INTRODUCTION Nutrient composition and toxicological profile are important parameters in food science research. Composition of nutrient determines the nutritional value of the food while analysis of chemical toxicants and contaminants in foods will give ideas on safety and any toxic effects that could be exerted from the food products (Helferich and Winter, 2000). In Malaysia, budu is a fish sauce that is a product of liquefaction of anchovies in salt. It is used as condiment in many local dishes. Documentation of macronutrient in budu is important because it is regularly consumed by population. From the Malaysian Foods Composition Database, budu contains high concentration of carbohydrate and minerals (Tee et al., 1997). However, epidemiology study in China showed a correlation between fish sauce and the incidence of gastric cancer (Deng, 2000; Cai et al., 2000; Ye et al., 1998). This evidence was supported by several reports on mutagenicity characteristic of fish sauce (Deng et al., 1991; Ye et al., 1998; Zhang et al., 1991). Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the composition of macronutrients and level of food additives and heavy metals in budu samples. The biological activity of budu was investigated in terms of its cytotoxic effects and antioxidant capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Food Sample: Budu was purchased from Kelantan (Tumpat and Bachok) which is its main production and distribution centre for Malaysia. Budu was sampled for food analysis and extracted for its biological activity. Extraction Of Budu: Liquid form of budu was homogenized and suspensed with distilled water at ratio 1:2 for 48 hour at 4°C. The mixture was then filtered and freeze-dried. The dry extract was kept at 4°C in an air-tight jar prior to the bioassays. Cells and Reagents: HepG2 cells were obtained from ATCC (Rockville, MD, USA). Cells were grown as monolayer in a T-25 cm 2 culture flask. The medium was supplemented with 2.0 g/l sodium bicarbonate, antibiotics (100 U of penicillin/ml, 100 µg of streptomycin/ml) and 10% foetal bovine serum. The cell culture medium and their