Studies on the Biochemical Effect of a Local Energy Drink (KPE) on Rats

Abstract

KPE was produced from a blend of kola nut extract and fresh pineapple juice. 24 matured male Wister strain albino rats (190g – 230g) were used for the experiment. For the study, rats were divided into four (4) groups and treated for 4 weeks after 2 weeks acclimatisation as follows: experimental group 1 received 5–7 ml KPE/day, experimental group 2 received 10–14 ml KPE/day, and standard group 3 received 5–7 ml ‘power horse’(a commercial energy drink)/day while control group 4 was given ordinary water. The fasting blood glucose, body weight, feed intake and water intake were measured. The rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken and used for liver and kidney functions analysis. The liver, kidney, heart and testis were excised and used for tissue histopathological examination. The result of the study indicated that fasting blood glucose was significantly elevated in groups 1, 2 and 3 when compared with group 4 (control). Body weight was significantly increases in the control (group 4) compared with groups 1, 2 and 3 Level of serum transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) was significantly higher in groups 1, 2 and 3 than in group 4. Serum urea level in group 3 and group 1 was not significantly greater than the control but group 2 showed significantly high serum urea level when compared with the control. Na+ concentration in all the groups was not significantly different while level of K+ was significantly higher in groups 1, 2 and 3 when compared with the control. The testis and liver of animals in groups 1, 2 and 3 were significantly enlarged but histopathological examination of tissues revealed no significant cellular abnormality. Result of the study suggests that chronic administration of KPE may alter liver and kidney function.