Histological Study on the Effect of Energy Drinks on the Cerebral Cortex of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Effect of Ashwagandha Extract

Abstract

Background: Energy drinks are so popular for consumption by athletes and service members. Ashwagandha is a commonly used medical herb. This work aimed to study the effect of energy drinks on the cerebral cortex of adult male albino rats and the possible protective effect of ashwagandha extract histologically.

Methods:32 rats were divided into four groups (8 rats each): Group I (control): Each rat was given 1ml of distilled water | day. Group II (Ashwagandha group): Each rat was given 400 mg/ kg/day of Ash orally. Group III (Energy drink group): Each rat was given 10 ml | day of energy drink orally. Group IV (Energy drink + Ashwagandha group): Each rat was given both energy drink and Ashwagandha in the same dose and manner as group II and group III. All rats were given treatment for 28 consecutive days then sacrificed.

Results: Group III showed significant increase in body weight in comparison with group I. Group IV showed significant decrease in body weight in comparison with group III. Histopathological changes of cerebral cortex were seen in group III. Group IV revealed improvement in the cerebral cortical tissue.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that energy drinks induce histopathological changes in the cerebral cortex of adult male albino rats. While, Ashwagandha extract can reduce these histopathological changes in cerebral cortex. Thus, concomitant use of Ashwagandha with energy drinks is able to protect the cerebral cortex from energy drinks induced injury.

Key words: Energy Drinks; Ashwagandha; Cerebral cortex.