Comparative aphrodisiac and toxicity effect of energy drinks consumption in male wistar rats

Abstract

Energy drink is a type of drink containing sugar and stimulant compounds, usually caffeine or natural stimulants majorly from plant sources. This study evaluates the comparative aphrodisiac and toxicity effect of energy drinks consumption in male wistar rats. Determination of aphrodisiac potential following the oral administration of graded doses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ml/kg) of red-bull, Orijin bitters, and monkey tail. Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters (mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission, and ejaculatory latencies) were observed. Serum testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were progressively monitored on days 1, 7, 14, and the acute toxicological evaluation of the various energy drinks based on any onset of mortality and behavioural changes. The results showed that red bull increased significantly mounting frequency. A significantly decreased in mounting and intromission latencies in dose-dependent manner, particularly on days 1 and 14. The Orijin bitters revealed a prolonged ejaculatory latency. Testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were also increased as the dose increased, particularly on days 1 and 7. The lowest dose of 0.5 ml/kg showed the best aphrodisiac effect for the Mockite energy drink. The toxicity studies showed that there were no acute behavioural changes with zero mortality. These findings, therefore, validated the claim of  the local use of energy drinks as an aphrodisiac in males.