PRELIMINARY ACUTE ORAL TOXICOLOGY STUDY OF AN ENERGY DRINK POWDER

ABSTRACT: Energy drink use among teenagers and young adults has increased rapidly for the past decade. It been link with the use of alcohol, superimposing its adverse effects. The research utilized a commercially available energy drink powder in the Philippines. The study was based on a sample of 40 Swiss mice ( 1 control group and 7 test group) from the Bereau of Food and Drugs, approximately weighing about 18-25 g and about 4 weeks old. The dosage for each group was computed using the logarithmic method with a 0.6 interval ( 10, 39.8, 158.5, 631.0, 2,512.0, 10,000.4 and 39,812.5 mg/kg). Each formulation was administered through gavage and a 1-week long observational study was done. Signs of acute oral toxicity were observed. Two mice were killed following a dose of 10,000.4 mg/kg while all mice were killed following a dose of 39,812.5 mg/kg formulation. The acute oral median lethal log dose of the formulation was 3.916 and median lethal dose is 8,242.3 mg/kg (95% confidence limit). The NOAEL of the formulation is 2,512.0 mg/kg and the LOAEL is 10,000.5 mg/kg. The most common effect after the administration of the formulation in all dose level except dose 7 (39,812.5 mg/kg), was an increased in motor activity. Another toxic effect seen was an increase in appetite demonstrated by animals administered with 2,512.0 mg/kg. No other roxicities and changes in their body weight were observed.

Department of Pharmacology