Sub-Acute Effects of Illicit Drug Concoction (skushies) on Kidney Function in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract Background: Drug abuse, encompassing the consumption of illegal substances and misuse of prescription, poses significant health risk including overdose, addiction and death. Skushies, a combination of drugs, are harmful to health, particularly the kidneys. In order to better understand potential renal impairment, this study compares the creatinine, albumin, and BUN values measured in the Skushies-treated rats to those of the control group. Methods: Male Wistar rats were split into treatment and control groups, and for 30 days, the rats were given an oral dose of 70 mg/kg of Skushies. Kidney function parameters were measured using blood samples, and statistical analysis was done to determine the significance of the group differences. Results: The study revealed that Skushies consumption led to significant changes in kidney function tests, including decreased creatinine (0.15 ± 0.03 mg/dl) and albumin (2.59 ± 0.26 g/dl) levels, and increased BUN (75.58 ± 4.99 mg/dl) levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results of the investigation showed that while male Wistar rats' renal function is affected by the sub-acute oral administration of Skushies, acute kidney damage is not indicated by these alterations. It's possible that Hibiscus sabdariffa's nephroprotective qualities lessened the negative effects of other Skushies ingredients. To find out how long-term use of Skushies affects kidney function and how it affects other physiological systems, more research is required. In order to lessen the negative impacts of illicit drug usage, techniques for protecting Hibiscus sabdariffa in polysubstance mixes can be informed by this knowledge.