Effect of Sub-Acute Oral Administration of the Illicit Concoction(skushies) on Liver Function in Wister Rats.

BACKGROUND: The illicit concoction (skushies) is a recreational drink containing tramadol, marijuana, codeine, rohypnol and Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo drink). It has gained attention due to its rapid increase in consumption among youths in Nigeria driven by its euphoric effects and psychoactivity. This rising trend poses significant health concerns as it increases the risk of adverse effects and potential addiction among its consumers. The study aimed to investigate the effect of 15 days oral administration of the illicit concoction (skushies) on the hepatic function in experimental Wistar rats. The main focus was to evaluate the effect of the illicit concoction (skushies) on hepatic function by analyzing serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). METHODOLOGY: Rats were divided into two groups (n=10): group 1 (control) and group two administered 17.5mg/kg of illicit concoction (skushies). The animals in group two were administered Skushies consecutively for 15 days and were sacrificed for biochemical analysis of hepatic function. The assessment included liver functional enzyme analysis to determine liver damage and function. RESULTS: The results obtained from the study showed no statistically significant change (p>0.05) in the liver function enzymes; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that 17.5mg/kg oral administration of the illicit concoction (skushies) had no negative effect on liver function in experimental animals.