Adverse Effect of an Energy Drink on the Submandibular Salivary Gland of Adult Male Albino Rat and Possible Protective Role of Ginseng: a Histological, Immuno-histochemical and Biochemical Study

Introduction: Excessive usage of energy drinks has prompted worries about their harmful effects on many organs, including the salivary glands. These impacts may cause structural damage, decreasing the gland's ability to generate saliva and negatively impacting oral health. Ginseng, a famous herbal remedy, has been researched for its numerous health advantages. Aim of the Work: The current study aimed to analyse the adverse effects of an energy drink on rats' submandibular salivary glands, as well as the potential protective impact of ginseng.Material & Methods: The study utilized twenty adult male albino rats weighing 200-220g, randomly assigned to four groups. Group I (control) received no therapy before being euthanized. The second group received energy drink at a dose of 3.57 ml/kg BW alone once daily for eight weeks. Whereas the third group received the same treatment as the second group, plus 10 mg/kg BW of ginseng once daily for eight weeks. Group IV functioned as a recovery group for the second group, which received energy drink once daily for eight weeks before being euthanized after another eight weeks of no intervention. All therapies were administered orally, using gastric gavage.Results: The energy drink produced micromorphological degeneration of the submandibular salivary glands, increased alpha smooth actin immune-histochemical reactivity, and raised the area percent of fibrosis. Ginseng, on the other hand, reduced the deleterious effects of energy drinks on the gland, as demonstrated by improved architectural appearance, increased alpha smooth actin immune-histochemical reactivity, and decreased percent of collagen fibers deposition. Ginseng also lowered oxidative stress in the submandibular salivary gland by decreasing malondialdehyde levels while raising glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels.Conclusion: Concurrent administration of ginseng with an energy drink protected rats' submandibular glands, which outperformed the recovery from the energy drink.