Micro-Anatomical Effect Of Tahitian Noni Dietary Supplement On The Heart Of Caffeine-Treated Sprague- Dawley Rats

Abstract

AIM: This study was designed to assess the effects of Tahitian Noni on the heart of Caffeine-treated rats.METHODS: Thirty adult Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing between 105-200 g were used. They were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 was the control. Group 2 received 200mg/kg of caffeine for 8 weeks, group 3 received 200mg/kg of caffeine for 4 weeks and 5ml/kg of Noni for another 4 weeks, group 4 received both 200mg/kg of caffeine and 5ml/kg of Noni for 8 weeks, group 5 received 5ml/kg of Noni for 8 weeks, group 6 received 5ml/kg of Noni for 4 weeks and 200mg/kg of caffeine for another 4 weeks. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cholesterol levels and body weights of treated groups when compared to control. The histological sections showed focal necrosis in groups 2, 3and 4 with degenerative changes observed in group 2. Groups 5 and 6 tended towards normal.CONCLUSION: Tahitian noni dietary supplement modulates the effect of a high dose of caffeine on the heart.