The effects that chronic cocaine administration (CCA) have on craving, cocaine metabolite concentrations and cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme (CYP450 3A4) activities in Sprague-Dawley rats following the administration of Salako Nutritional Supplements (SNS) were examined. Five groups of fifty rats were used to assess the effect of the SNS following CCA. Craving was analyzed for each rat using a Conditioned Place Preference protocol. Blood samples were obtained at regular intervals and used to measure cocaine plasma metabolite levels. CYP450 3A4 activity was determined in the liver. Administration of the SNS reduced craving of cocaine significantly, upon discontinuing cocaine in the rats. Blood plasma analysis showing higher benzoylecgonine equilibrium and the CYP450 3A4 levels demonstrated that the SNS possibly aided in the removal of the stored metabolites indicative of increased metabolism of cocaine, enhanced by the Supplements. Results indicate that the SNS formulation reduces craving caused by CCA by increasing the liver CYP450 3A4 activity, resulting in better plasma clearance.

The effects of Salako nutritional supplements on cocaine-dependent Sprague Dawley rats was investigated. Rats were made cocaine-dependent using conditioned place preference (CPP) where craving was analyzed regularly. Cocaine metabolite levels were determined from blood samples. CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme activities were obtained using liver homogenate. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS one-way ANOVA and Duncans multiple range test. Results show that when cocaine use was discontinued, the supplements reduced craving of cocaine significantly. Blood plasma results showed higher benzoylecgonine equilibrium possibly indicating that the supplements aided the removal of stored cocaine metabolites which may have contributed to better management of craving in the rats. CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme activity was further enhanced by the supplements and is indicative of increased cocaine metabolism. The results indicate that the Salako nutritional supplements reduce craving caused by chronic cocaine administration by increasing the liver CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme activity, resulting in better plasma clearance.