Effects of VIP AK-47 Akuskura on Oral Microbial Flora, Antimicrobial Activity, and Histopathology of Motor Neuron-Related Brain Regions in Mice

Abstract

VIP AK-47 Akuskura is an emerging new psychoactive substance (NPS) increasingly abused 
among youths in Northern Nigeria, particularly through gargling and oral exposure. Despite 
its widespread use, little is known regarding its chemical composition, biological effects, or 
mechanisms of action. This study investigated the effects of VIP AK-47 Akuskura on oral 
microbial flora, antimicrobial activity, motor coordination, and histopathology of motor 
neuron-related brain regions in mice.Twenty-four adult male albino mice were randomly 
divided into four groups: control, low-dose (600mg/kg), medium-dose (800mg/kg), and high
dose (1000mg/kg). The substance was administered through gargling for two weeks. Oral 
microbial analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, open field test, beam walk test, 
footprint analysis, and histopathological examination of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, 
and cerebellum were conducted.The findings revealed dose-dependent increases in body 
weight among treated groups. Significant alterations in oral microbial flora were observed, 
characterized by reductions in beneficial commensal microorganisms and increases in 
opportunistic organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. VIP AK-47 
Akuskura demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity against selected oral 
microorganisms, particularly Gram-positive bacteria.Neurobehavioral assessment using the 
open field test showed no significant changes in general locomotor activity. However, beam 
walk and footprint analyses demonstrated impaired motor coordination, increased hind foot 
slips, prolonged beam crossing time, and altered gait patterns in medium- and high-dose 
groups. Histopathological examination revealed neuronal degeneration, vacuolation, pyknosis, 
chromatolysis, eosinophilia, Purkinje cell degeneration, and necrosis within the cerebral 
cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum.The study concluded that VIP AK-47 Akuskura exerts 
dose-dependent neurotoxic effects, alters oral microbial ecology, and impairs motor 
coordination in mice. The observed histopathological alterations suggest significant neuronal 
injury involving motor coordination pathways. These findings highlight potential public health 
risks associated with the abuse of VIP AK-47 Akuskura and emphasize the urgent need for 
chemical characterization, toxicological evaluation, regulatory surveillance, and public health 
awareness regarding emerging psychoactive substances in Nigeria.