Development of Garcinia kola capsules

Abstract

Garcinia kola usually referred to as "bitter cola" is a tree found in the rainforests. Many studies have revealed the properties of its seeds: antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antidiabetic, antioxidant. In the West Region of Cameroon these seeds are mainly used against nausea and vomiting; unfortunately, the generalization or the widening of the use of these seeds encounters some problems: the production is seasonal (June to September), the plant only grows in a small area (the departments of Moungo and Mbam and Inougou), the long storage of the seeds is not possible (they harden quickly and become unfit for consumption). The non-toxicity of these seeds having already been demonstrated by Udenze et al in 2012, in this study we wanted to develop a galenic form that is easy to produce and likely to help better use this resource by circumventing these difficulties. Garcinia kola seeds purchased in the city of Bafia, were cleaned, crushed and dried for 2 days at the temperature of 30°C and finally ground. The powder obtained was used to prepare capsules. The powder, calibrated through a 125 sieve, was homogeneous and had a residual humidity of 4%; its flavonoid content was 28 mg quercetin equivalent per gram. The capsules contained 400 mg of seed powder and titrated 3 mg quercetin equivalent of flavonoids per unit. They have responded favorably to the pharmacotechnical tests recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia 5th edition and appear to be able to allow the use of Garcinia kola seeds everywhere and in any season.