Effect Of Aqueous Extract of Cola Nitida (Kola Nut) On Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Cola nitida (Kola nut) is a caffeine-containing nut native to tropical North African and cultivated extensively in the new world tropics. Several studies have reported its effects on body weight and reduction in body fat without undesirable side effect as well as on gastric secretion, but there is a dearth of information on its effect on blood chemistry. This study was designed to investigate the effect of its aqueous extract on haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Aqueous extract of Cola nitida designated as AECON was prepared using cold maceration. The extract (25 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW, 100 mg/kg BW) was administered to the rats for 30 days for haematological and biochemical study. Distilled (0.5 ml) served as the control. Red Blood Cell (RBC) and Total White Blood Cell (TWBC) counts were determined using haemocytometer. Differential leucocyte count was done using the Schilling method. Activities of plasma Alanine Aminotransferease (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) as well as total protein, creatinine and albumin levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Treatment of rats with 25 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW and 100 mg/kg BW of AECON caused significant increase in monocyte values relative to the control, while 100 mg/kg BW produced significant increase in eosinophil value relative to the control. In addition, 50 mg/kg BW of AECON caused significant decrease in albumin and total protein levels relation to their controls. These findings indicate that Cola nitida extract caused deleterious effect on the blood chemistry in