Evaluation of Hemostatic and Antihemolytic Effects of Aqueous Extract of <i>Garcinia kola</i> (Clusiaceae) Fresh Seeds

Abstract

Objectives: Garcinia kola seeds (EAgk) (Clusiaceae) contain coagulant components use to pretreat aquaculture wastewater in Nigeria. This work was undertaken to assess the effects of EAgk on blood coagulation because of its contents. Methods: Five groups of four rats of both sexes (200 ± 5 g) received orally distilled water, phytomenadione (15 mg/kg b.w.) and garcinia kola seeds extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w.) for four days and after this period, bleeding time was measured by tail hemorrhage model. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet count were determined by coagulometer and hematological analyzer respectively. Blood red cells protection of EAgk was measured by the methods of 2,2’-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hemolysis and inhibition of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide. Results: EAgk at 1000 mg/kg b.w. induced a significant decrease in bleeding time from 420 ± 27.3 s to 157.5 ± 18.9 s. The platelet count of group of rat treated with EAgk (1000 mg/kg b.w.) increased significantly (p 0.05, n = 4). EAgk inhibited hemolysis, DPPH radical and hydrogen peroxide with IC50 values of 1.02 ± 0.2; 3.2 × 10?2 ± 0.12 and 1.01 ± 0.5 mg/mg respectively. Conclusions: EAgk exhibits hemostatic effects, which could justify the presence of coagulant components in the extract. Erythrocytes’ protective activity of Garcinia kola seeds may be due to free radicals and hydrogen peroxide inhibition.