Abstract
The study investigated the microanatomical effects of the extracts of Cola nitida on the stomach mucosa of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups of A, B, C and D (n = 5). Animals in experimental groups B, C and D were given 600 mg/kg body weight of crude extract of Cola nitida each by oral intubation for five, seven and nine consecutive days respectively, while group A (control) received equivalent volume of distilled water. Twenty four hrs after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed; tissues were harvested and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis. The study revealed necrotized surface epithelium, degenerated gastric mucosa, and loss of glandular elements in the stomachs of experimental groups' vis-à-vis the control group. These observations were days-dependent; as those groups which received the extract for higher number of days were seen to be adversely affected. In conclusion, Cola nitida at 600 mg/kg body weight can cause gastric lesion in animals. This lesion may be pronounced if the administration continued for days. Cola nitida should, therefore, be taken with caution to avoid gastric complications.
Highlights
Indigenous to Western Africa, the Cola tree (Kola tree) is cultivated today in many tropical climates, including Central and South America, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia
Sections from the control animals conformed to the basic histological features; the epithelium was found to be lined with simple columnar epithelium
Our investigation has shown that administration of Cola nitida extract at 600mg/kg body weight is capable of causing gastric lesion in adult male Wistar rats
Summary
Indigenous to Western Africa, the Cola tree (Kola tree) is cultivated today in many tropical climates, including Central and South America, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In Nigeria it is generally acknowledged that the Yorubas grow the kola nut; the Hausas eat it, while the Igbos celebrate it. It cuts across all the tribes in Nigeria; it is a symbol of hospitality. It is consumed by a large number of students, pregnant women, drivers and other menial workers as stimulant, masticatory, astringent and antioxidant. They are important in various social and religious customs (Russel, 1955; Sundstrom, 1996; Haustein, 1971; Lovejoy, 1980). Of the various species of cola nuts, the two most commonly edible kinds are Cola acuminata and Cola nitida
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