Abstract
BackgroundCola nitida is commonly chewed in many West African cultures to ease hunger pangs and sometimes for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities. Metoclopramide is a known substrate for P-gp, SULT2A1 and CYP2D6 and studies have revealed that caffeine- a major component of Cola nitida can induce P-glycoprotein (P-gp), SULT2A1 and SULT1A1, hence a possible drug interaction may occur on co-administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic interactions of Cola nitida and metoclopramide in rabbits.MethodsThe study was performed in two stages using five healthy male rabbits with a 1-week washout period between treatments. Stage one involved oral administration of metoclopramide (0.5 mg/kg) alone while in the second stage, metoclopramide (0.5 mg/kg) was administered concurrently with Cola nitida (0.7 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected after each stage at predetermined intervals and analyzed for plasma metoclopramide concentration using HPLC.ResultsCompared with control, the metoclopramide/Cola nitida co-administration produced a decrease in plasma concentration of metoclopramide at all the time intervals except at the 7th hour. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were also decreased: area under the curve (51%), peak plasma concentration (39%), half-life (51%); while an increase in elimination rate constant (113%) and clearance rate (98%) were noted indicating rapid elimination of the drug. A minimal decrease in absorption rate (10%) was also observed.ConclusionsThe results of this study reveal a possible herb-drug interaction between Cola nitida and metoclopramide.
Highlights
Cola nitida is commonly chewed in many West African cultures to ease hunger pangs and sometimes for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities
Results from the group that received Cola nitida and metoclopramide concurrently revealed a decrease in area under the concentration curve (AUC) (0-7 h) and Peak blood concentration (Cmax) by 51% and 39% respectively
Elimination rate and clearance rate increased by 113% and 98% respectively, while absorption rate constant decreased by 10% resulting in lowered plasma concentrations of metoclopramide
Summary
Cola nitida is commonly chewed in many West African cultures to ease hunger pangs and sometimes for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities. Metoclopramide is a known substrate for P-gp, SULT2A1 and CYP2D6 and studies have revealed that caffeine- a major component of Cola nitida can induce P-glycoprotein (P-gp), SULT2A1 and SULT1A1, a possible drug interaction may occur on co-administration. Kola nut is a tropical herb chewed in many West African cultures individually or in a group setting [4]. Kola nuts are consumed mainly for their stimulant and euphoric properties and used to ease hunger pangs. They exhibit similar effects as other xanthine-containing herbs such as cocoa, tea, etc. The extract from kola nut is used in the food
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