Bitter Cola Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in a Tertiary Institution in South East Nigeria

Background: There is limited data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Nigeria. This study aims to examine the prevalence, types, and determinants of CAM use among T2DM patients in Southeast Nigeria.
 Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 250 diabetic patients who attended the DM clinic in a tertiary institution in South East Nigeria. Each participant completed a questionnaire which had sections on demography, diabetes-related information, and CAM use details. Data collated was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for windows.
 Results: The prevalence of CAM use in this study was 34%. After adjustment; the logistic regression results showed that CAM use was significantly associated with age, and place of residence. The most commonly used type of CAM by participants were bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (56.5%), followed by bitter cola (Garcinia kola) (47%), scent leaf (African basil) (40%), moringer (20%), utazi (Gongronema latifolium) 17.7%), and aloe vera (7.1%) before the rest. The majority of CAM users were referred to use CAM by friends (68.2%), family members (25.9%), or media (14.1%). Most subjects (75.5%) used CAM concurrently with orthodox medications and only 32.9%% knew the constituents of the CAM they were using. However, gender, marital status, occupation, educational level, income, and DM duration did not significantly associate with CAM use in this study.
 Key words. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Diabetes Mellitus
 Conclusions: The prevalence of CAM use was high among diabetics. Further studies to isolate and purify the constituents responsible for the anti-glycemic activity of each compound may be needed in the future.

Anti-bacterial activity of various blends of aqueous and ethanol Extracts of garlic and bitter cola

Diameter of inhibitory zone on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes were determined by evaluating Ethanol and water extract of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) and garlic (Allium sativum) at concentrations of sample A: (BC 100:0 G), B: (BC 80:20 G), C: (BC 60:40 G), D: (BC 40:60), E: (BC 20:80 G), F: (BC 0:100 G) and all concentrations were treated with 150ml ethanol and water extracts. For this experiment, the bitter kola and garlic were dried and milled and biotic extraction was done at different concentrations or ratios .The results showed that the diameter of inhibition for E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus on ethanol extracts values ranged from (8.20mm -19.22mm) and (8.22mm – 20.16mm) respectively with sample D (40g of Bitter kola + 60g of garlic) has the highest diameter of inhibition with a value of 1.92mm for E.coli and 2.07mm for staphylococcus aureus making it a good antimicrobial agent. While for Streptococcus aureus, the extracted ethanol solvent of sample C (60g of bitter kola + 40g of garlic) has the higher diameter of inhibition value of 1.15mm. Water extract values of diameter of Inhibitory zone were generally lower than the ethanol extract values for all organisms listed. This implies that water extract exhibited lower capacity of microbial inhibition to E.coli, streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus under the condition of study.

The comparative antimicrobial effects of castor, garlic, beniseed and bitter cola extracts on microorganisms isolated from hospitals’ wards

The comparative antimicrobial effects of castor, garlic, beniseed and bitter cola extracts on microorganisms isolated from hospitals’ wards

Crop Diversification and Sustainability in a Cocoa Agroforestry System in Meme Division South West Region, Cameroon

The diversification of crops and trees in cocoa agroforestry plays a major role in ecosystem goods and services. This study investigated the effects of crop diversification in a cocoa agroforestry farms. The study is aimed at identifying crops, crops preference and profitability in a cocoa agroforestry. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaires and field observations. A sample size of 118 respondents was identified for the study. Forty (40) farmers each were interviewed in Matoh and Bole while 38 farmers interviewed in Njombe Mbonge. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Descriptive statistics were used and Chi square (X2) Goodness-of–fit test was performed to check for association at . Results showed that 65 % of farmers had farm sizes between 2-5 hectares with majority of the farmers being males (72.8 %). The major crops farmers diversified in cocoa agroforestry were plantain, cocoyam, cassava, maize, bush mango, bitter cola and Njangsang. The preferences for cultivation of these crops were mainly for food, income and shades. All respondents (100%) cultivated cocoa for income (X2 cal=113.5, x2tab=7.81). NTFPs were cultivated mainly for income with 61.0 %, for Njangsang (X2 cal=25.1, x2tab=7.81), 37.3 % for Bitter cola (X2cal=17.8, x2tab=7.81) and 47.5 % For Bush mango (X2cal=28.5, x2tab=7.81). An average net farm income (NFI) of 187699.8 FCFA and 238252.9 FCFA was obtained per hectare just for cocoa only and cocoa + diversified crops respectively. A net profit margin of 0.49 and 0.54 were obtained for cocoa only and cocoa + diversified crops respectively. This study recommends that diversifying cocoa with crops and some economic trees will yield better income and improved biodiversity.

Spectrum of Substance Use, Reasons for Use and Perceived Effects on Treatment among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Benue State, Nigeria; A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Substance use is on increase and a major public health problem contributing about 1.7 million deaths among teenagers globally. Ironically, some are socially acceptable and freely consumed during social activities. They are consumed commonly for social, religious and medicinal reasons. This study aims to assess substance use, types, reasons and its perceived effects among PLHIV in Benue State, Nigeria
 
 METHODS: The study was at Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (CIDC), 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi at Benue state, Nigeria. Qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among five homogeneous groups involving 40 discussants [30 and 10 health care workers]. The recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim, coded based on predetermined themes and reported. 
 
 RESULTS: The commonest psychoactive substance used by People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) for both males and females was Alcohol followed by Kola nut and Bitter Cola. Others were; cannabis, overdose dose of Rohypnol, Tramadol and diazepam; paracitamol mixed with ‘la-cassera’ soft drink and codeine in cough syrup as well as Marijuana. Major reasons for use included to increase work, sexual performance, reading time and appetite; reduce nausea, vomiting and to manage stress or boredom. They perceived most substance to be safe though few expressed their concern on the possible interaction with Antiretroviral (ARV) medications and possibility of increasing Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) effect of some drugs. This they said depends on type and dose of consumption.
 
 CONCLUSION: Substance use among PLWHIV is common. Misconceptions and poor appreciation of effect of these substance use among these clients abound. Every effort should be made to tame this menace.

Assessment of livelihood activities for conservation management in the Deng Deng National Park-Belabo Council Forest Conservation Corridor, East Region of Cameroon

Many local communities in Cameroon especially around protected areas survive through the exploitation of natural resources in the wild. This study was set out to assess the different livelihood activities carried out in communities located in the corridor between the Deng Deng National Park and the Belabo Council Forest. This assessment was a giant step towards the planning for effective conservation of biodiversity in the corridor. To achieve this, a household survey was conducted using the simple random sampling technique where each household was given equal opportunity of being chosen to take part in the survey. Surveys on hunting and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) were conducted. During these surveys a total of 440 questionnaires were administered in 11 villages. The results revealed that agriculture, hunting and the collection or harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) were the major livelihood activities carried out by the local population. Most respondents (51%) farm sizes were between 0.5 to 3 hectares and crops cultivated were; cocoyams, plantains, potatoes, cassava, groundnut and maize. A total of 69% of the population were engaged in the collection and harvesting of NTFPs such as njansang (Ricinodendron heudoloti), bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), bitter cola (Garcinia kola), colanut (Cola nitida). A majority of respondents (97%) collected the NTFPs for consumption and sale. It was shown that 53% of the collector earned at least 100,000XAF to 200,000XAF per year. With respect to hunting, a majority of respondents (87%) hunt for sale and consumption while 11% hunt just for sale. The studied communities depend highly on the forest and this has led to loss of biodiversity through habitat loss and fragmentation. Thus, adequate conservation management strategies are very instrumental for the improvement of biodiversity and livelihood in the corridor.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Garcinia kola capsules on Gonarthrosis and low back pain

Garcinia kola (Clusiaceae) commonly known as "Bitter cola", is a shrub from the forests of Central and East Africa. In Cameroon it is found in Mbam and Moungo divisions. Garcinia kola seeds are widely consumed by local populations, sometimes in search of a simple pleasure, sometimes in search of its multiple pharmacological properties. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and the tolerance of Garcinia kola capsules (BTK capsules *) on gonarthrosis and lumbago. A pilot study was carried out on 90 patients (68 women and 22 men). The patients were divided into 3 groups. Patients in the first group received Garcinia kola capsules at a dose of 800 mg per day while those in the second group received Diclofenac tablets at a dose of 100 mg per day and those in the third group received placebo capsules. The judgement criteria were highly sensitive C Reactiv Protein (HS-CRP), sedimentation rate (SR), visual analogue scale (VAS). The test significance threshold was set at a probability of p ˂ 0.05. The first group (Garcinia kola) showed: HS-CRP p ˂ 0.002, VAS p ˂ 0.001 and SR: p ˂ 0.003; the second group (Diclofenac): HS-CRP p = 0.001, VAS p ˂ 0.001 and SR p ˂ 0.001. For the placebo group: HS-CRP p = 0.916, VAS p = 0.002 and SR p = 0.829. These results confirm that Garcinia kola at a dose of 400 mg twice a day has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of Diclofenac at 50 mg twice a day. Biological tests revealed that Garcinia kola (BTK *) capsules have no harmful effects on kidney function, liver function, blood sugar and blood pressure. Libido was increased in men.

Molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling, MD simulation and in silico ADMET study reveals bitter cola constituents as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease and RNA dependent-RNA polymerase

A mini survey was employed in the search of herbs and spices which people believe could prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Phytochemicals which have been earlier implicated for the bioactivity of the afore-mentioned herbs and spices were identified through literature search. The phytochemicals were then subjected to pharmacore modelling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation in order to identify phytochemicals that could serve as inhibitors of 3-Chymotryprin-like protease and RNA dependent–RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. The drug-likeness and toxicity profile of the phytochemicals were afterwards predicted via ADMET studies. The mini survey showed ginger, garlic, bitter cola, as the lead-herbs which could find application in anti- COVID-19 therapy. Literature search revealed 27 phytochemicals were implicated for bioactivity of these herbs. Of these 27 phytoconstituents that were docked with 3-chymotrypsin-like protease and RNA dependent–RNA polymerase, the constituents of bitter cola had lower docking scores than other phytochemicals. MD simulation results showed that Garcinia biflavonoid I displayed less comformational changes and the better binding free energy. Also, the garcinia biflavonoids had relatively safe ADMET predictions. Hence, Garcinia biflavonoids and some other constituents of bitter cola could be further modified so as to obtain safe pharmaceutical intervention for the COVID-19 challenge. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Development of Garcinia kola capsules

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.

Fatty Acid Composition, Physico-Chemical and Antibacterial Activities of Oil Extracted from Bitter-Cola (Garcinia kola)

Garcinia kola (Bitter cola) is a medicinal plant which is exclusively tropical in distribution. Traditionally, African medicine regards the plant in high esteem. Oil extract from Garcinia kola had a deep brown color percentage yield of 3.3522 ± 0.01, Specific gravity of 0.9158 ± 0.01, Refractive index of1.5400 ± 0.01 and Viscosity (30°C)(Pas/sec) of 74.4383 ± 0.02 as its physical parameters respectively. All the physical parameters observed were very high compared with normal convectional oil. The chemical parameters wereAcid value 17.3910 ± 0.20mg/g, Free fatty acid 1.2174 0.20mg/g, Iodine value 26.9028 0.10g/100g, Saponification value 33.6600 ± 0.2mmol/kg and Peroxide value 24.000 0.2mg/g respectively. The saponification value which is inversely proportional to the mean molecular weight of the glycerides in the oil was very low. The antibacterial activities were Klebsiellapneumonia 0.20 ± 0.01, Streptococcus cereus 0.60 0.01, Staphylococcus aureus0.50 ± 0.02 and Salmonella typhii 0.30 ± 0.01 respectively. The fatty acid composition of the oil were palmitic acid (C16:0) 22.3528 as the only highest saturated fatty acid, Oleic acid (C18:1) 26.2410 as the only highest monounsaturated fatty acid, Linoleic acid (C18; 2) 42.9273 and linolenic acid (C18: 3) as the only polyunsaturated fatty acids present.The oil extracted from this seed showed that the seed had a low yield and the oil is a non-drying oil and very viscous. It can be effectively used for variety of domestic and pharmaceutical applications for curative purpose and fatty acid composition of this oil, suggest some industrial potentials.

English

Garcinia cola also known as “bitter cola” (Guttiferae) is a plant with a wide usage of its parts for various medicinal purposes. The seeds are chewed as aphrodisiac and for the treatment of coughs, dysentery and liver inflammation. Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) commonly called “great morinda” has been shown to have antimalarial and anti-pyretic activities. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-infective and antioxidant properties of G. cola and M. lucida and to justify their folkloric uses. Ethanol extracts of the stem barks of G. cola (GCB) and M. lucida (MLB) were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anthelmintic and antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) using the micro broth dilution method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated by determining the effects of the extracts on the paralytic and death times of Pheretima posthuma at concentrations of 50, 20 and 10 mg/mL using piperazine citrate (PZN) (15 mg/mL) and albendazole (ABZ) (20 mg/mL) as references. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity using ascorbic acid (ASA) as reference standard. The results reveal that the extracts from both plants demonstrated antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 50 to 80 mg/mL and 10 to 30 mg/mL for GCB and MLB, respectively. Both extracts also demonstrated a concentration dependent anthelmintic activity with decrease in paralytic and death times upon an increase in extract concentrations. GCB and MLB extract showed antioxidant activities with IC50 values, 6.830 and 342.1 µg/mL, respectively. Phytochemical screening of both extracts revealed the presence of tannins, glycosides, alkaloids and flavonoids. These findings may justify the folkloric uses of these plants. Key words: Garcinia cola, antioxidant, Morinda lucida, antimicrobial, anthelmintic.

In vitro Antimicrobial and in vivo Lead Acetate Poison Abatement Study of Garcinia kola Heckel

The in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo heavy metal abatement properties of aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola Heckel (bitter cola) were investigated using opportunistic pathogens and Wistar rats as experimental models. A marked inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans was recorded at 100mg/ml of the crude relative to ketoconozole and fluconazole drugs. Similarly, different concentrations (25mg/ml, 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml) of the crude extracts of bitter cola inhibited species of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa almost as effectively as the control drug of streptomycine used. Chronic lead acetate poisoned wistar rats in groups B, C, D, E exposed to G. kola supplemented feed and water ad libitum showed variable decrease in the serum alkaline phosphatase level while aspartate and alanine aminotransferases level reduces in C and D groups compared to the negative control group. The kidney biomarkers; serum creatinine and urea concentrations were not significantly different at P≤0.05 for rat groups C, D, E when compared with the positive and negative control groups respectively. Mild infiltration and cell distortion were observed in the liver and kidney sections of the rats exposed to uncoated bitter cola supplemented feed while suggesting an overriding effect from the nut coats. The study reaffirms the medicinal potential of coated and uncoated bitter cola to act as abatement of lead toxicity and alternative antimicrobial. Furthermore, G. kola could be a double-edged drug for the spontaneous amelioration of lead toxicity and secondary infections due to lead poisoning.

Nutritional, Minerals and Phytochemicals composition of Garcinia cola [Bitter cola] and Aframomum melegueta [Alligator pepper

Samples of Garcinia cola and Aframomum melegueta were analyzed for their nutritional composition, minerals constituents and phytochemical composition. The result revealed presence of bioactive constituents comprising: Aframomum melegueta which has the highest protein and ash content of 7.18 % and 2.47% respectively. Garcinia cola, has the least content of all nutrients considered but highest in moisture. The plants are good sources of minerals such as Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Sodium and Copper. Phytochemical analysis revealed are flavonoids (1.88 – 6.10mg/100g), saponins (12.00 – 1.23mg/100g), tannins (0.31-0.41 mg /100g), Alkaloids (0.40 – 0.30/100) and phenols (0.10.09mg/100g). The presence of these phytochemicals supports the use of these plants as antimicrobial agent. These components are responsible for their antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities and supports the popular use of Garcinia cola and Aframomum melegueta in herbal medicine in Nigeria.

Collection and marketing of Bitter Cola (</i>Garcinia kola</i>) in Nkwerre Local Government area, Imo State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess the collection and marketing of bitter cola in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State Nigeria, with a general objective of determining the profitability and the constraints of bitter cola trade in the area. A total of one hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected from five rural communities. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Most of the collectors were males. Net profit of N200,157.00k (about 930K euros) was recorded from sales of bitter cola by the respondents. The amount of cola collected per year was positively related to marital status, age, distance and cost of bitter cola; age and labour costs were also significant predictors. Constraints encountered by collectors and marketers include rot and decay during storage (99%), poor storage facilities (97%), pest and diseases (88.2%) and labour costs (68.2%). Recommendations based on the findings include providing financial resources in form of loans, grants or incentives in order to boost bitter cola production, increase income and reduce poverty. Research in the area of domestication, plantation establishment, preservation and storage of the seeds need to be encouraged.Keywords: Net profit, production constraints, household income

Effects of Bitter Cola (Garcinia Kola) On Haemostatic and Biochemical Indiced Male Diabetic Albino Wistar Rats.

The effects of Bitter cola (Garcinia cola) on haemostatic and biochemical indices of induced male diabetic albino wistar rats were investigated 21 male albino rats (200-230g) were placed into three groups namely Group A (control) Group B ( induced diabetic rats on bitter cola extract) and Group C (induced diabetic rats on dianil reference tablets). At the end of the 28 days feeding on the extracts, blood samples were withdrawn from the animals for investigation. The results from the haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume indicates a reduction in control rats compared with test rats; Hb Group A 13.8g/dl, group B 10.8g/dl, group C 13.5g/dl, PCV group A 41%, group B 31% group C 41%. The white blood cell count and platelet count were not significantly reduced. WBC for group A 4,800mm 3 , group B 3280 ± 86mm 3 and group C 5,120 ± 666mm 3 . Platelet count group A 216 ± 40×10 9 /l, group B 160±70x10 9 /l, and group C 210± 57x10 9 /l.

Aspects of <i>Garcina kola</i> Toxicity to a Wild Strain of <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> from a Brewery Environment

Bitter cola (Garcinia kola) powder and its ethanolic extract were assessed for their ability to inhibit the growth of a wild strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from a brewery environment. The iso-alpha acid contents of the G. kola powder, G. kola extract and hop extract were determined as 5.85 mg/l, 6.34 mg/l and 7.65 mg/l, respectively, showing that the iso-alpha acid contents of G. kola extract and G. kola powder compared relatively well with that of hop extract. The antimicrobial activity of both agents, using Humulus lupulus ethanolic extract as control, showed a high dependence on the temperature of assay. At most of the temperatures evaluated (30 – 45 oC), the rates of antimicrobial activity differed. Garcinia kola ethanolic extract and hops extract displayed total inhibition of the wild yeast growth at temperature of 40 oC at concentrations of about 0.039 mg/ml and 0.078 mg/ml respectively. Humulus lupulus extract (hops) had the highest generation time at 450C at a concentration of 0.078 mg/ml. The complete inhibition of the yeast growth by G. kola extract at 40 oC indicated that it had higher antimicrobial activity against this yeast than hops extract. In all the temperatures evaluated both G. kola ethanolic extract and powder compared favourably with hops extract with respect to antimicrobial activity against a wild strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at various concentrations. These results revealed that the antimicrobial activity of these hopping agents were temperature and concentration dependent.

Effect of storage on the brewing properties of tropical hop substitutes

Tropical hop substitutes from Utazi (UTZ) Gongronema latifolium, Bitter Cola (BTC) Garcinia kola bitter leaf (BTL) Vernonia amygdalina and a blend (1:1.41:2.89) of the three (HSB) respectively, were produced. Stability studies were carried out to predict their suitability for brewing after one to six months storage at 5±1oC and 27±1oC respectively. These were determined using the level of reduction in their a-acid, iso-a-acid, soft resin, analytical bitterness and degree of utilization levels. Result showed that there was a general reduction of between 10% to 30% in these parameters. However, the (HSB) recorded lower losses than BTC, BLF, and UTZ. Also the samples were more stable at 5±1oC than at 27±1oC. Samples treated with Ca(0H)2 had lower rate of decrease in stability with percentage loses of between 5% to 15% recorded in all the samples. Pertinently, these levels of reduction were comparable to the level of losses reported in conventional temperate hops (Humulus lupulus) stored under similar conditions. Therefore, the tropical hop substitutes when stored at 5±1oC to 27±1oC still retained an acceptably high level of their hops properties that is adequate for beer brewing.

Antimicrobial activities of Garcinia kola seeds extracts on dental caries-causing microorganisms

Garcinia kola Heckel seeds (Family Guttiferae) also known as African wonder nut or bitter cola find use in folkloric medicine in Southern Nigeria for the treatment of tooth ache and prevention of dental caries [1]. We have examined the effect of the crude ethanolic extract and chromatographic fractions of this Nigeria edible seed against clinical isolates of dental caries-causing microorganisms-Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus viridans. The cup plate method using blood agar as well as broth dilution methods was employed in the antimicrobial assay. Of the six pooled vacuum liquid chromatographic (VLC) fractions examined, fraction N (hexane: ethylacetate 70: 30) exhibited the highest activity with MIC's of 1.50mg ml-1 and 0.33mg ml-1 against S.mutans and S.viridans respectively. Corresponding MIC's for gentamicin reference standard was found to be 0.04µg ml-1 and 0.13µg ml-1. Thin-layer chromatographic screening showed that the major constituents of Fraction N are flavonoid related compounds which also showed free radical scavenging activity when sprayed with 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical.

Ocular dynamics of <i>Garcinia cola</i> (Heckel) on healthy volunteers following bolus ingestion

Garcinia cola Heckel, an angiospermae belonging to the family Guttiferae, is known in commerce as bitter cola. It is a plant found in the West African subregion, mostly in moist conditions, and often in association with Cola acuminata. The seeds are highly valued ingredients in African ethonomedicine. The seeds have several social uses and applications in folk medicine. These seeds are ordinarily chewed by the local people without prescription or restriction. In an in vivo case control study, the effects of Garcinia cola on some visual functions: pupil diameter, near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA) and habitual phoria; following bolus ingestion of 20 g was undertaken using healthy visually active volunteers. Results showed that bolus ingestion of Garcinia cola constricted the pupil by 68%, reduced the NPC by 28%, increased the AA by 17.8% at peak effect and decreased the intraocular pressure by 31% without affecting the distance and near VA. The lateral phoria at far and near tended towards esophoria. Possibly the miotic effect and reduction in IOP could be of benefit to patients with raised IOP where conventional drugs may not be effective. Also it is possible that the effects on phoria could be exploited in oculomotor function in combination with visual training.

Effect of storage on the brewing properties of tropical hop substitutes

Tropical hop substitute from utazi (UTZ) Gongronema latifolium, bitter cola (BTC), Garcinia kola, bitter leaf (BTL), Vernonia amygdalina and a blend (1:1.41:2.89) of the three (HSB) respectively, were produced. Stability studies were carried out to predict their suitability for brewing after one to six months storage at 5 ± 1oC and 27 ± 1oC, respectively. The level of reduction in their a-acid, iso-a-acid, soft resin, analytical bitterness and degree of utilization levels were determined. Result showed that there was a general reduction of between 10 to 30% in these parameters. However, the (HSB) recorded lower losses than BTC, BLF, and UTZ. Also the samples were more stable at 5 ± 1oC than at 27 ± 1oC. Samples treated with Ca(OH)2 had lower rate of decrease instability with percentage loses of between 5 to 15% recorded in all the samples. Pertinently, these levels of reduction were comparable to the level of losses reported in conventional temperate hops (Humulus lupulus) stored under similar conditions. Conclusively, tropical hop substitutes stored at 5 ± 1oC to 27 ± 1oC can still be used for brewing even after three to six months storage.