Garcinia Kola Research Articles

Kolaviron: a Bioflavonoid from Seed Extract of Garcinia kola Attenuates Chromium (VI)-Induced Gut Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is of public health significance due to its toxicity and carcinogenic effects. Kolaviron, a bio-flavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed, has been reported to possess gastroprotective and antioxidative properties. We hypothesize that Kolaviron-fortified diet will attenuate chromium (VI)-induced gut dysfunction and oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster. We exposed D. melanogaster (Oregon strain of 1-3days old of both male and female) to a 1.0mg/kg diet of chromium (VI), with or without Kolaviron (100mg/kg diet) orally for 5days. We evaluated markers of oxidative stress (total peroxide and protein carbonyl), antioxidative status (total thiols (T-SH), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and catalase), and inflammatory (nitric oxide (nitrite and nitrate) and gut's morphology. The data indicated that Kolaviron ameliorated chromium (VI)-induced reduction in the levels of T-SH, NP-SH, and catalase activity (p < 0.05). In addition, Kolaviron attenuated chromium (VI)-induced elevation of total peroxide, protein carbonyl, and nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Kolaviron offered a protective role in chromium VI-induced toxicity in the gut of D. melanogaster. This study provided further insights into the protective mechanisms of Kolaviron against chromium (VI)-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster by maintaining epithelial integrity of the gut and oxidative stress-antioxidant balance.

Seasonal Climatic Variation and Flowering Intensity of Garcinia kola (Heckel) in a Humid Forest Plantation

Aim of study: The study designed to assess seasonal climatic variation and flowering intensity in G. kola in a humid forest plantation. Area of study: The study was conducted in the mono-plantation of Garcinia kola in the Swamp Forest Research station of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Onne, Rivers state, Nigeria. The plantation consists of 103 trees at 5×5m spacing. Material and methods: Climatic data were sourced from meteoblue.com. Flowering intensity was determined by the estimation of the total flower production per tree: total number of flower buds per inflorescence was determined by visual counting and then extrapolated for the total number of inflorescences per twig, total number of twigs per branch and total number of branches per tree to determine the average flowering intensity per tree. A total of 9 trees and twenty-five inflorescences per tree, were sampled. Data was analysed using covariance and analysis of variance. Main results: Rainfall, wind speed, and flowering intensity varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between seasons; seasonal rainfall variation influence on flowering intensity varied with tree gender. Research highlights: Rainfall is the flowering cue of the plantation; we recommend that farmers target low to moderate rainfall seasons for high fruit and seed yields.

In Vivo Chemosuppressive Effects of Kolaviron on 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene-Induced Mammary Lesions are Associated with Changes in Levels of Estrogen Receptor-α, CYP 1A1, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Alterations to Metabolic Pathways Implicated in Mammary Carcinogenesis.

Garcinia kola is a medicinal food commonly consumed in Sub-Sahara Africa, for which Kolaviron (KV) is the active portion. As a follow-up to our earlier chemopreventive studies, we investigated the chemotherapeutic effects of KV on experimentally induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Wistar rats. Mammary carcinogenesis was induced using 80 mg/kg of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) administered by oral gavage. One hundred-fifty days post-DMBA induction, estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were determined in the experimental rats before treatment with KV commenced. Treatment was done using 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg KV thrice a week for 4 weeks, after which the experiment was terminated. Significantly higher levels of estrogen receptor-α, CYP 1A1, malondialdehyde, formation of lobular neoplastic cells, epithelial hyperplasia, lymphocyte infiltration, and increased cytokine (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) activity were observed in DMBA-induced rats, which were attenuated in KV-treated rats. Tyrosine metabolism was exclusively enriched in DMBA-induced rats in contrast to KV-treated rats. Collectively, the results point to the chemotherapeutic potential of KV.

Assessment of Garcinia kola Heckl value chain and its contribution to the livelihoods of local populations in Eastern Cameroon

The value chain analyses of a product can provide vital information for improving the production, value addition, market organization and boost the contribution of the product to the income of the stakeholders involved. Hence, this study was carried out on the Garcinia kola value chain in Belabo, Cameroon. Twenty-three focus group discussions were held, and semi-structured surveys were administered to 135 stakeholders engaged in the G. kola value chain in the Belabo municipality. The results reveal that nuts, barks, and roots are the main parts collected. The nuts are marketed without processing while the barks and roots are consumed directly, marketed or processed into powder before consumption and marketing. G. kola value chain in Belabo has two levels of structuring, rural and urban. Nuts are sold by the unit or in buckets corresponding to the kilogram, with the price per nut ranging from 0.4 to 1.70 USD, depending on whether you're in the rural or urban market. It also varies according to production season and nut size. Barks and roots are sold all year round, generally in piled strips weighing approximately 100 g, with prices ranging from 0.17 to 1.75 USD on the rural and urban markets, respectively. The main stakeholders involved in the value chain are collectors/harvesters, local traders, retailers and wholesalers. Marketing provides more income to wholesalers and retailers, contributing over 35 % and 20 % to their annual income and less than 30 % and 15 %, respectively, to those of collectors and local traders. The major problems the G. kola value chain in this locality is facing are the attack of the product by weevils (24 % of citation), poor storage facilities and deforestation (14 %), price fluctuation, and lack of market (13.33 and 11.85 %). In Belabo, the marketing of G. kola is not profitable for the collectors, who are the main actors in the production chain characterized by rudimentary processing, poor storage and preservation techniques high marketing. The organization of the different stakeholder into association would help to better structuring the G. kola value in Belabo are the two main opportunities for improving the G. kola value chain with the potential of increase its contribution to the livelihoods of the different main stakeholders involved. In addition, policymakers should consider initiating innovations to boost production, support conservation, processing and price regulation to scale up economic and environmental benefits from G. kola.

An Investigation of the Effect of Garcina kola (Heckel) and Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott &amp; Endl. on Sperm Motility with Two Vital Organs of Male Wistar Rats

A total number of 30 Wistar rats were used for the experiment and acclimatized for two weeks prior to the commencement of the consumption of the seeds (Garcinia kola and Cola nitida). The rats were grouped into four (4) groups A, B C and D. Group A serves as the control having just 5rats which were fed with feeds without any treatment. Group B contained 15 rats feed with Garcinia kola seeds orally and the rats in this group were sub divided into 3 sub-groups having 5 rats each which were feed varying amounts of Garcinia kola seeds in 25kg, 50kg and 75kg concentration per subgroup. These same procedures were applied to Group C which was feed with Cola nitida in the same variation as group B. However, group D were feed with an average combination of both Garcinia kola and Cola nitida meaning that for 25kg treatment concentration, 12.5kg of each powdered seeds were used and likewise for the 50kg and 75kg treatment concentrations. The animals were feed in these rotations for 6weeks. The weight of each rat were measured and recorded at the end of each week. At the end of the treatments, the Wistar albino rats were sacrifice by cervical dislocation to test for the effect of the treatment on the Full Blood Count, Liver, Kidney and Sperm. The results showed that ingestion of G. Kola seed resulted in significantly reduced sperm count, motility, mild changes in the full blood count and abnormalities present in the liver and kidney.

Toxicological evaluation of anti-cough herbal tea made from aqueous extracts of G. Kola, C. Citratus and B. pinnatum

Background: Herbal formulations currently contribute significantly to medical remedies with varying effects on health indices. Garcinia kola seeds, Cymbapogon citratus, and Bryophyllum pinnantum leaves are among the widely used in herbal formulations. Objectives: This study evaluated the toxicological effects of the ternary combination of these plant materials on some renal, hepatic, hematological and histological parameters of streptococci-infected white albino rats. Materials and Methods: Samples of Garcinia kola seeds, Cymbapogon citratus leaves, and Bryophyllum pinnantum leaves were sourced locally and authenticated by a taxonomist. Aqueous extract of the ternary combination comprising of 40% G. kola, 30% C. citratus, and 30% B. pinnantum was prepared and administered on albino rats. Thirty five white albino rats grouped into 7 groups comprising of normal control, treatment control, disease control, and test group were used for the evaluation after a 14 days treatment on infected and uninfected rats. The rats were sacrificed, and samples collected. Some renal, hepatic, histological, and hematological indices were analyzed. Results: Comparison of all hematological parameters (except for platelet count) between uninfected-untreated and unifected-treated with extract showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference. Platelet count was significantly (p&lt;0.05) raised in all groups treated with the extract. Comparison control and the extract-treated group showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in renal parameters indicating no adverse effects on renal function. However, comparison of parameters between control and the infected-treated group showed significantly elevated creatinine which alone may not be sufficient to support renal damage. Albumin, and total bilirubin were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in the extract-treated group compared to the control group. In contrast, total protein and globulin were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in the controls to the infected groups. ALT and AST were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in the extract treated groups compared to the control group. Although comparison of ALP activity between uninfected-untreated and infected-treated group showed significant (p&lt;0.05) elevation this alone may not be sufficient to support liver damage. The hematoxyline and eosine stained sections of the kidney and the liver tissues of the tea fed groups show normal kidney and liver histology. There was no significant change in the liver and kidney histology of the test and control groups. The extract did not cause adverse impact on these organs. Conclusion: Ternary combination of 40% G. kola, 30% C. citratus, and 30% B. pinnantum can effectively be used in treatment of cough without significant adverse effects on renal, hepatic, hematological and histological parameters. The ternary combination rather demonstrated significant hepato-protective feature.

Assessment of Species-Based Ecosystem Services and Its Usefulness in Forest-Savanna Ecological Zone

Forest ecosystems are the main species rich ecosystem on earth, having a significant role in the provision of massive benefits to the populace who depended on them for sustenance. This study aimed at assessing the forest provisioning ecosystem service and use in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives of this study include the identification of forest provisioning ecosystem services and their uses, people’s dependence for livelihood and quantity of ecosystem services supplied by community forests. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 8 sampled communities while Nikolopoulou convenience sampling technique was adopted for selecting sampling size of 200 persons. Also, 31 key informants were interviewed across the study area. The responses from the entire sampled questionnaire and interview were analyzed using Microsoft excel and statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that a good number of the forest resources such as Elaeis guineensis, Garcinia kola, Bambusa vulgaris, Azadirachta indica and Brophyllum pinnatum have multiple uses. The result also revealed that the nature of forest determines the quantity of ecosystem service benefits supplied. Hence, those community forests with weak policies supply less than 40% of resources because their traditional laws of entering and harvesting forest resources are no longer effective, while those with strong policies like restriction into their sacred groves, forest reserves and swampy forests supply above 40%. The chi-square value of 352.873 with 28 degrees of freedom (DF) proved that there is strong relationship between the nature of forest and the quantity of ecosystem services provided. This research concludes that forest ecosystem in Ihiala L.G.A, supplies a wide variety of plant and animal species to the populace, which they basically use for timber, firewood, food and medicine. Nonetheless, without alternative and diversified livelihood, the supply is becoming unsustainable. It recommends that since palm tree and its resources are averagely abundant in the study area, there is need to support the establishment of basket making training centre in various communities and as such, make it an attractive skill acquisition programme.

Anti-ulcerative effect and antioxidant effects of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) seed infusate

Abstract Objectives Peptic ulcer (PU) is a condition in which the gastric lining breaks down, causing bleeding. This study investigates the anti-ulcer effects of Garcinia kola seed infusate in a rat model. Material and methods Garcinia kola seeds were harvested, freeze-dried, ground, and stored in the freezer. Ulcers were induced using 96% ethanol. After 2 h of ulcer formation, they received; 20 mg/kg omeprazole for group 2 and 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight Garcinia kola infusate by oral gavage for 3 days. On day 4 the stomachs were removed and analysed. Levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed. Results There was no evidence of acute or subacute toxicity of the infusate. Histological analysis of the stomach showed a healing effect of the infusate in both male and female rats. With regard to nitrite malonyl dialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels, there was no statistical difference between the rats of both sexes receiving Garcinia kola compared to the normal rats. The catalase level tended to be similar between treated and untreated females. The treated male with both Garcinia kola and omeprazole tended to normalize the level of catalase when compared to the normal animal. Conclusion The Garcinia kola seed infusate was found to possess anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties.

Effects of aqueous seed extract of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; on spray paint-induced histological changes in the lungs of Wistar rats

The most common cause of lung diseases among people with spray paint-related occupations is hydrocarbon poisoning which has significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous seed extract of Garcinia kola on spray paint-induced interstitial pneumonitis in the adult Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats weighing between 240 g and 270 g were divided into five groups of six rats each. Animals in group A were placed on feed and water only. Animals in group B were exposed to 100 ml of spray paintfumes via inhalation. Animals in group C received 500mg/kg body weight per day of Garcinia kola. Animals in group D were exposed to 100 ml of spray paint fumes via inhalation and received 250mg/kg body weight per day of Garcinia kola. Animals in group E were exposed to 100 ml of spray paint fumes via inhalation and received 500mg/kg body weight per day of Garcinia kola. The extract was administered for 30 consecutive days via an orogastric tube. Groups A, C, D and E revealed normal histoarchitecture of the lung; normal alveoli and normal interstitial space. There were observable histological variations in the lung tissues of Group B rats which include severe alveolar dilation, interstitial haemorrhage, interstitial infiltrates of inflammatory cells, severe vascular ulceration and congestion (evidence of interstitial pneumonitis). It is concluded that Garcinia kolahasan ameliorative effect on spray paint-induced histological changes in the lungs of Wistar rats.

Comprehensive analysis of nutritional activity in Garcinia kola stem bark (Clusiaceae), Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) leaves and their blends: Implications for therapeutic applications

This study investigates the nutritional and mineral composition of Garcinia kola Stem Bark (Clusiaceae) and Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) leaves, processed through fermentation, blanching, and drying, to evaluate their potential health benefits. The samples were divided into three groups: Garcinia kola Stem Bark, Stone Breaker, and a 50 %:50 % mixture of both. The proximate analysis revealed significant variations. Moisture content ranged from 6.03 % to 7.38 %, with blanched Stone Breaker having the lowest and blanched Garcinia kola the highest, indicating differences in storage stability. Fermented samples showed higher ash content (up to 8.66 %), suggesting increased mineral availability due to microbial activity. Protein content was highest in fermented Stone Breaker (19.73 %), highlighting the benefits of fermentation in enhancing protein levels. Mineral analysis showed that blanched Stone Breaker had the highest potassium content (1872.8 mg/100 g), beneficial for cardiovascular health, while fermented samples had notable levels of calcium (402.2 mg/100 g) and magnesium (426.8 mg/100 g), supporting bone health and energy metabolism. Fermented Stone Breaker also emerged as the best overall sample due to its high protein content, higher ash content, and balanced moisture and fat levels, making it nutritionally rich and stable for storage. These findings emphasize the impact of processing methods on the nutritional and mineral profiles of herbal blends. Fermented Stone Breaker, in particular, offers a promising balance of essential nutrients for dietary enhancement and therapeutic health promotion.

Effects of hydroethanolic formulations based on Garcinia kola kernel and Chrysophlum cainito leaves on the organs of diabetic mice

Effects of hydroethanolic formulations based on Garcinia kola kernel and Chrysophlum cainito leaves on the organs of diabetic mice

Effects of Hydro Priming on Germination Time and Rate of Small Cola Seeds (Garcinia Kola Heckel, Clusiaceae)

Effects of Hydro Priming on Germination Time and Rate of Small Cola Seeds (Garcinia Kola Heckel, Clusiaceae)

Mineral Element and Antioxidant Potential of Four Plants Used in Traditional Medecine in Brazzaville-Congo

Background: Plants represent an important natural resource of secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties and nutrients, including minerals, which contribute to the proper functioning and well-being of the human body. Aims: Four medicinal plants used in Congo-Brazzaville were selected in order to determine their mineral element content and assess their antioxidant activity. Methodology: Mineral element content were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame and flameless. The antioxidant activity assessed, using the DPPH radical scavenging test and iron reducing capacity (FRAP). Results: Eight (08) macroelements and five (05) trace elements from these plants have been quantified. The antioxidant potential showed that organic extracts were more active than aqueous extracts. However, this antioxidant potential remains low compared to that of ascorbic acid used as the reference antioxidant. Garcinia kola (seeds) and Ageratum conyzoides (leafy stems) were rich in mineral elements. Similarly, Cogniauxia podoleana (leaves) and Garcinia kola (seeds) showed remarkable antioxidant potential. Conclusion: The presence of thirteen mineral elements and the antioxidant potential are proved in these plants. Would therefore help to maintain the immunity of the human body by resisting various pathologies such as bacterial infections, malaria, inflammations and gastrointestinal disorders.

Antibiofilm Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Seed Extract of Garcinia Kola

Silver nanoparticles from plant extracts are novel compounds with potential antimicrobial properties. Studies on antibiofilm activity of Ag-NPs synthesized from seed extracts of Garcinnia kola (G. kola) were carried out. Garcinnia kola seed were obtained from Keffi market, Nigeria. Green synthesis of Ag-NPs from the seed was carried using 2.0mm silver-nitrate by use of standard method. The Ag-NPs synthesized from the seed were characterized using former transmission infrared (FITR) spectroscopy and scanning election microscope. The antimicrobial activity of the Ag-NPs against Klebsiella pneumonia (Kp) isolates were carried out using agar dilution method. The biofilm formation by the isolates as well as the inhibition and dissolution by Ag-NPs were eval__uated using microplate method. The functional groups detected in the Ag-NPs were N-H, C-O, N-O, and CΞC with peaks 906.5cm-1,1282.2cm-2, 13344cm-1, 1550.6cm-1 and 217.1cm-1 respectively. The size of the particles ranges from 179-296nm. The minimum inhibiting concentration (MICs) of the particles and meropenem against the isolates were 250µg/l and 4.0µg/l. The functional inhibiting concentrates of the particles were 1.0. The optical clarity of biofilm formed by the isolates was 2.073 and 2.049. the percentage biofilm inhibiting effects of the particles was highest apart. KpC (K. Pneumoniae ATCC BAA 1075) with percentage inhibit ranges from 27.28-21.67% at 80-12.5% of the MICs. The percentage inhibiting effect of Ag-NPs in with meropenem was highest at MICs but low in MIC 12.5 with percentage inhibition 28.26% and 27.18%. The Ag-NPs alone and antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibiting effect while Ag-NPs in with meropenem had effect but against isolate but with potential antibiofilm activity.

Potential antidiabetic activity of probiotic and Garcinia kola-yoghurt and its role in regulation of male fertility-stimulating hormones in high-fat diet/low dose streptozotocin-treated rats

Garcinia kola Heckel seed is widely used in the African traditional medicine as a aphrodisiac and male fertility enhancer. Probiotics can reestablish glucose homeostasis and improve blood lipid profiles by altering the composition of the intestinal flora. The study was planned to assess the efficacy of co-administration of Garcinia kola seed aqueous infusion and probiotic yoghurt in the management of diabetes and associated male fertility-stimulating hormones abnormalities. G. kola seed infusion was prepared, assessed for radical scavenging capacity, total phenolic content and phenolic profile using HPLC. Fermented yoghurt was prepared and inoculated with probiotic mixture. Rats were given a high-fat diet for four weeks and received an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) to induce type 2 diabetes. Diabetic rats were received 200 mg/kg freeze-dried infusion of G. kola seed, probiotics yoghurt, and probiotic yoghurt mixed with G. kola once a day for four weeks. The levels of glucose, insulin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, inflammatory indicators, oxidative markers, lipid profiles and liver as well as kidney biochemical indicators were measured. The administration of G. kola seed, probiotic yoghurt, or their combination to diabetic rats demonstrated potential anti-diabetic effects as evidenced by the down-regulation in glucose, insulin, lipid profile, oxidative markers, and inflammatory markers simultaneously with an up-regulation in testosterone, FSH, and LH levels compared to diabetic rats. G. kola seed, probiotic yoghurt, or their combination increased testosterone, FSH, and LH levels and are thought to have therapeutic promise for T2DM and its related oxidative stress.Graphical

Cardiotoxic effects of Bisphenol-A in male Wistar rats are attenuated by Garcinia kola and its biflavonoid, Kolaviron, via antioxidant and antiinflammation-based mechanisms

Cardiotoxic effects of Bisphenol-A in male Wistar rats are attenuated by Garcinia kola and its biflavonoid, Kolaviron, via antioxidant and antiinflammation-based mechanisms

Antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola, Cymbopogan citratus and Bryophyllium pinnatum against sputum bacterial isolates from human subjects

Antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola, Cymbopogan citratus and Bryophyllium pinnatum against sputum bacterial isolates from human subjects

Effect of single and combination therapy on methanol extracts of Khaya senegalensis stem bark, Vernonia amygdalina leaves and Garcinia kola seed in Leptospira interrogans-infected mice

Ethnopharmacological relevancePastoralists in Nigeria mix Garcinia kola seed (GK), Khaya senegalensis stem bark (KS), and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VA) to treat leptospirosis. AimTo determine the in vitro and in vivo effect on single and combination therapy on Leptospira interrogans-infected mice. Materials and methodsEvaluation of in vitro assay for anti-leptospiral motility of the extracts was carried out in triplicates. For the in vivo assessment, 40 adult male mice inoculated with Leptospira were randomly allocated into 8 groups of 5 mice each. Groups IV-IX were treated with 800 mg/kg b.w. of KS, GK, VA, KS + GK, KS + VA, GK + VA for 5 days. Group I was negative control, II was model control, and III was treated with penicillin (3.7 mg/kg b.w.) intramuscularly. ResultsIn vitro, at 90 min, all the extracts at 800, 400, and 200 mg/ml showed complete cessation of motility which was significantly (p < 0.05) different when compared to the negative control. A significant (p < 0.05) IC50 of 0.18 mg/ml was recorded with GK when compared to KS (0.40 mg/ml), VA (0.25 mg/ml), and procaine penicillin (0.31 mg/ml). Mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all infected groups and returned to almost pre-infection values. However, significant leucocytosis (p < 0.05) was observed in group II. AST and ALP showed a significant increase (p < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation showed the extracts to prevent the distortion of normal architecture of the selected organs. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the significant potential of Garcinia kola, Khaya senegalensis, and Vernonia amygdalina extracts singly and in combination to combat leptospirosis.

Inhibition of Naja nigricollis nigricollis venom acetylcholinerase activity by kolaviron isolated from Garcinia kola

Acetylcholinerase (AChE) enzyme often predominant in cobra venom causes paralysis, respiratory failure and other life-threatening complications, but kolaviron (KV) inhibits brain AChE, showing therapeutic potential. This study attempt to investigate the inhibitory effect of KV against Naja nigricollis nigricollis (NNN) venom AChE activity. The identity and purity of KV compound was authenticated using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The activity of AChE and its inhibition studies were performed via standard protocol. The chromatographic analysis of KV gave six (6) peaks, which corresponds to its basic components. The activity of NNN AChE was inhibited in dose-dependent pattern, when pre-incubated with increasing doses of KV ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 µg/mL. A maximum inhibition of 90 % was observed at 1.0 µg/mL of KV and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of KV was estimated at 0.59 µg/mL. The data suggest that kolaviron is a potent inhibitor of snake venom acetylcholinerase (AChE), and its inhibitory activity likely occurs through direct contact, a common mechanism characteristic of flavonoid compounds and may be employed in snakebite treatment. Keywords: Cobra venom, Naja nigricollis nigricollis, neurotoxin, acetylcholinerase, acetylcholine, kolaviron, physical interaction

Therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola against experimental toxoplasmosis in rats.

Cerebral toxoplasmosis, the most common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, is increasingly reported in immunocompetent individuals due to mutant strains of Toxoplasma gondii, which, furthermore, are reported to be resistant to available treatments. We assessed the therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola, a medicinal plant reported to have antiplasmodial and neuroprotective properties, against experimental toxoplasmosis in rats. Severe toxoplasmosis was induced in male Wistar rats (156.7 ± 4.1 g) by injecting them with 10 million tachyzoites in suspension in 500 µl of saline (intraperitoneal), and exclusive feeding with a low-protein diet [7% protein (weight by weight)]. Then, animals were treated with hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of Garcinia kola. Footprints were analysed and open-field and elevated plus maze ethological tests were performed when symptoms of severe disease were observed in the infected controls. After sacrifice, blood samples were processed for Giemsa staining, organs were processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining, and brains were processed for Nissl staining and cell counting. Compared with non-infected animals, the infected control animals had significantly lower body weights (30.27%↓, P = 0.001), higher body temperatures (P = 0.033) during the sacrifice, together with signs of cognitive impairment and neurologic deficits such as lower open-field arena centre entries (P < 0.001), elevated plus maze open-arm time (P = 0.029) and decreased stride lengths and step widths (P < 0.001), as well as neuronal loss in various brain areas. The ethyl acetate fraction of Garcinia kola prevented or mitigated most of these signs. Our data suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of Garcinia kola has therapeutic potential against cerebral toxoplasmosis.