Garcinia Kola Research Articles

“ABSURDITY” OF ALBERT CAMUS’ THE PLAGUE IN POLITICS OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN NIGERIA: DOUBTFUL TRUTHS AND TRUTHFUL LIES ONCOVID-19 PANDEMIC

Humanity has been hit in recent times, by unusual mortality provoked by the emergence of COVID-19. A report of 21 March 2020 by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed 22 cases of the dreaded virus in the country. Desperate times they say require desperate measures. Facing the pandemic, the leadership of Nigeria has been more political than practical. Citizens resort to divers’ self-medication thus: Bathing with well-boiled Dogo Yaro leaves (Neem leaves); excessive consumption of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) or ginger (Zingiber) and the excessive consumption of alcohol. This study seeks to assess the level of preparedness by the Nigeria National Health System to combat the further spread of COVID-19 as apparently predicted in 1947 by Albert Camus in his work, The Plague. Our work further seeks to ascertain to what extent these self-aids have proven to be the effective panacea. It employs the conspiracy theory to argue that Nigerian leaders give priority to wealth accumulation over public health.

Phytochemical Study and Anthelmintic Activity of Nine Congolese Medicinal Plants

Background: Despite advances in hygiene and preventive medicine, parasitic diseases, particularly digestive parasitosis, remain a public health problem in tropical countries. Elaborate the ethnobotanical survey carried out in Brazzaville - Congo, 21 plants (divided into 20 families, 20 genera) were identified, among them 9 were selected for this study. These were: Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L., Rauvolfia mannii Stapf, Aloe buettneri A. Berger, Garcinia kola Heckel, Piper guineense Schumach & Thonn., Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) K. Schum., Plagiostyles africana (Müll .Arg.) Prain, Morinda lucida Benth, Cogniauxia podoleana Baill.
 Materials and Methods: The in vitro evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of the aqueous extracts of these 9 plants was determined at concentrations of 10, 25 and 50 mg/mL against Lumbricus terrestris used as animal support in comparison to the Mebendazole (20 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening realized by TLC to detect phytochemical families in plant, also, the antioxidant potential with DPPH radical was determined by UV-Visible spectrophometry in comparison to the Vitamin C.
 Results: Thus, P. guineense, A. conyzoides and A. alboviolaceum are those which presented significant vermicidal effect, after Mebendazole. Phytochemical screening into TLC revealed the co-presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and terpenes.The antioxidant potential of the aqueous extracts of these different plants in comparison to vitamin C, has shown that the species A. Buettineri and A. alboviolaceum presented the best potential compared to 7 other species studied, with the concentration needed to reduce 50% of the DPPH radical (CR50) respectively 0.096 mg/mL for A. Buettineri, 0.098 mg/mL for A. alboviolaceum Berger and 0.015 mg/mL for vitamin C.
 Conclusion: There is modern drugs against intestinal worms, it is necessary to identify the plants with anthelmintic activity, to determine phytochemical compounds that would be responsible for their use by traditional healers to treat the intestinal parasitosis.

Comparative studies of the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola on Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans in vitro

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem. Although a wide range of chemotherapeutic antimicrobials are available for treatment of microbial related infections and diseases, development of resistance to these chemotherapeutic agents is rapidly on the increase. Extracts from some plants have shown some promise in antimicrobial activity. This has led to the screening of several medicinal plants for their potential antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola against Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans in vitro. The Garcinia kola seeds extracts were obtained using 70% ethanol and distilled water respectively. Phytochemical screening of Garcinia kola revealed the presence of various potent phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides. Both extracts of the seeds were investigated for antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion and agar well diffusion sensitivity tests. The ethanol extract produced zones of inhibition of about 7.3 mm for Candida albicans only at a concentration of 800mg/ml for the disc diffusion test. For the agar well diffusion test, the aqueous extract produced zones of inhibition of about 9.5 mm, while the ethanol extract produced zone of inhibition of 19 mm against Candida albicans at a concentration of 800 mg/ml. However, at the same concentration, the ethanol extract produced zones of inhibition of about 8.5 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The findings of this study revealed that Garcinia kola was not effective in treating Klebsiella pneumonia infections but has potential in treating Candida albicans infections.
 Keywords: Garcinia kola, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans

Physiochemical and phytochemical analysis of oil from Persea american, Garcinia kola, and Annona muricata seeds

Physiochemical and phytochemical analysis of oil from Persea american, Garcinia kola, and Annona muricata seeds

Antimicrobial activities of biosynthesized silver nano particles from leaves extract of some medicinal plants

The antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaves of four medicinal plants, Carica papaya (CP), Moringa oleifera (MO), Mangifera indica (MI) and Garcinia kola (GK) were assessed against selected gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. Method of synthesis of nanoparticles utilized was the eco-friendly Bio-based method using plant leaves extract as reducing and stabilizing agents. Two different ratios for each plant extract and silver nitrate (1:1 and 1:2) respectively were used. Particle characterization was carried out using visual inspection and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion method. Visual inspection revealed gradual color change from golden yellow to dark brown, confirming nanoparticles formation. The surface plasmon resonance peak was between 416 and 438 nm for the silver nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 3.125 - 12.5µg/ml. In conclusion, all four biogenic silver nanoparticles have reasonable antimicrobial activity with ratio 1:2 being more potent.

The Effectiveness of Different Household Storage Strategies and Plant-Based Preservatives for Dehulled and Sun-Dried Breadfruit Seeds

In a tropical rainforest environment, different storage strategies are often adopted in the preservation of primary processed food crops, such as maize, sorghum, etc., after drying and dehulling to increase shelf-life. For breadfruit seeds (Treculia Africana), the current challenge is identifying the most appropriate short-term storage and packaging methods that can retain the quality of stored products and extend shelf-life. In this regard, we compared the performance of a plastic container, a weaved silo bag and a locally developed silo bin for the short-term storage of parboiled, dehulled and dried breadfruit seeds treated with locally sourced and affordable alligator pepper (Zingiberaceaeaframomum melegueta) and bitter kola (garcinia) powder as preservatives. We show that the concentration of CO2 was lower in the silo bin treated with 150 g alligator pepper and higher in the silo bag-treated with 100 g bitter kola nut. A higher CO2 concentration resulted in limited oxygen availability, higher water vapor, and a higher heat release rate. Non-treated bag storage had the highest average mold count of 1.093 × 103 CFU/mL, while silo bin-stored breadfruit treated with 150 g of alligator pepper had the lowest mold count of 2.6 × 102 CFU/mL. The storage time and botanical treatments influenced both the crude protein and crude fiber content. Average insect infestations were low (0–4.5) in the silo bin with breadfruits treated with alligator pepper powder, as the seeds seemed to continue to desorb moisture in storage, unlike in other treatments. The obtained results revealed the high potential of alligator pepper (Zingiberaceaeaframomum melegueta) as a botanical insecticide in preventing insect infestation and mold growth in stored breadfruit instead of using synthetic insecticide. An aluminum silo bin with alligator pepper powder is recommended to store dried and dehulled breadfruit seeds as a baseline for other tropical crops.

Dietary effects of Garcinia kola seed meal on growth performance, hematology and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits.

Background and Aim:Garcinia kola seed (GKS) is used to prevent and cure a number of gastric-related ailments. GKS contain a copious amount of polyphenols and can be utilized as a natural growth promoter in the nutrition of weaned rabbits. This study aimed to determine the dietary effects of GKS meal (GKSM) on the growth performance, hematology and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits.Materials and Methods:GKS were dried and ground into powder. Thirty-two 8-week-old crossbred rabbits with an average weight of 614 g were randomly divided into four dietary groups. The diets were designated as follows: Control (corn-soybean based diet with 0% GKSM) and the GKSM-supplemented diets with 1.5% GKSM, 3% GKSM, and 4.5% GKSM. On the 56th day of the feeding trial, blood was collected from the marginal ear vein of all rabbits and transferred into two separate labeled tubes. The first set of blood was used to determine the hematological indices. The second set of blood was transferred into plain bottles and allowed to coagulate. The coagulated blood was subjected to standard methods of serum separation, and the sera were harvested and used to evaluate serum biochemical parameters.Results:Although the average final body weight was highest in rabbits fed with 1.5% GKSM; this value was similar to rabbits fed with 0% and 4.5% GKSM. The average daily weight gain was highest in rabbits fed with 1.5% GKSM, while the feed conversion ratio was improved in the 0% and 1.5% GKSM groups. The dietary treatments also had a significant effect on the red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, while other blood parameters did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Higher inclusion levels (3% and 4.5%) of GKSM led to a significant increase in RBC and Hb values (p < 0.05). The total protein increased at all levels of GKSM inclusion (p < 0.05). Bilirubin, sodium, and potassium levels significantly decreased at 4.5% GKSM inclusion (p < 0.05). Urea levels were lowered at 1.5% and 4.5% GKSM inclusion, while cholesterol levels were decreased at 3% and 4.5% dietary levels.Conclusion:From the results of the present study, the supplementation of up to 4.5% GKSM revealed no harmful effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits, while their growth performance improved at a 1.5% inclusion level of GKSM.

In Vitro Anticoccidial Activities of the Extract and Fractions of Garcinia kola (Heckel h.) Against Eimeria tenella Oocyst.

Commercial poultry farming is expanding every day and contributing to the provision of affordable and high-quality protein. However, this sector is confronted with many diseases of which coccidiosis is among the most important. There are many registered patents affirming the health benefits of Garcinia kola in poultry. Evaluation of in vitro anticoccidial activities of the extracts and fractions of Garcinia kola against Eimeria tenella oocyst was carried out. Fresh seeds of G. kola were collected, dried under shade at room temperature, and pulverized using a mortar and a pestle. The powder was exhaustively extracted with a soxhlet apparatus using 70% methanol, and the crude methanol extract (CME) was concentrated to dryness using a rotary evaporator. The CME was further partitioned using butanol, ethylacetate, and n-hexane. The CME, butanol fraction (BTF), ethylacetate fraction (EAF), and hexane fraction (HXF) were concentrated in vacuo and tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. Similarly, the CME, butanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane fractions were evaluated in vitro for oocyst sporulation inhibition. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids/triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in the CME and BTF. The EAF contains all the metabolites mentioned except saponins. Similarly, HXF contains only cardiac glycosides, tannins, and steroids/ triterpenes. The CME and BTF caused a concentration-dependent increase in the inhibition of sporulation of unsporulated oocysts of E. tenella. In the acute toxicity studies, the CME did not produce any toxic effect or mortality at doses between 10 and 5000 mg/kg. The CME was then considered safe, and the LD50 was assumed to be >5000 mg/kg. The data obtained in this study suggested that the crude methanol extract (CME) of G. kola could be an appreciable beneficial effect as an anticoccidial agent against Eimeria tenella oocyst.

Ameliorative effects of Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol 1 (GB1) isolated from Garcinia kola seeds on cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induced reproductive toxicity in the testis of the male Wistar rats

A high association between cadmium, a common environmental pollutant, and infertility in males has been established. Studies have established that antioxidants can enhance fertility either directly or indirectly. Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol (GB1) extracts from bitter kola is known for its natural antioxidant properties. This study is aimed at investigating the ameliorative effects of administration of (GB1) on the reproductive health of cadmium chloride (CdCl2)–intoxicated male Wistar rats. Extraction, fractionation and isolation of Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol (GB 1) were done from seeds of Garcinia kola. Thirty-six male adult Wistar rats weighing 170–190 g were acclimatized for 2 weeks and randomly divided into three groups. Group A were given distilled water as control, group B 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of CdCl2 and group C 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of CdCl2 and 2 mg/kg b.w. of GB1 dissolved in Tween20. The rats were orally dosed daily for 90 days. Every 30 days, 4 animals from each group were euthanized and blood samples collected for testosterone, GnRH, LH and FSH assay. Sperm qualities were determined using the cauda epididymis. The neutral-buffered formalin-fixed testes were processed for histology. The result showed significantly higher levels of testosterone, GnRH, FSH, LH and sperm quality in the CdCl2 + GB1–treated rats than in the CdCl2-only-treated rats. Histopathology showed progressive distortion, disorganisation, erosion and vacuolation of the seminiferous epithelium in CdCl2-only-treated rats which were not observed in the other groups. These findings indicate a protective effect of the GB1 extract on the testes of Wistar rats.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Seeds (Clusiaceae)

The use of plants in health promotion is increasingly noteworthy in the face of the re-emergence of diseases and the limitation of conventional drugs. <i>Garcinia kola</i> (Clusiceae) is used in traditional medicine in Togo. The seeds, very used, are renowned for their anti-infective and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to contribute to the valuation of <i>Garcinia kola</i> through the determination of its phytochemical groups and the evaluation of some of its biological activities. The supernatant was obtained by maceration ethanol/water (80/20) of powder from the seeds after separation. The phytochemical screening was carried out by staining and precipitation test. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and FRAP test. Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity was performed by test of denaturation of bovine serum albumin protein (BSA) and denaturation of egg albumin protein (EA). The evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the extract was carried out by the agar diffusion and micro dilution method. The antibacterial effect was assessed by the MBC/MIC ratio. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, triterpenes, sterols and cardiotonic heterosides. The extract has shown an important antioxidant and anti-free radical activity concomitantly with its phytochemical makeup. The anti-inflammatory test, meanwhile, showed the ability of the extract to inhibit protein denaturation. Furthermore, antibacterial test revealed that the supernatant has activity on <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> ATCC 29213 (MIC=3.125mg/mL). The result showed that the seeds of <i>Garcinia kola</i> have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, which would justify phytodrug research.

Antimicrobial Properties and Phytochemical Composition of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola, Bryophyllum pinnatum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Allium sativum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Juices on Some Clinical Pathogens

Background: Medicinal plants have been in use since the origin of man. Many important chemical substances with biological functions that could be used for treatment and prevention of attack from bacteria, fungi, herbivorous mammals and insects are produced by different plants. Such compounds with useful properties have been recorded in their numbers, about 12,000 accounting for about 10% of total plant species. Methods: The antimicrobial activities of pressed juices of Allium sativum (garlic), Bryophyllum pinnatum and Garcinia kola neats and their dilution were tested on pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans to determine their susceptibility to the juices and their combinations. Agar well diffusion method was employed on Muller-Hinton agar to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The phytochemical analysis of the plants’ juices was also determined. Results: At 100% (neat) the juices of G. kola, B. pinnatum and Garcinia kola showed substantial zones of inhibition against the pathogens with a zone diameter of about 22.0 mm and above. At 75% concentrations, the juices inhibited the pathogens tested against them. A. sativum (garlic) inhibited K. pneumonia, P. mirabilis, and S. aureus even at 50% concentration. C. albicans isolates were 60% susceptible to G. kola juice, 40% at 100% concentration. At 75% concentration of the juice, C. albicans isolates were also 60% susceptible to the juices. At 50% - 100% concentrations, C. albicans isolates were 100% sensitive to A. sativum extract. Conclusions: The medicinal plant juices tested against the pathogens posse some potentials worth exploiting as potent antimicrobial agents on Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and the fungus.

Protective Effects of Garcinia kola Stem Barks Aqueous Extract on Metabolic Disorders and Oxidative Stress in Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rat

Aim: To evaluate how the aqueous extract of Garcinia kola (GK) stem bark impacted dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in male rats. Method: This work was completed in 2020. A phytochemical screening of the extract was first carried out. Using acute and subacute studies (11 days), the effect of the extract was evaluated at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, on dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemic rats. Glycemia was measured before and after treatment in both studies, while histological examination for isolated liver, kidneys and pancreas was performed, body weight and some internal organs determined, and biochemical assays. for blood samples were performed only for the subacute study. Results and Conclusion : An examination of the plant's chemistry showed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, anthocyanins, and anthraquinones. GK extract decreased the Area Under Curve induced by dexamethasone (DEXA) injection both in the acute and in the subacute test. The extract and glibenclamide decrease the alanine amino transferase activity induced by DEXA. In both the glibenclamide and extract groups, total protein levels increased. The uric acid level in all dexamethasone-treated rats remains elevated when compared to the normal control group. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in both groups treated with the extract or glibenclamide. DEXA induced islet hypertrophy in the pancreas, vascular congestion, cytolysis, and vacuolation of hepatocytes. The kidney presented leucocyte infiltration and a decrease in glomerular cell density. All those abnormalities were improved by the administration of glibenclamide or the extract of Garcinia kola.

Anticlastogenic and hepatoprotective effects of Kolaviron on sodium valproate-induced oxidative toxicity in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT Kolaviron (KV) is a biflavonoid isolate mixture of defatted Garcinia kola seed extract patented for treatment of hepatic disorders and inflammation-related conditions. The clinical and experimental-based reports on liver impairment of valproic acid, a front-line synthetic drug used in the treatment of epilepsy gained public attention. Therefore, the mitigative effect of Kolaviron on perturbed redox status and genotoxicity caused by sodium valproate was investigated in murine hepatic tissue. Kolaviron at a dose of 200 mg/kg and sodium valproate (SVP) at a dose of 500 mg/kg were administered orally and consecutively, at an hour interval once a day for two weeks. Treatment with Kolaviron reduced the SVP-increased activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma advanced oxidized protein products (AOPPs) and concomitant reduction in total thiol were observed in liver of SVP-treated rats. Supplementation with Kolaviron significantly reduced the SVP-induced AOPP formation and restored the plasma surfydryl protein level. In addition, Kolaviron ameliorated the SVP-mediated decrease in the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione level (P < 0.05). Co-treatment of rats with Kolaviron elicited antigenotoxic effect by inhibiting the induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytesin bone marrow and prevented the formation of DNA fragmentation promoted by SVP. In conclusion, Kolaviron offered protection against sodium valproate-induced genotoxicity, augmented antioxidant status and prevented hepatic oxidative stress in rats.

Kolaviron Ameliorates 7, 12-Dimethylbenzanthracene - Induced Mammary Damage

Kolaviron (KV) is a flavonoid-rich portion obtained from Garcinia kola seeds with a number of reported pharmacological effects. However, its ameliorative effects on 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary damage has not been fully investigated, despite the reported use of the seeds in the treatment of inflammatory related disorders. To evaluate the ameliorative effects of KV on DMBA-induced mammary damage in female Wistar rats. Forty-nine (49) female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into seven groups of seven rats each. DMBA was administered orally to rats in five of the groups as a single dose of 80 mg/kg body wt while the remaining two groups received the vehicle. The rats were palpated weekly for 3 months to monitor tumor formation. After 3 months of DMBA administration, 1 ml of blood was collected to assay for estrogen receptor- α (ER-α) level. Thereafter, the vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) was daily administered to the negative control and positive control groups for the 14 days duration of the experiment while three groups were each given a daily oral dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body wt of KV for the duration of the experiment. The last DMBA-induced group received 10 mg/kg body wt of the standard drug tamoxifen twice a week, and the remaining DMBA-free group received 200 mg/kg body wt KV. Subsequently, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and ER-α, sialic acids, sialidase, sialyltransferase levels were assayed in blood and mammary tissues followed by histopathological examinations. Significantly higher levels of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), formation of lobular neoplastic cells, epithelial hyperplasia, lymphocyte infiltration, and increased sialylation were detected in DMBA-induced rats. Treatment with KV at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in ER-α level, free serum sialic acid (21.1%), the total sialic acid level of the mammary tissue (21.57%), sialyltransferase activity (30.83%) as well as mRNA level of the sialyltransferase gene (ST3Gal1) were observed after KV interventions. The findings suggest that KV could be further explored in targeting DMBA-induced mammary damage implicated in mammary carcinogenesis.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Garcinia kola(Heckel) SEED EXTRACTS ON Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae

The phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Garcinia kola (Heckel) on Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae was carried out. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in the seed extract. The susceptibility tests revealed zones of inhibition of 12.0mm for both S.typhi and K.pneumoniae with methanolic extract, while the aqueous extract was found to be less effective when compared with methanolic extract at 4.0mm and 3.3mm for S. typhi and K. pneumoniae respectively. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml on S.typhi and K.pneumoniae respectively. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of methanolic extract on S. typhi andK.pneumoniaeare 100mg/ml and 25mg/ml respectively. The hot aqueous extract did not show bactericidal effects at the test concentrations against the test organisms. There was significant difference (p

Garcinia kola seed supplementation reduces the blood pressure in patients with high normal blood pressure or grade I hypertension: a single center, single arm non - randomized clinical trial

Garcinia kola seed supplementation reduces the blood pressure in patients with high normal blood pressure or grade I hypertension: a single center, single arm non - randomized clinical trial

Evaluation of Bitter Kola Leaf Extract as an Anticorrosion Additive for Mild Steel in 1.2 M H2SO4 Electrolyte

ABSTRACT Plant-based material, namely bitter kola leaf, as an additive for surface modification of mild steel in H2SO4 solution was thoroughly scrutinized using electrochemical, theoretical and optimization techniques. The functional groups, of the biomolecules of the bitter kola leaf extract, were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and gas chroma-tography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). For clarification purpose, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to inspect the texture of the degraded and inhibited steel after 21 h of immersion. For the response surface methodology (RSM), central composite design of Design-Expert Software was used to optimize the inhibition efficiency as a function of acid concentration, inhibitor concentration, temperature and time. The optimum inhibition efficiency of 93 % was obtained at 0.9 g L-1 bitter kola leaf. The mutual correlation between the considered variables and expected response was adequately interpreted by a quadratic model. The fitness of the model was justified by the following standards which include P-value (&lt;0.0001), adjusted R2 (0.9843), R2 (0.991), adequate precision (43.14) and coefficient of variation (2.59). Bitter kola leaf extract behaved as a mixed-type inhibitor and adequately satisfied Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the theoretical modelling revealed the most active molecule of bitter kola leaf responsible for the overall inhibition. The experimental and theoretical results are in agreement that bitter kola leaf extract is a viable corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in H2SO4 solution. Keywords: Acid corrosion, electrochemical study, green extract, mild steel, optimization study, theoretical modelling.

Free radical scavenging potential and antibacterial activity of &lt;em&gt;Cola nitida and Garcinia kola&lt;/em&gt; extracts against bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections

Cola nitida and Garcinia kola are found and widely consumed in West Africa. The seeds of these plants have various traditional uses and are reported to exhibit several bioactivities. Their phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts were investigated in the present study. Phytochemical screening and quantification of total phenolic contents analysis were carried out for phytochemical investigation. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, protein and glycosides in the seed extracts. Quantitative phytochemical constituents revealed 0.818 ± 0.021and 0.700 ± 0.017mg of phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content of 25.63 ± 1.60 and 25.10 ± 1.85mg in G. kola and C. nitida respectively. The extracts showed potent antioxidant activities compared to standard antioxidants by significantly inhibiting 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (∙OH), and superoxide anion radicals (O2∙) dose dependently. The methanol extracts of G. kola and C. nitida showed significant inhibitory action (p<0.05) against the bacterial isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration obtained for methanol extract of the plants and both the mixture was 12mm at 31.25mg/ml for Klebsiella pneumoniae while the ethanol and aqueous extract of the plants and both the mixture was 13mm and 12.33mm at 31.25mg/ml and 125mg/ml respectively for E. coli. A direct correlation was observed between total phenolic content of extracts and radical scavenging potential, thus linking the observed bioactivities of these extracts to the presence of the phytochemical. The mixture of these seed extracts showed greater effect against the bacterial isolates, therefore providing a platform for advance studies in the development of drugs against infectious diseases. Key words: Agar well dilution, antibacterial activity, Cola nitida, Garcinia kola, Free radical scavenging potential

Haematological, serum and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed `graded levels of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) used as phytobiotic

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) used as phytobiotic or herbal natural additives on biochemical and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Five diets with different levels of inclusion of the kola were fed to a total of 150 Marshal day- old broilers. There were three replicates of ten birds per replicate. The five diets were made of control diet; diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm and 2000ppm of G. Kola respectively. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using completely randomized design. The results of haematological parameters examined show that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in all the haematological indices measured, the values however, did not follow any particular pattern. Highest haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cells (RBC) values were recorded for birds on 1500ppm compared to other birds with values ranging between 8.40-10.00, 25.00-29.50 and 2.47- 2.77 for Hb, PCV and RBC respectively. The least haemoglobin and PCV values were recorded in diet containing 2000ppm. Dietary supplementation of G. kola revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) effects in the values of albumin and serum aspartate aminotransferase (SAST) with fluctuating values. The albumin level increased from 0ppm to 1500ppm G. kola inclusion levels and later dropped at 2000ppm inclusion level. Birds fed bitter kola had higher values SAST than the control group. Results of carcass analysis study revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in the values obtained for live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Birds fed with 0ppm of Garcinia kola had the highest live weight (2066.70g) while those on 1500ppm had the lowest. The same trend was observed in the mean values obtained for dressed weight. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) for all the organ weights observed except kidney which was found to show improvement with increased bitter kola level. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of broiler chicken with bitter kola produced haematological and carcass results that did not follow any definite pattern.

The performance and egg quality characteristics of layers fed diets containing graded levels of Garcinia kola seed meal

Effects of dietary Garcinia kola meal (bitter kola) on the performance and egg quality characteristics of laying hens were investigated. Four layers diets were made such that diet T0 (control) contained no Garcinia kola meal while diets T2.5, T5.0 and T7.5 contained 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% Garcinia kola meal, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 laying hens at 30 weeks of laying life for 84 days, using completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further sub-divided into three replicates of 10 hens each. The layers on T2.5 and T5.0 diets added significantly (P &lt; 0.05) less body weight than those on T0 and T7.5 diets. There were no significant differences in their feed intake (P &gt; 0.05). T2.5 significantly (P &lt; 0.05) depressed hen-day egg production but enhanced egg weight. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/ g egg) was not affected by the treatments (P &gt; 0.05). Egg quality indices (egg shape index, egg specific gravity, Haugh unit, egg shell thickness, albumen index and yolk index) were not affected by the treatments (P &gt; 0.05). Egg shell index was significantly (P&lt;0.05) enhanced by Garcinia kola meal. At 2.5% level, it significantly enhanced percent albumin and reduced percent yolk (P&lt;0.05). Cost of egg production (N/kg eggs) was adversely increased as the level of Garcinia kola meal increased.