Garcinia Kola Research Articles

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Profiling of Hops and Some Nigerian Potential Hop Substitutes: Comparative Studies in Beer Brewing

Isomerized hop extract and methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica, Garcinia kola, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina were profiled by the application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The isomerized hop extract and ethanolic extracts of the plant species were used to brew beers. The aim was to study the GC-MS profiles of all the extracts comparatively and to investigate some physicochemical properties of beers brewed with hop extracts and in comparison, with beers brewed with extracts from the four Nigerian plants. The profiling of the metabolites in hop extracts and those of the Nigerian plants was carried out using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometer. The physicochemical properties of the finished beer products were also carried out using standard methods. Beers brewed with extracts from the Nigerian plants were statistically ranked by the application of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to ascertain their potentiality. The GCMS results showed that these plants contained metabolites comparable to those of hops, although some metabolites [dehydro-cohumulunic acid; 4,4-dimethyl- 2-buten-4-olide; 1,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid; lupulone; 2,5-dimethyl-2-hexanol; 4,4,5,5-tetramethylbicyclo hexyl-6-ene-2,3-dione; octadecanoic acid, oxiranyl methyl ester and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic, bis(-2-ethyl hexyl) ester] present in hops were absent in the Nigerian plants. Isomerized hop, hop leaf, G. kola and V. amygdalina extracts contained 14, 11, 12 and 9 metabolites respectively while those of A. indca and G. latifolium contained 10 metabolites each. The physicochemical properties of the brewed beers revealed that the alcohol content in all the beer samples ranged from 3.43-3.75%, total acidity (0.132-0.324%), pH (5.47-5.68), turbidity (5-125NTU), total solids (3.66- 8.16%) and bitterness level (25.38-39.62IBU). The concentration of arsenic in the beer samples ranged from 1.44- 1.77ppm, cadmium (0.00-0.97ppm) and copper (0.10-2.70ppm). Test of significant (p-value) in all the tested plants was greater than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Consequently, the extracts from tested Nigerian plants could be used as suitable substitutes for hops in beer brewing without alteration of physicochemical properties of beer, G. kola having the greatest potential as substitute for hops.

Socio-economic Benefits of Non-timber Forest Products to the AFCOE2M Communities of Southern Cameroon

A study was carried out in the community forest of Ebo, Medjounou and Mbamesoban communities (AFCOE2M) in the South Region of Cameroon to evaluate the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to the people’s livelihood.
 
 The study identifies the various NTFPs used and further evaluates their socio-economic and cultural contributions in sustaining the livelihood of the AFCOE2M community. Essentially, the study assesses the exploitation and utilization of NTFPs. One Hundred and twenty five (125) individuals were randomly selected in the three villages that make up the AFCOE2M community forest. Fifty two (52) species of NTFPs of plant origin were identified, from which seven (7) were frequently used in all the three villages namely; Irvingia gabonensis, Trichoscypha acuminata, Alstonia boonei, Garcinia kola, Piper guineense, Picralima nitida, and Ricinodendron heudelotii. Results reveal that NTFPs plant parts used for consumption consist of 68% fruits, 20% seeds, 5% barks, 4% roots and 3% leaves. NTFPs used for medicinal purposes comprised of 70% barks, 16% seeds, 7% leaves, 5% fruits and 2% roots. There was a significant difference (P = 0.049) in the number of NTFP types consumed as food while that was not the case for medicinal NTFPs (P = 0.86). There was a significant difference in the number of NTFP species used for food originating from different land use types (P-value = 0.048) as well as between those used for medicinal purposes (P-value = 0.012).

Adaptive strategies to deforestation among Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS) collectors across gender line in Oluwa Forest Reserve Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Forest and the goods and services they provide are essential for human livelihood and wellbeing. An assessment on the likely impact of deforestation on NTFPs along gender line is therefore imperative for effective adaptations for NTFPs collectors. The study examined the adaptive strategies to deforestation stress employed among NTFPs collectors across gender line in Oluwa Forest Reserve area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of well-structured interview schedule on 181 NTFPs collectors (94 males and 87 females) and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The data targeted socio-economic characteristics, level of availability of (NTFPs) in the mist of deforestation currently and 30 years ago as well as adaptive strategiesemployed by the respondents in the study area. Findings revealed that average age of male and female respondents were 48 and 43 years, respectively. Bitter Kola, Kola Nut, Mango and Walnut were NTFPs available in abundant 30 years ago. In recent years, the study discovered that only Mango and Walnut were available in excess despite persistent deforestation in the study area. Deforestation impacted more on female collectors compared to their men counterpart. The finding also shows that female collectors employed more of domesticated NTFPs and indigenous protection methods as adaptive strategies against deforestation. The study recommended training on scientific domesticated system of planting (NTFPs) for both male and female NTFPs collectors as well as community policing to cope against deforestation in the study area.
 Key words: adaptive strategies, deforestation, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), gender

Oral consumption of Garcinia kola(Bitter kola) lowers intraocular pressure.

Garcinia kola (bitter kola) is locally ingested across the West African subregion. It has ocular hypotensive effects similar to some commonly used glaucoma medications when administered topically. The study assessed the effect of oral ingestion of G.kola on intraocular pressure (IOP). A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design was used in this study. Forty-six healthy subjects, aged between 19 and 27years were recruited and randomized into two groups (A and B). Subjects in group A ingested 100mg/kg body weight bitter kola in a 200ml solution on their first visit and group B ingested 200ml of water. On the second visit, the order of treatment was reversed, IOP was measured at baseline and every 45min interval for 135min. The mean difference between the baseline and post-treatment IOP measurements were tested for statistical significance using repeated-measures analysis of variance (95% confidence intervals [CIs]). Mean IOP measurements decreased by 7.9, 18.2 and 20.6% at 45, 90 and 135min, respectively, after G.kola treatment. The reduction, though variable across subjects, was statistically significant (F [2.13, 95.62]=90.35, p<0.0001) across the respective time points. Repetition of an identical protocol without G. kola caused clinically negligible changes in IOP. There was no statistically significant influence of gender or age in G.kola effect on IOP reading. Oral ingestion of G.kola lowered the intraocular pressure of healthy young adults by 21%. Such an effect may be of therapeutic benefit to patients with POAG or ocular hypertension in low-income settings.

Effect of the Garcinia kola Seed on Serum Lipids in Adult Subjects

Background: Many studies have reported the lipid-lowering effect of the Garcinia kola seed in experimental animals.&#x0D; Objective: Assessing the effect of daily intake of Garcinia kola seed on serum lipids in adult subjects.&#x0D; Methods: This research work was an intervention study based on a quasi-experimental approach carried out over a three-month period i.e. from May 1 to July 30, 2019. The study sample consisted of 40 adult subjects (18 men and 22 women) who gave their written informed consent to participate to in the study. After receiving required information, each subject underwent a baseline lipid test consisting of total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides. Then, each subject consumed every day one Garcinia kola seed during 90 days. Every 30 days, a lipid test was performed. TC, HDL-C and triglycerides were determined using end-point colometric enzyme assay. LDL-C was estimated using the formula of Friedewald. Student’s t test helped compare the mean values of lipid parameters at the beginning and at the end of the experiment at the threshold of 5%.&#x0D; Results: At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, the mean values in g/L of TC (1.68±0.35 vs 1.60±0.31), HDL-C (0.53±0.13 vs 0.51±0.14), LDL-C (0.97±0.36 vs 0.94±0.34) and triglycerides (0.91±0.50 vs 0.72±0.33) were not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05). However, we noted a downward trend in those values over time during the experiment.&#x0D; Conclusion: The daily consumption of Garcinia kola seed improves serum lipid profile. The use of that seed is a potential alternative to the conventional treatment of dyslipidemia.

Exploration of the Chemical Potential and Antioxidant Activity of Some Plants Used in the Treatment of Male Infertility in Southern Benin

Antioxidants are a family of substances that can neutralize free radicals and prevent and/or treat diseases associated with oxidative stress such as male’s infertility. Medicinal plants are one of the main sources of antioxidants.&#x0D; Aim: This work was aimed at evaluating the chemical and antioxidant potential of different extracts from some plants used in traditional Beninese medicine for the treatment of male infertility.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts from of the roots of Gardenia ternifolia (G. ternifolia), the whole plant of Cassytha filiformis (C. filiformis), the leaves of Rourea coccinea (R. coccinea) and the seed of Garcinia kola (G .kola). Quantification of the total polyphenols and flavonoids content of these extracts was evaluated respectively by the method using Folin Ciocalteu and the method using Aluminum trichloride. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by molecular spectrophotometry using the free radical scavenging of DPPH and FRAP methods.&#x0D; Results: The results obtained indicated a variation of total polyphenols and flavonoids content according to the type of extract. Hydro-ethanolic extract of the various plants studied has a high polyphenols and flavonoids content. In variable proportions, all the extracts tested reduced the DPPH radical and ferric iron, reflecting their antioxidant potential. The best antioxidant activity has been obtained with the hydro-ethanolic extracts.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that all the plant's extracts studied have antioxidant activity that varies with the type of extract. However, the hydro-ethanolic extractions showed the best antioxidant activities. The data obtained in the present study justified the use of these plants in management of pathologies involving oxidative stress.

Garcinia kola extract (kolaviron) delays accelerated oxidation of linoleic acid

Accelerated lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects of garcinia kola extract (kolaviron) on linoleic acid was experimented. Linoleic acid was oxidized at 60 0C in the dark for 14 days in the absence and presence of garcinia kola extract (kolaviron) 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% as compared with α-tocopherol. The peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and p-anisidine value were determined. Garcinia kola extract (kolaviron) significantly (p

Effect of the Garcinia kola Seed on Glycemia, Creatininemia and Aminotransferases in Adult Subjects

Background: The administration of extracts of Garcinia kola seed to experimental rats has a hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effect.&#x0D; Objective: Assess the effect of daily consumption of Garcinia kola seed on glycemia, creatinine and serum aminotransferases among adult subjects.&#x0D; Methods: We carried out an intervention study based on quasi-experimental approach during three months i.e. from May 1 to July 30, 2019. A sample consisting of 40 adult subjects (18 men, 22 women) had participated to the study after their written consent and approval by the institutional ethics committee. After the baseline testing which consists of fasting glycemia, creatininemia, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), each subject consumed one Garcinia kola seed per day during 90 days. Then, every 30 days, the same testing was performed. Glycemia was determined by endpoint colometric method for assaying enzyme using glucose oxidase; creatinine by colometric kinetic assay using the JAFFE reagent; and aminotransferases by UV enzyme kinetics. Student’s t test helped compare the mean values of the parameters determined at the beginning and at the end of the experiment at the threshold of 5%.&#x0D; Results: The mean values at the beginning and at the end of the experiment were glycemia in g/L (0.81± 0.20 vs 0.84 ± 0.14), creatininemia in mg/L (9.36 ± 2.44 vs 8.01 ± 2.15), ALAT in UI/L (27.19 ± 15.77 vs 25.60 ± 12.45) and ASAT in UI/L (28.46 ± 11.52 vs 23.30 ± 8.48). A significant decrease of creatininemia and ASAT was observed (p = .010 and .025 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: The consumption of the Garcinia kola seed has a nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effect.

Effects of Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol-1 (GB1) isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferae) seeds on reproductive toxicity induced with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in male Wistar rats

To examine the effects of Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol-1 (GB1) isolated from seeds of Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferae) on reproductive toxicity induced with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to Groups 1 to 3 (n = 12) as follows; A: control, B: CdCl2 only group, C: CdCl2+GB1. Cadmium toxicity was induced by including 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 into the rats’ drinking water and GB1 was dissolved in 0.5 % Tween20 and administered per os daily for 90 days. Four (4) animals from each group was humanely euthanized every 30 days. The testes were exteriorized and sperm cells collected from the caudal epididymis for analysis and histology.The result showed accumulation of Cadmium (Cd) in the testes of Wistar rats and a significant decrease (p&lt; 0.05) in sperm count and sperm motility in Group B compared to Groups A and C. There was also a significant increase (p&lt; 0.05) in immotile sperm count, headless sperm count and sluggish sperm count in Group B. Histology results revealed that CdCl2 significantly reduced the volume of spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules and resulted in reduced spermatogenesis observed, in reduced number of sperm counts and histology. Amelioration with GB1 restored the testicles to normal spermatogenic activities after 90 days of treatment.

English

Kola seeds are highly valued in most African communities due to their medicinal benefits and socio-cultural application during ceremonies. Apart from their neuro-stimulatory effect, the other health benefits such as antioxidant activities which are closely associated with the level of phenolic constituents have also been widely reported. The main purpose of this study is to determine the quantity of quercetin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, rutin and chlorogenic acid in Cola nitida, Garcinia kola and Buchholzia coriacea using HPLC-DAD. Ethanolic extracts of the selected kola plants was obtained by cold maceration and analysed by HPLC-DAD in accordance with standard methods. The regression coefficient (r2) from the calibration curve for caffeic acid = 0.999, chlorogenic acid = 0.998, gallic acid = 0.999, ferulic acid = 0.998, quercetin = 0.996 and rutin = 0.997. The repeatability gave % RSD of 0.6, 1.63, 0.44, 1.55, 3.65 and 4.67 for caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin and rutin respectively. The quantity of these compounds in C. nitida was caffeic acid (101.24 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (36.35 mg/g), gallic acid (16.99 mg/g) ferulic acid (1.47 mg/g) while quercetin and rutin were not detected. In Garcinia kola, caffeic acid was (0.84 mg/g), gallic acid (1.02 mg/g), ferulic acid (21.83 mg/g), quercetin (53.24 mg/g), rutin (0.49 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid was not detected. B. coriaceae had caffeic acid (1.03 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (0.33 mg/g), gallic acid (1.07 mg/g) while ferulic acid, quercetin and rutin were not detected. Using this analytical method, the quantities of some phenolics and flavonoids compounds were determined, and the most abundant compound in the three species of kola was caffeic acid in C. nitida and quercetin in Garcinia kola. This study also showed that C. nitida contains high amounts of phenolics compounds as compare to the other species of kola seeds investigated in the study. Key word: Phenolic acids, flavonoids, high-performance liquid chromatography- diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD), Cola nitida, Garcinia cola, Buchholzia coriacea.

Contributions of non-wood forest products to household livelihood and poverty reduction among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study analysed the contributions of species of NWFPs to farm household’s livelihood and poverty reduction. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected through multistage sampling procedure. Frequency, mean and likert scale and probit model were used for the analysis. The results indicated that the majority were male (63.33 %) and had mean age of 56 years. The most commonly collected plant species of NWFPs were bitter kola (Garcina kola), breadfruit (Treculia africana), bush mango (I.gabonenesis and wombulu), kola nut (Cola nitida), cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), Icheku (Dalium guinese), African star apple (Chrysophylum albidium), Avocado pear (Persea americana), African bush mango (Dacryodes edulis) and Oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) while the most commonly collected animal species of NWFPs were bee products (Apis mellifera linneaeus 1758), flying termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) and fish (Ictalurus punctatus). Wealth category and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Educational level had negative and significant effect on the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. The result of the proportion of household income from NWFPs shows that 54.43% indicated that species of NWFPs constituted over 50% of their household income.Keywords: Non wood forest products, household income

Role of natural products in mitigation of toxic effects of methamphetamine: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Methamphetamine (METH) increases dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft, and induces hyperactivity. The current management of acute METH poisoning relies on supportive care and no specific antidote is available for treatment. The main objective of this review was to present the evidence for effectiveness of the herbal medicine in alleviating the adverse effects of METH abuse. Literature search was performed using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and EMBASE. Plant-derived natural products ginseng and sauchinone reduced METH-induced hyperactivity, conditioned place preference and neurological disorder. Garcinia kola decreased METH-induced hepatotoxicity, raised METH lethal dose, and restored the METH-impaired cognitive function. Repeated administration of baicalein resulted in attenuation of acute binge METH-induced amnesia via dopamine receptors. Activation of extracellular-regulated kinase in the hypothalamus by levo-tetrahydropalmatine facilitated the extinction of METH-induced conditioned place preference and reduced the hyperactivity. Other herbal medicine from various parts of the world were also discussed including hispidulin, silymarin, limonene, resveratrol, chlorogenic acid and barakol. Based on the current study, some natural products such as ginseng and levo-tetrahydropalmatine are promising candidates to treat METH abuse and poisoning. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm these finding.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Ethanolic and n-Hexane Extracts of Garcinia kola Seeds on the Serum Electrolyte of Albino Rats

Garcinia kola (bitter kola) plays an important role in Africa ethnomedicine and traditional hospitality. Proximate and phytochemical composition of G. kola seeds as well as the effects of ethanolic and n-hexane extracts on the serum electrolytes of albino rats were studied using standard methods. Thirty-six albino rats of both sexes were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into nine groups of four rats per group. The groups were designated 1-9. Group 1 served as the control which was treated with normal saline. Groups 2-5 served as the groups treated with ethanolic extract of G. kola seeds and received 50, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, while groups 6-9 served as the groups treated with n-hexane extract. After three weeks of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples analyzed. Result of the proximate analysis showed that carbohydrate content was the highest (78.06%) while ash was the lowest (0.70%). Phytochemical result of G. kola seeds showed that tannins (0.342%) was the highest in terms of percent composition, followed by flavonoids (0.00764%); while alkaloids (0.00075%) was the lowest. Also, biochemical analysis revealed that the n-hexane extract of G. kola seeds was found to have slightly increased the activities of the serum electrolytes than the ethanolic extract. Conclusively, the results of this study showed that both extracts had effect on serum electrolytes of the albino rats, but the n-hexane extract had more toxic effect.

Kolaflavanone of kolaviron selectively binds to subdomain 1B of human serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular docking evidences

Human serum albumin (HSA) is involved in transporting a wide range of therapeutic agents. This involvement determines the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties of the compounds. The interaction of kolaflavanone, a component of kolaviron complex, a therapeutic flavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola (Bitter kola), with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using various spectroscopic and in silico approaches. Kolaflavanone quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA and the quenching constant was of the order of 10 L. mol. The quenching mechanism was a static process. HSA has one binding site for kolaflavanone and displayed a very rapid pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic time for bioflavonoid characterised by low bioavailability. At the simulative physiological condition, van der Waals forces and hydrogen bond were primarily involved in the association process. The interaction was exothermic; and enthalpic driven. Hydrophobic interaction was obvious at pH 5.0 and 9.0. The interaction caused a slight change in HSA α-helical content without perturbing the intrinsic fluorophore microenvironment. The displacement experiment and molecular docking proposed that kolaflavanone is preferentially bound to HSA subdomain 1B. Kolaflavanone in vivo bioavailability could be limited by temperature and viscosity induced crowder. Molecular dynamics studies showed that the complex attained equilibrium during simulation, indicating the stability of the HSA-kolaflavanone complex despite slight perturbation.

Investigation of the effectiveness of biosynthesised gold nanoparticle from &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; leaves against fungal infections

This research centred on the evaluation of the antifungal potency of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from Garcinia kola leaves. The leaves of Garcinia kola obtained were thoroughly rinsed, air dried, pulverized and extracted. The extract obtained was mixed with aqueous solution of gold chloride to form gold nanoparticle and were characterized. The antifungal screening of the synthesized gold nanoparticles was carried out via the Agar disc diffusion method. The ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed an absorption wavelength at 536.12 nm. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image confirmed uniform distribution of the synthesized gold nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis confirmed that the particle size are in the range of 8.21 to 19.00 nm. The broad inhibitory zones against test fungi displayed by the synthesized nanoparticles confirmed the synthesized gold nanoparticles as a good antifungal source. This study establish a simple, easy and environmental friendly approach of synthesizing gold nanoparticles.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Bitter Kola (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Seed Extract on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

The treatment and management of diabetes mellitus has been a challenge to achieve a total cure using conventional drugs. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) seed extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rats were studied as a local product. Albino rats weighing about 200 g were investigated in groups using 200 - 800 mg/kg weight of bitter kola seed extract and the sample examined for glucose and lipid profiles using enzymatic methods and statistically analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) windows, version 20.0. The results were expressed as the Mean ± SD. The results for the serum glucose and low density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C) concentrations of untreated diabetic rats, and treated rats showed a significant (P 0.05) from 200 - 800 mg/kg weight when compared with the controls. High density lipoproteins (HDL-C) concentrations for untreated diabetic rats, and treated rats showed increase in concentration which was significant (P Garcinia kola) seed extract.

Investigation of the effectiveness of biosynthesised gold nanoparticle from &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; leaves against fungal infections

This research centred on the evaluation of the antifungal potency of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from Garcinia kola leaves. The leaves of Garcinia kola obtained were thoroughly rinsed, air dried, pulverized and extracted. The extract obtained was mixed with aqueous solution of gold chloride to form gold nanoparticle and were characterized. The antifungal screening of the synthesized gold nanoparticles was carried out via the Agar disc diffusion method. The ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed an absorption wavelength at 536.12 nm. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image confirmed uniform distribution of the synthesized gold nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis confirmed that the particle size are in the range of 8.21 to 19.00 nm. The broad inhibitory zones against test fungi displayed by the synthesized nanoparticles confirmed the synthesized gold nanoparticles as a good antifungal source. This study establish a simple, easy and environmental friendly approach of synthesizing gold nanoparticles.

Nutrition and reproductive performance of African catfish fed bitter kola (Garcinia kolal)

A ten weeks feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of bitter kola on the growth performance, hematology and sperm quality of juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Six diets of 40% crude protein were formulated with different inclusion levels of bitter kola seed meal. Diet1 (control) has 0g/kg of the seed meal while Diet2, Diet3, Diet4, Diet5 and Diet6 contained 50g/kg, 100g/kg, 150g/kg, 200g/kg, 250g/kg bitter kola seed meal(BKSM) respectively. A total of sixty (60) healthy juvenile Clarias gariepinus were randomly selected and distributed in into twelve (12) plastic tanks at stocking rate of five (5) fish per tank and the experiment was replicated twice. Fish were fed twice a day, morning (8;00hr) and evening (17:00hrs) for ten weeks, At the end of the feeding period, blood samples were collected from the fish samples for haematological analysis and growth rate were determined.

Effect of Leafy and Leafless Greenwood, Softwood and Hardwood Cuttings Success of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Heckel)

Garcinia kola Heckel, called “petit cola” in Côte d’Ivoire and “bitter kola” in Nigeria, is a Non-Timber Forest Product of great socioeconomic importance. Unfortunately, this species is threatened due to overexploitation and deforestation. This study tested the effect of leaf area on stem cuttings to regenerate vegetatively in a non-mist poly-propagator without using exogenous hormones. Three stem cuttings types: greenwood, softwood and hardwood (12 - 15 cm in length) were collected from 24-month years old seedlings. The two top leaves of each cutting type were conserved at different leaf area: 0 cm2, 28.25 cm2, 56.5 cm2, 84.75 cm2 and 113 cm2 (entire leaf area). Observations were made on rooting, sprouting and leafing abilities of cuttings depending to treatments applied. Results showed that all cutting types have presented good ability to shooting and rooting. Cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf areas presented the best rooting (94.44% ± 2.42%) and shouting (95.55% ± 2.42%) percentage and longest primary root length (12.03 ± 0.50 cm). Hardwood, softwood and greenwood cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf area had the best rooting percentage (96.66% ± 3.33%, 96.66% ± 5.77% and 90.00% ± 5.77% respectively). The longest primary root length (13.50 ± 0.97 cm) was observed to greenwood cuttings with 113 cm2 leaf area. Regenerated plants in the forest presented well survival percentage (96.66%). This study shows that it is possible to regenerate entire plants by cuttings without using external hormones in non-mist poly-propagator.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for oral delivery of Garcinia kola seeds ethanolic extract: formulation and in vivo antimalarial activity

Context: Garcinia kola seeds are widely used in Congolese traditional medicine to treat uncomplicated malaria. While the ethanolic extract of these seeds (GK) is reputed for oral antimalarial activity, some of its constituents have shown poor water solubility, which might compromise further phytopharmaceutical developments. Aims: To develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for oral delivery of GK, since SNEDDS are promising vehicles for enhancing drug product solubility. Methods: GK was loaded into liquid SNEDDS (solution and suspension) and solid SNEDDS (S-SNEDDS), and the resultant formulations were characterized using dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. The antimalarial activity of SNEDDS (200 mg/kg × 4 days, oral) was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using a conventional four-day suppressive test. Results: The characterization of SNEDDS formulations revealed the presence of nanosized structures of spherical morphology and negative surface charge. Data from in vivo study showed reduced parasite growth by 77.9, 73.8 and 74.2% for GK-SNEDDS solution, GK-SNEDDS suspension and GK-S-SNEDDS, respectively. The activity of GK-SNEDDS was found to be greater than that of a licensed GK-based syrup (N’sansiphos®) used at the same dose (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of SNEDDS formulations as a promising alternative for enhancing the antimalarial efficacy of GK following oral administration. The SNEDDS technology holds the promise of improving the oral delivery of herbal-based products for malaria therapy.