Garcinia Kola Research Articles

Time-Kill Effect of Crude Extracts of Garcinia kola Seeds on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the Anterior Nares of Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Time-Kill Effect of Crude Extracts of Garcinia kola Seeds on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the Anterior Nares of Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Changes in Body Temperature and Intestinal Antioxidant Enzymes in Healthy and Colitis Male Rats: Role ofGarciniakola

The status of body temperature and antioxidant/free radical balance can be used as an index of health, the presence and progression of disease conditions. Studies have shown that Garcinia kola (GK), an agricultural produce exhibits numerous health benefits. The present study investigated the effect of pretreatment with a crude extract of GK on Mean body temperature (MBT) and antioxidant enzymes in normal and colitis male rats induced by acute Acetic acid (AA) instillation. Twenty adult male albino rats weighing 120-150g were randomly divided into vehicle, GK, AA and GK+AA groups. Rats were treated respectively with distilled water and 150mg/kg of GK per day for three weeks. Acetic acid was induced through a single intra-colic instillation of 1ml/200g/BWT of 7% acetic acid. The result showed that GK- treatment did not lead to a statistical decrease in MBT when compared with vehicle, but there was a significant reduction in GK treated group when compared with AA and GK+AA groups respectively. Intestinal superoxide dismutase SOD and catalase of GK-treated rats were significantly elevated (P<0.05) when compared with vehicle, AA and GK+AA groups. GK treatment caused a significant reduction (P<0.05) in intestinal malondialdehyde when compared with vehicle, AA and GK+AA groups. Therefore, GK administration alleviated hyperthermia in acetic acid inducedcolitis and improved intestinal antioxidant enzymes in both healthy and colitis male rats.

Kolaviron, Biflavonoid Complex from the Seed of Garcinia kola Attenuated Angiotensin II- and Lypopolysaccharide-induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Nitric Oxide Production.

Introduction:Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid extract from Garcinia kola seeds has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, nephro-protective and other arrays of chemopreventive capabilities but the mechanism of action is still not completely understood.Materials and Methods:In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potential of KV in cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs). Effects of KV (25-100 μg/mL) on VSMC proliferation alone or following treatments with mitogen and proinflammatory agents Angiotensin II (Ag II, 10-6 M) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 μg/mL) and effects on NO production were determined. Cellular proliferations were determined by MTT assay, nitric oxide (NO) level was determined by Griess assay. KV dose-and time dependently attenuated VSMC growth.Results:Treatment of VSMCs with Ag II and LPS significantly enhanced proliferation of the cell which was significantly attenuated by the treatment with KV. Treatment of VSMC with LPS significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) level in the media which was attenuated by KV. These results demonstrated anti-proliferative anti-inflammatory properties of KV as it clearly inhibited cellular proliferation induced by mitogens as well as LPS-induced inflammatory processes.Conclusion:Therefore, KV may mitigate cardiovascular conditions that involve cell proliferation, free radical generation and inflammatory processes such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke. However, the molecular mechanism of action of KV needs to be investigated.SUMMARY Angiotensin-induced cell proliferationKolaviron mitigates angiotensin-induced cell proliferationKolaviron ameliorates nitric oxide productionKolaviron offers antioxidant activity. Abbreviations Used: VSMCs: Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells, Ag II: Angiotensin II, KV: Kolaviron, LPS: lypopolysaccharide, NO: Nitric Oxide, DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, MTT: (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), DMSO: Dimethylsulfoxide, GB1: Garcinia kola biflavonoid-1, GB2: Garcinia kola biflavonoid-2, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, ET-1: Endothelin-1, NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa beta, COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2

Effect of mechanical scarification and gibberellins (GA3) on seed germination and growth of Garcinia kola (Heckel)

Objective : Garcinia kola (Heckel) in general has been shown to have a low germination and this constitutes a real obstacle to any domestication initiative. The experiment was conducted in an attempt to improve seeds germination. Methodology and results : Scarification in combination with Gibberellins (GA3) application and soaking in distillated water was carried out on fresh seeds and sown in two types of soil substrate: sandy topsoil (1/1) and 100 % topsoil. Parameters related to seed germination and seedlings vigour was evaluated. Results indicated that substrate do not affect seed germination and plant vigour. However, the percentage of germination (92.33±3.19) and germination rate (0.013 ±0.00) were highest when scarified seeds were soaked in increasing concentrations of GA3 (10-4 to 10-2 g L-1). In addition, scarified seeds soaked in distillated water have improved percentage of seed germination. Concerning plants vigour, GA3 application increased significantly plant height (11.22±4.31 cm) and plant wingspan (13.35±6.36 cm) against 9.19±4.17 cm and 11.67±6.78 cm for plant height and wingspan in the control. Conclusion and applications of findings: Results suggest that G. kola seeds present seed coat dormancy. Scarification and GA3 application offer possibly an alternative methodology to improve seed germination and seedling vigour for a large-scale production of G. kola seedlings, a prior step of plant species domestication process. Keywords : Garcinia kola , seed coat dormancy, mechanical scarification, GA3, seed germination

Effects of Acute Consumption of Garcinia kola on Hepatic Enzymes in Apparently Well Nigerian Youths

Garcinia kola belongs to the Family Clusiaceae guttiferae and contains a complex mixture of biflavonoids, prenylated benzophenones and xanthone1. Its seeds, popularly called ‘Bitter Kola’, form an integral part of the herbal preparations used in traditional African medicine. A lot of studies have been done in animals to look at the effects of Garcinia kola on their organs, very few have been done in human beings. This study was done to look at the effect of acute consumption of Garcinia kola on hepatic enzymes in apparently well Nigerian youths. The response of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) following the consumption of about 100 mg/kg of body weight of Garcinia kola was measured in 28 apparently well University of Ilorin medical students. The rise in the level of AST, ALT and ALP was studied from the plasma of the subjects. The basal level of the enzymes pre-consumption of Garcinia kola serves as control for the ones collected after 2 hours of Garcinia kola consumption. After consumption of Garcinia kola, the result shows that the level of AST rose from 90.6 ± 43.6 μ/L to 120.9 ± 42.6 μ/L which was significant at p=0.001, the level of ALT rose from 63.4 ± 56.3 u/L to 86.8 ± 51.6 μ/L which was significant at p=0.001, and the ALP level rose from 101.1 ± 75.4 μ/L to 139.5 ± 89.9 μ/L which was significant at p=0.001. The De-Ritis ratio was calculated and was found to decreased from 7.3 ± 1.81 to 1.8 ± 1.0 which was significant at p<0.041 respectively. Pre-consumption of Garcinia kola, there was a weak negative correlation between AST and ALT at ‘r’ value of -0.310 and ‘p’ value of 0.108; so also between AST and ALP at ‘r’ value of -0.310 and ‘p’ value of 0.018 but positive correlation between ALT & ALP at ‘r’ value of 0.425 and ‘p’ value 0.024. Post-consumption of Garcinia kola, there was a more stronger but still weak negative correlation between AST and ALT at ‘r’ value of -0.151 and ‘p’ value of 0.442; but positive one between AST and ALP at ‘r’ value of 0.205 and ‘p’ value of 0.296 but positive correlation between ALT and ALP at ‘r’ value of 0.321 and ‘p’ value 0.096.

Propagation of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; (Heckel) by stem and root cuttings

The availability of appropriate propagation techniques is a major constraint to the domestication of the forest trees widely used by rural communities; such as (Heckel). This study tested the ability of root and stem cuttings to regenerate vegetatively when treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and set in non-mist poly-propagator within a shaded nursery. It found that is amenable to propagation by softwood stem cuttings. Attention was given to the effect of cutting age (softwood, semi hardwood) and IBA application with regard to the sprouting and rooting efficiency. Bud and leaf emergence time were also investigated, as was the coppicing ability of the stump. Results revealed that roots and branches from mature forest trees did not sprout under any culture conditions. The highest percentages of rooting (70–85%) were obtained with softwood cuttings set in non-mist poly-propagator, regardless of hormonal treatment. The mean numbers of buds (2.9 ± 0.4) and roots (2.6 ± 0.1) produced by softwood cuttings was significantly greater than those obtained in the Control. The best average emergence time of buds (25.1 days ± 9.3) and leaves (36.8days ± 8.4) was obtained with cuttings treated with IBA and set in non-mist poly-propagator against, 54.4 ± 12.5 and 72.6 ± 3.4 days respectively for the Control. In general, non-mist poly-propagator gave the best propagation results. When coppiced, the shoots emerging from stumps with one node were the most vigorous.Garcinia kola G. kola

Mothcidal activity of three botanical extracts against Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier, 1789) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) infesting rice grains

The renewed awareness on the potential adverse effects associated with several synthetic insecticides has continually served as impetus to search for safer and more sustainable pesticides derived from plant origin. In this study, the mothcidal activity of Alstonia boonei (de wild), Garcinia kola (Heckel) and Crassocephalum crepidoides (Benth) against Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier, 1789) was investigated at ambient temperature (28 +/- 2 oC) and relative humidity (75% +/- 5%). Adult moths were exposed to 1%, 2% and 3% concentration of each oil extract and mortality was recorded at day 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 post-treatment, respectively. The control experiments were also set-up. All the three botanicals exhibit moth mortality irrespective of the concentration and exposure time. However, only C. crepidoides elicited complete moth mortality (100%) irrespective of the concentration and exposure time while A. boonei oil extract applied at 1%, 2% and 3% showed the least moth mortality regardless of the exposure time. Similarly, 2% and 3% concentration of each botanical showed complete moth mortality at 4 and 5 days post-treatment, respectively. Least (6.60%) and highest (23.30%) adult emergence was also observed in grain exposed to 1% of C. crepidoides and A. boonei, respectively, while G. kola and C. crepidoides applied at 3% completely prevented moth emergence and loss in weight in rice grains. This study showed that oil extract of G. kola and C. crepidoides would provide a much desired wherewithal to synthetic insecticides in the management of S. cerealella infesting rice grains in Nigeria.

Dominant bacterial diseases in the extensive and semi-intensive animal breeding and their treatment method by ethnoveterinary medicine in Benin

Chlorophytum laxum, R.Br. (Liliaceae): A threatened medicinal herb of soliga tribe from B.R.Hills, Karnataka, IndiaM. H. Niranjan

Safety Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia Kola Seeds in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Garcinia kola seed is consumed indiscriminately in Nigeria without recourse to its potential toxicity. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the toxicity of the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds on selected tissues of male rats. Methods: Thirty male rats (215.00 ± 18.58 g) were assigned into four groups: A, B, C and D which received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, once daily for 7 days. Biochemical indices of organ damage and toxicity were determined using standard methods. Results: The extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the testes-body weight ratio, activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), heart, testes and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, serum concentrations of uric acid, K+, creatinine and PO43-. The liver-body weight ratio, activities of kidney and serum ALP, liver, heart and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), serum and testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), concentrations of serum albumin, globulin, urea, Na+ , HCO3-, conjugated and total bilirubin were reduced. The heart- and kidney-body weight ratios and liver ALP were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered. Conclusion: The treatment related alterations in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight caused functional toxicity to the organs of the animals and thus not safe as an oral remedy.

Clinical trials studies of plant extracts with anti-inflammatory activity

Synergistic effect of menthol on in-vitro antibacterial activity of Garcinia kola against Gram positive Bacteria: A preliminary studyOlumide Adedokun Odeyemi, Solakunmi O. Oluwajoba

Extract of Garcinia kola Seed has Antitussive Effect and Attenuates Hypercholesterolemia in Rodents

Background: The seeds of Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferrae) are widely eaten in West Africa for cultural and ethnomedicinal reasons including cough suppression and body fat reduction. We prepared a 70% ethanol extract and designed experiments to investigate the antitussive and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Methods: For the antitussive investigations, guinea pigs were exposed to 7.5% citric acid aerosol in a chamber and cough bouts were counted after acute doses of the extract. Mucus expectoration was evaluated in mice after administering the extract for seven days by measuring the concentration of phenol red dye released from mouse trachea. Hypercholesterolemia was induced and doses of the extract were administered for 14 days. Results: Single doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly (p<0.01) and dose-dependently suppressed cough bouts by 67, 78 and 92% respectively when compared cough bouts exhibited before treatment. The dose of 400 mg/kg was slightly but not significantly superior to the standard drug dihydrocodeine (84%) in cough suppression. The extract administered daily for 7 days also significantly (p<0.05) reduced concentration of phenol red released from mouse trachea in comparison with control. At 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day for 14 days, extract like 5 mg/kg simvastatin significantly (p<0.0001) attenuated the increase in plasma cholesterol level but only doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day significantly blunted increase in body weight compared to cholesterol treated rats. Conclusion: The extract possesses antitussive effect and attenuates hypercholesterolemia thereby lending credence to its ethnomedicinal uses.

Awareness, knowledge, and misconceptions of Ebola virus disease among residents of a rural community in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Background: Since the discovery of Ebola in 1967, many localized outbreaks have occurred but the recent cross-border epidemic was fueled by the high level of illiteracy and some bad cultural practices. Aim: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and misconceptions of Ebola among residents of a rural community in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted in a rural community and the participants were selected using the systematic sampling method. The data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Skewed quantitative variables were summarized using median and categorical variables using frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was performed to assess the relationship between outcome variables (knowledge of Ebola) and respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify the predictors of outcome variable. Results: Respondents' median age was 30 years and nearly half of the respondents (49%) had no formal education. A large proportion (88%) of the respondents was aware of Ebola and radio was their major source of information. Residents' knowledge of Ebola was low and only 13% had good knowledge. Eating bitter kola, bathing with salt water, and drinking salt water were mentioned as methods of preventing the spread of the disease. Of their socio-demographic characteristics, only the educational level attained did predict their knowledge of Ebola. Respondents without formal education [odds ratio (OR) = 0.198, P < 0.02] and secondary education (OR = 0.292, P < 0.01) were more likely to have poor knowledge. Conclusion: Although the majority was aware of Ebola, their knowledge about it was very low and misconceptions and misinformation were still not uncommon. There is a need for continuous public education and enlightenment about Ebola.

Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Azadirachta indica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Seeds in the Inhibition of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aspergillus flavus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aspergillus parasiticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Isolated from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zea mays&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. Awka, Nigeria

Crude extracts of neem and bitter kola seeds were evaluated for inhibition of the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus) in Zea mays L. Different concentrations of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the test plants were tested individually and in combination against A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Inhibition of A. flavus using methanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination of (G. kola and neem) seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (77.5) at 10% concentration, and lowest in neem (35.1) at 2.5% concentration. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference at 5%. Inhibition of A. flavus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination of G. kola and neem seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in the combination of (80.4) at 10% concentration and lowest in G. kola (31.4) at 2.5% concentration. Using methanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination against A. parasiticus showed that inhibition was highest in G. kola and combination of seeds (54.8) at 10% concentration and lowest in neem seeds (30.5) at 5.0% concentration. The percentage inhibition of A. parasiticus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (79.5) at 10% concentration and lowest in the combination of G. kola and neem seeds (26.6) at 2.5% concentration. These results will be important in planning a management strategy against A. flavus and A. parasiticus and other fungi associated with spoilage of stored products.

Microencapsulated Garcinia kola and Hunteria umbellata Seeds Aqueous Extracts Part 1: Effect of microencapsulation process

Objective: This study investigates microcapsulated aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola (GK) and Hunteria umbellata (HU) seeds. Method: Extracts obtained after maceration of dried powdered seeds were prepared as microcapsules with chitosan-alginate by counterion coacervation method. Microcapsules were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In vitro release studies were carried out at pH 1.2 for 2 h and 6.8 for a further 10 h. Results : Between 20 and 50% extract release occurred from microcapsules after 2 h while conventional tablets released 100% after 1 h at simulated gastric pH. At pH 6.8, >80% of extract was released from microcapsules after 6 h. DSC revealed the presence of complex materials. XRD and FTIR showed stable character of the plant extracts within the microcapsules. Conclusion: Controlled release of aqueous extracts derived from these plants was achieved by microencapsulation and therefore can be developed as suitable delivery devices.

Effects of two herbal feed additives with or without grits on carcass evaluation of broiler chickens

An eight-week study was conducted to investigate effects of two herbal feed additives with or without grits on carcass evaluation of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty-four day-old unsexed Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatments of twenty four birds per treatment with three replicates of eight birds each. Six dietary treatments were formulated with the inclusion of Moringaoleifera leaf meal (MOLM), Garcinia kola seed meal (GKSM) and grits. The experimental rations contained diet without MOLM, GKSM and grits which served as treatment 1 (control), with MOLM at 1000ppm (treatment 2), with GKSM at 1000ppm (treatment 3), with grits at 1000ppm (treatment 4), with MOLM at 1000ppm + grits at 1000ppm (treatment 5) and with GKSM at 1000ppm + grits at 1000ppm (treatment 6). Data were collected on carcass evaluation and subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomised design. The proximate composition revealed that MOLM had higher crude protein (21.96%), crude fat (4.87%), crude fibre (15.61%) and ash (9.32%) than those found in GKSM.back was significantly (p 0.05) by the dietary treatments.From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the bird fed control diet had highest value for back%, those fed GSKM + grit had highest value for kidney% and those fed grit had highest value for caeca%.

English

Garcinia kola is used as chew-stick for dental care in West Africa. The species is nearly commercially extinct in nature, and its propagation is hampered by seed germination problems. The current study investigated seed germination responses of Garcinia kola at different maturity stage. The experiments were conducted at the Central Laboratory of Biotechnology of the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) located at Adiopodoum&eacute; (North Abidjan - C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire) while the fruit samples were collected from Yapo&nbsp; a protected forest area with very humid equatorial climate. The experimental design was factorial design with two factors. Seeds processed from green fruits of 6 weeks old did not germinate, whilst those of 10 weeks old fruits, at the intermediate stage, germinated at the rate of 46%. Seeds from orange-coloured mature fruits had a germination rate of 54 to 62%. The adventitious roots of intermediate maturity seeds protruded at the same time as mature ones after 9 weeks of sowing and normal germination, with first shoot growth occurring simultaneously after 12 weeks in the two (intermediate maturity and full maturity) stage of fruits. Desiccation tests after 4 weeks revealed similar trends of weight decrease and moisture content in the two kinds of seed. Seeds from partly intermediate mature fruits showed germinating characteristics comparable to mature fruits. These indicate that the seeds from this stage could be used to germinate Garcinia kola Heckel, for conservation, post harvesting and commercial purposes. &nbsp; Key words: Garcinia kola, planting material, germination, seeds, fruits, C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire.

Effect of Garcinia Kola Seed on Serum Enzyme, Urea, Creatinine and Electrolytes of Healthy Human Subjects

Effect of Garcinia Kola Seed on Serum Enzyme, Urea, Creatinine and Electrolytes of Healthy Human Subjects

Phytochemical Screening and Biochemical Effects of Methanol Extract of Bitter KOLA (Garcinia Kola) on Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Male Wistar (Albino) Rats

The phytochemical screening and biochemical effects of methanol extract of bitter kola ( Garcinia kola) on alloxan induced diabetes was studied using standard methods in order to determine the potential of this seed. Twenty five (25) male Wistar (albino) rats used as the experimental organisms were divided into (5) groups designated A, B, C, D and E with (5) animals per group. Groups A and B which were non-diabetic control and non-diabetic test were treated with normal saline (0.5 mL/kgbody weight) and 50 mg/kg body weight of Garcinia kola extract respectively. Groups C, D and E which were made diabetic using alloxan monohydrate had one diabetic untreated group that received normal saline (0.5 mL/kg body weight) and two diabetic treated groups that received reference drug (gliben clamide) (50 mg/kgbody weight) and 50 mg/kgbody weight of Garcinia kola extract respectively. After every treatment, blood samples were collected from the test organisms through tail vein puncture and their respective blood glucose concentration was measured with gm glucometer at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h for three (3) days. It was observed that Garcinia kola methanol extract treatment significantly reduced blood glucose level. The result of the phytochemical screening which was analyzed using standard analytical method revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycocides while alkaloids were absent. From the finding in this prospective study, Garcinia kola extract has useful pharmacological bioactive compounds and as such could be used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of diabetes and other ailments.

POTENTIALS OF SOME PLANT-DERIVED FOODS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES AND ASSOCIATED COMPLICATIONS

Background and Objective: Diabetes is an insidious as well as a debilitating metabolic disease with variety of causes that could lead to severe&#x0D; complications in multiple organs within the body system. There has been no documented scientific evidence as regards total cure of this complex&#x0D; chronic disease; therefore, it demands a lifelong management. This has necessitated the recent evaluation of several plant derived foods as costeffective&#x0D; alternatives in the management of diabetes and its associated complication.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This review is based on integration of information from multi-databases after a comprehensive literature search on the&#x0D; various plant derived foods that have been reported to have shown a certain degree of amelioration in the management of diabetes and diabetic&#x0D; complications.&#x0D; Result and Discussion: Published reports suggest that oxidative stress primarily mediated by uncontrolled hyperglycemia play a pivotal role in the&#x0D; pathogenesis of diabetes and its associated complications. Therefore, various plant-derived foods are believed to delay, prevent or manage diabetes&#x0D; and its associated complications using different mechanisms which could be established through their potential to increase insulin sensitivity, free&#x0D; radicals scavenging abilities, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and inhibition of α-amylase and&#x0D; α-glucosidase activities.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the evidence presented in this review, plant-derived foods possess bioactive constituents believed to be rich in antioxidants&#x0D; and proteins which may be responsible for their mode of actions; we propose that Cucuma longa (curcumin), Garcinia kola (kolaviron), Telfairia&#x0D; occidentalis and Parkia biglobosa be explored in the management of diabetes and its associated complications due to their outstanding beneficial&#x0D; effects.

Inhibitory Effect of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiacea) Seed Extracts on Some Key Enzymes Linked to Diabetes Mellitus

Enzymes linked with diabetes mellitus and Phytochemical characterization of its bioactive constituents. Crude n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were prepared successively in a soxhlet apparatus at 50ºC. Subsequently, extraction of crude enzymes from porcine pancreas and rat intestine, thin layer chromatographic analysis (TLC), and inhibitory effects of the extracts on b-amylase and b-glucosidase were determined in vitro. The results reveal that G. kola seed extracts inhibited b-amylase (IC50= 4.89 mg/ml, 3.44 mg/ml, 0.78 mg/ml) and b-glucosidase (IC50= 10.29 mg/ml, 1.68 mg/ml, 2.67 mg/ ml) corresponding to n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol gradient extracts. n-hexane extract had the highest inhibitory effect on b-amylase, while methanol extract was highest on b-glucosidase. Characterization of the bioactive constituents of the extracts using TLC analysis revealed the presence of steroids/triterpenes and phenolic compounds with phenolic compounds appearing in all extracts irrespective of the solvent polarity used for extraction. Anthraquinone and alkaloids were confirmed absent on TLC. This enzyme inhibition could be one of the possible pathways by which G. kola elicits its antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, the enzyme inhibitory properties of the extracts can be attributed to the presence of steroids/triterpenes, phenolic compounds in the seeds of G. kola.Keywords: Garcinia kola, b-amylase, b-glucosidase, TLC, Inhibitory Effect