Garcinia Kola Research Articles

Experimental and computational modeling of interaction of kolaviron-kolaflavanone with aldehyde dehydrogenase

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are a diverse family of enzymes that catalyze the NAD(P)+-dependent detoxification of toxic aldehyde compounds. ALDHs are also involved in non-enzymatic ligand binding to endobiotics and xenobiotics. Here, the enzyme crucial non-canonical and non-catalytic interaction with kolaflavanone, a component of kolaviron, and a major bioflavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) was characterized by various spectroscopic and in silico approaches under simulated physiological condition. Kolaflavanone quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of ALDH in a concentration dependent manner with an effective quenching constant (Ksv) of 1.14 × 103 L.mol−1 at 25 °C. The enzyme has one binding site for kolaflavanone with a binding constant (Ka) of 2.57 × 104 L.mol−1 and effective Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of 4.87 nm. The bonding process was enthalpically driven. The reaction was not spontaneous and was predominantly characterized by Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bond. The flavonoid bonding slightly perturbed the secondary and tertiary structures of ALDH that was ‘tryptophan-gated’. The interaction was regulated by both diffusion and ionic strength. Molecular docking showed the binding of kolaflavanone was at the active site of ALDH and the participation of some amino acid residues in the complex formation with −9.6 kcal mol−1 binding energy. The profiles of atomic fluctuations indicated the rigidity of the ligand-binding site during the simulation. With these, ALDH as a subtle nano-particle determinant of kolaviron bioavailability and efficacy is hereby proposed.

The Effects of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Uncoated and Coated Seeds of Garcinia Kola on the Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats

The Effects of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Uncoated and Coated Seeds of Garcinia Kola on the Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats

Kolaviron and Garcinia kola Seed Extract Protect Against Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury on Isolated Rat Heart.

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases and its associated complications have increased greatly in the past three decades. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute cardioprotective effects of Garcinia kola (GK) seed extract and Kolaviron (KV) and determine mechanisms of action involving RISK signalling pathways. Male Wistar rats were used in this study. Hearts were excised and mounted on the Langendorff perfusion system. The control, group 1 was perfused with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), group II with KV and group III with GK respectively. Western blot analyses were performed on frozen heart tissues. Isolated rat hearts perfused with KV and GK attenuated apoptotic pathways with significant reduction in p38 MAPK protein phosphorylation, as well as reduction in total caspase 3, cleaved caspase 3 (Asp 175) and PARP cleavage. KV and GK also down-regulated p-JNK1 (Tyr 185) and p-JNK 2 (Thr 183) protein expression at the 10 min reperfusion time ponit. Cardioprotection was achieved in part, by enhancement of the reperfusion injury signalling kinase (RISK) pathway; as evidenced by significant increases in protein expresion of Akt/PKB and p-Akt/PKB (Ser 473) in KV and GK respectively. KV and GK supplementation led to significant increases in the expressions of survival proteins. It is noteworthy that both KV and GK supplementation offered cardioprotection in ischaemic/reperfusion injury rat heart model. In all, GK showed better cardioprotective effect that KV.

A descriptive cross-sectional study on various uses and outcomes of Garcinia kola among people of Oshimili North in the Delta State of Nigeria.

Background:A preliminary review of literature for this study shows that the use of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) as plant medicine is common among Africans but there are no scientific evidence to support its uses to prevent or treat common medical conditions. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the various uses and outcomes of Garcinia kola (G. kola) among people of Oshimili North in the Delta State of Nigeria.Methodology:This descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was based on a structured questionnaire for adults aged 18 and above (n = 274) in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State of Nigeria. Likert scale data were coded as follows: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree. As Likert-type data are usually ordinal data, which make more sense when converted to interval data. The converted ordinal data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. Ethical requirement including the administration of information sheet, written informed consent, and the provision of confidentiality was ensured.Results:The analysis of results show that the benefits derived from ingesting bitter kola were rated high for cough, bacterial or viral infection and anticancer. The results also show that most of the respondents consider bitter kola having low benefits for relieving food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset. Chi-square results show no association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola for relieving these conditions. In addition, results show that females perceive benefits derive from ingesting bitter kola as low as an aphrodisiac whereas males consider it as average. Chi-square results show significant association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola as an aphrodisiac.Conclusion:The study found that Garcinia kola acts as anti-bacteria, anti-virus and provides protection against cancer. However, this study could not find any conclusive evidence to support the age long claim of bitter kola as treatment for food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset and aphrodisiac (libido).

Comparative Cross-sectional Quantitative Study of Health Status among Consumers of Bitter Kola in Igbuzor Community Living in Oshilmili North Local Government Area of Delta State

Background: The use of bitter kola as plant medicine is common among Africans for centuries, yet there is little or no scientific evidence to demonstrate that its use provides health benefits. The purpose of this study, therefore, is ascertain whether or not bitter kola provides any health benefits to its regular users. Methods: A study sample of n=274 adults living in Igbuzor town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria was selected using simple random sampling technique. Likert Scale was used as data collection tool. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS computer software. Results: The results show that irrespective of gender n=139 regular users agreed to excellent and good health while ingesting bitter kola in comparison to n=37 non-regular users who agreed to the same statements (see table 3 & 4). The results further show that both genders n=142 (94.66%) male and n=110 (95.65%) female respondents agree that they ingest better kola for its health benefits (see table 5). Conclusion: This study found that regular users of bitter kola enjoy better health than non-regular users and that both regular and non-regular user agrees to the medicinal properties of bitter kola. These research findings help to remove the assumptions about the health benefits of bitter kola and replaced them with actual research evidence.

Food Security in the Face of Climate Change: Potential Roles of Underutilised Plant Species around Some Rural Homesteads in the Niger Delta

The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of underutilised plant resources as sources of food in the face of climate change. A total of 37 plant species of different growth habits were sighted within the homesteads in the study communities. The commonest plant species around home provide food, medicine, cash, and cultural or spiritual purposes. These included Manihot esculenta (Cassava), Musa sapentium var. paradisiaca (Plantains) Musa sapentium (banana), Citrus sinensis (orange) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm). Outside the home compounds to a considerable walking distance around each of the communities, a total of twenty seven (27) plant species and four habitat types (three terrestrial and one aquatic) were encountered, with Elaeis guineensis Jacq. being present in all the terrestrial ecotypes (forest, farmland and fallow regrowth). Many of the plant species encountered within the home compounds are edible; some are medicinal or have spiritual values, while most have multiple uses. Magnifera indica, Dacryodes edulis, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Chrysophyllum albidum and Ananas comosus, are cherished for their tasty fruits. Vernonia amygdalina, Telferia occidentalis, Ocimum brasilicum, Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africana are eaten vegetables in soups. Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is valued for its seeds, which are used widely in preparing the Ogbono soup, which is widely popular across Nigeria. The kola nut (Cola nitida), bitter kola (Garcina kola) trees and yams (Dioscorea spp) serve significant spiritual/cultural roles amongst the local populace in the study area—they are always presented at ceremonies such as marriages, funerals and festivals. Plant species with mostly untapped potentials to supply food and nutrients to the rural dwellers in the study area include breadfruit (Artocarpus cummunis), Avocado pear (Persia americana), Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Native pear (Dacryodes edulis), African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), and Raphia palm (Raphia hookeri) and Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa). These plants are reported to contain variable amounts of dietary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fibre. Some of the plants have potentials to supply raw materials to sustain food and beverage industries.

Kolaviron modulates intestinal motility and secretion in experimentally altered gut functions of Wistar rats

Aim: The effect of kolaviron, a complex of Garcinia kola (GK) naturally rich in bioflavonoid, was investigated on intestinal motility and secretion in altered gut functions of rats. Methods: Four experiments were carried out using Male Wistar rats, (189.1 ± 3.5 g). The first was for intestinal transit with charcoal meal, and rats were grouped into 4 (n=5/group in all experiment): Control (DMSO); Atropine (5 mg/kg), 100 mg/kg (KV100) and 200 mg/kg (KV200) kolaviron groups respectively. Experiments 2 and 3 were to assess diarrhea and enteropooling respectively; the animals were grouped into 6: negative control (DMSO), positive control (castor oil), Atropine (5 mg/kg), Loperamide (3 mg/kg), KV100 and KV200 respectively. Experiment 4 was to determine colonic motility and it consist of 5 groups, negative control (DMSO), and positive control (Serotonin, 5 mg/kg, ip), Atropine (5 mg/kg), KV100 and KV200 in turn. Results: Kolaviron significantly decrease intestinal transit in similar way to atropine group, KV200 (27.3%), KV100 (25.7%) compared with control. The onset of diarrhea was prolonged significantly while episodes of loose stool and purging index decreased significantly with loperamide (111.0 min, 0.4 ± 0.2, 0.1) and KV200 (128.8 min, 2.6 ± 0.7, 2.0) compared with control (52.6 min, 6.6 ± 1.0, 15.6), respectively. Kolaviron significantly reduced luminal fluid in KV100 (1.04 ± 0.17 mL) and KV200 (0.62 ± 0.21 mL) compared with control (1.70 ± 0.18 mL). Colonic motility was delayed in KV200 (182 ±18.7 sec) compared with control (139 ± 8.72 sec). Conclusion: Kolaviron exhibits potent anti-motility and -secretory activities on destabilized gut homeostasis and could be the major compound of Garcinia kola responsible for previously reported antidiarrheal effect.

The Influence of Garcinia kola Seed on Sexual Behavior and Testis Physiology in Wistar Rats

Garcina kola seed is believed by some to enhance male sexual performance but existing scientific data show divergent results. In this study, the sexual and reproductive influence of ethanol (70%) seed extract of G. kola was evaluated in Wistar rats. Adult male rats were gavaged with 0, 50, 100, 200 or 300 mg kg-1 day-1 of extract for 30 days and mated with female rats after sexual behavior characteristics were carefully evaluated. Serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH, as well as epididymal sperm indices were analyzed after mating, while pregnancy rate and litter size of female rats were recorded. Extract (50 mg kg-1) treatment produced no effect on sexual activities, but higher doses caused reduction relative to control. Additionally, except at 50 mg kg-1, extract treatment caused reduction in sperm count (p<0.0001), sperm viability (p = 0.0011), testosterone and FSH (p<0.0001). LH was unaltered, while abnormal sperm morphology was elevated (p<0.05). Furthermore, pregnancy rate and litter size in extract (100-300 mg kg-1) treated rats were lower when compared to control. The results suggest that low dose of G. kola seed may not affect sexual activity, whereas high doses may affect fertility by negatively altering sexual behavior, testosterone level and sperm indices.

Protective Effect of Kolaviron on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Rats.

Background.Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a nitrogen mustard alkylating drug used for the treatment of chronic and acute malignant lymphomas, myeloma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, adenocarcinoma, retinoblastoma, breast carcinoma, and immunosuppressive therapy. Despite its vast therapeutic uses, it is known to cause severe cardiac toxicity. Kolaviron (KV), a Garcinia kola seed extract containing a mixture of flavonoids, is reputed for its antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties.Objective.This study investigated the protective effect of KV on CP-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Methods.Thirty rats were used, and they were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group I received 2 mL/kg propylene glycol orally for 14 days; group II received CP (50 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) for 3 days; groups III and IV received 200 and 400 mg/kg/d KV, respectively, orally for 14 days and groups V and VI were pretreated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/d KV, respectively, orally for 14 days followed by CP (50 mg/kg/d, i.p.) for 3 days.Results.CP treatment resulted in a significantly lower food consumption and body weight in rats. The lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase enzymes in cardiac tissues of rats treated with CP were significantly higher. In cardiac tissues, 3-day doses of CP resulted in significantly higher heart weight, cardiac troponin I, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and lower superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced glutathione levels. Histological examination of cardiac tissues showed sign of necrosis of myocardium after CP treatment. However, administration of KV at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 days prior to CP treatment, increase food consumption, body weight, and attenuates the biochemical and histological changes induced by CP.Conclusions.These results revealed that KV attenuates CP-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and preserving the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Kolaviron protects against cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal oxidative damage in rats

Kolaviron is an important bi-flavonoid complex isolated from Garcinia kola seeds which has been reported to possess significant bioactivities. Cisplatin is an antineoplastic drug but tissue damage is a limiting factor to its chemotherapy. The effect of kolaviron on cisplatin-induced alterations of some biochemical parameters in rats was investigated. The study included a control group (group I) that received neither cisplatin nor kolaviron while group II received only kolaviron (100 mg/kg/day) orally for the duration of the experiment. Rats in group III were given cisplatin (10 mg/kg/day) for three consecutive days intraperitoneally. In addition to the injection of cisplatin, rats in group IV were orally given kolaviron at 100 mg/kg/day for six consecutive days prior to the treatment with cisplatin, and for three days simultaneously with cisplatin. However animals in group V were given kolaviron at 200 mg/kg/day for six consecutive days prior to the treatment with cisplatin, and for three days simultaneously with cisplatin. Thereafter, rats were anaesthesized, dissected, serum and tissues were collected and analyzed. The intrapetitoneal-adminstration of cisplatin (10 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (Urea) and creatinine indicative of liver and kidney damage. Cisplatin also increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-AE’A‘), interleukin-6 (IL-6) while significantly reducing the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in both liver and kidney. However, oral administration of kolaviron (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) for six days prior and three days co-treatment with cisplatin significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced alterations close to control levels. Apart from the expression of SOD and CAT in liver, the effect of kolaviron was dose-dependent (p < 0.05). Treating the rats with kolaviron (100 mg/kg) alone only significantly enhanced the expression of SOD and CAT in liver over control (p < 0.05). The results reveal kolaviron as an effective chemoprotective agent against cisplatin-induced tissue damage in rats which can be exploited pharmacologically.

Optimization and Electrochemical Study on the Control of Mild Steel Corrosion in Hydrochloric Acid Solution with Bitter Kola Leaf Extract as Inhibitor

Response surface methodology was applied to predict the optimum control of mild steel corrosion in acid medium with bitter kola leaf extract as inhibitor. The experiment was carried out to investigate the mutual interactions between the considered independent variables and the expected responses. Thermometric, gravimetric, potentiodynamics polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used in the corrosion inhibition study. As a supplementary technique, infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the pure extract and corrosion products and it was observed that some peaks shifted while some disappeared. Inhibition efficiencies of 88.24 %, 86.81 %, 90 %, 89.5 % and 85.3 % were obtained from optimization, thermometric, gravimetric, potentiodynamics polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The bitter kola leaf extract behaved as a mixed-mode inhibitor. Application of response surface methodology in this study was found to be good in predicting the optimum range for controlling of metal corrosion thereby reducing the number of experimental runs. Keywords: Acid, bitter kola leaf, Fourier transform infrared, mild steel, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentio dynamics polarization

Effect of Extraction Solvents on Bioactive Compounds and Antimicrobial Activities of Two Varieties Garcinia kola (heckel) OBOWO 02 (soft and less bitter) and OBOWO 03 (Hard and Very Bitter)

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the extracts obtained using the different solvents - water, acetone, methanol and ethanol on the phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of Garcinia kola.(Obowo 20 and 03) The following 4 bacterial isolates were used for the investigation of the antimicrobialactivities and and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis of each of the extract indicated the presence of tannin, saponin, flavonoid, Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), alkaloid, carotenoid, anthocyanin and phenol. The extracts exhibited significant inhibitory action against S. aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosaand E. coli. The result revealed that methanol extract exerted the highest significant activities (P&gt; 0.05) against all the tested organisms at the various treatment regimes with S. aureus having a wider zone of inhibition followed by E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. typhiwith the lowest inhibitory zones. The MIC of the methanol extract against the organisms was 12.5, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/ml respectively. The aqueous extract showed the least significant activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. typhi with MICs of 25, 25, 25 and 50mg/ml respectively.

Modulation in Airway Smooth Muscle Reactivity and Improvement in Lung Function of Cigarette Smokers and Passive Non-smokers Following Garcinia kola treatment

Modulation in Airway Smooth Muscle Reactivity and Improvement in Lung Function of Cigarette Smokers and Passive Non-smokers Following Garcinia kola treatment

English

Evaluation of some metabolic activities and immuno-stimulatory potential of the methanolic seed extract of Garcinia kola (Heckel) in female albino Wistar rats was carried out using standard methods. Animals in treated groups were administered 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively of the extract through the oral route for 21 days. The control group received normal saline (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) for the same period during which food and water intakes were monitored. At the end of the treatment period, complete and differential blood counts were evaluated for each group. Results show that the extract at the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg caused significant increase in body weight of treated animals compared with those of control (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, there was significant increase in food and water intake as well as faecal and urine output in groups treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg (p &lt; 0.05). Results of the complete blood count showed that the extract caused significant increase in total white blood cell count (WBC) (p &lt; 0.05) but a non-significant increase in haemoglobin (p &gt; 0.05). There was significant increase in lymphocytes in groups that received the extract at a dose of 125 mg/kg compared with control (p &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that the methanolic seed extract of G. kola possesses immuno-stimulatory potential that may justify the ethno-medicinal claims of the efficacy of G. kola in treatment of some immune disorders. Key words: Garcinia kola, haematology, methanol extract, food/water, ethno-medicinal immuno-stimulatory.

Kolaviron and Garcinia kola attenuate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Background The Garcinia kola seeds have been reported for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic and also for its chemoprevention property. The use of doxorubicin as an anticancer drug has been accompanied with avalanche of side effects including cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Kolaviron and Garcinia kola and their mechanisms of action. Methods Sixty male rats (Wistar strain) were used in this study. They were divided into 6 groups (A-F) each containing 10 animals. Group A was the control. Rats in Groups B, C, D, E and F were treated with doxorubicin at the dosage of 15 mg/kg body weight i.p. Prior to this treatment, rats in groups C, D, E and F were pre-treated orally with Kolaviron at the dosage of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, and Garcinia kola 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 7 days, respectively. Results The results show that doxorubicin caused a significant increase in heart rate and prolonged QT, reduced antioxidant status, increased oxidative stress, inflammation and markers of cardiac damage which were reversed by pre-treatment with Kolaviron and Garcinia kola. Conclusions Overall, pre-treatment with Kolaviron or Garcinia kola caused reversal of cardiac damage, ECG alteration and oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the markers of inflammation on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Assessment of the Effects of Graded Doses of Polyphenolic-Rich Fraction of Garcinia kola Seeds on Pituitary–Testicular Axis of Male Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the ameliorative and prophylactic effects of 2 different doses of polyphenolic-rich fraction of Garcinia kola (PPRFGk) seeds on the histology and hormones of pituitary–testicular axis of male Wistar rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Groups I and II were given distilled water (0.5 mL/day) for 8 days followed by propylene glycol (0.2 mL/d) and 600 mg/kg of PPRFGk, respectively, for 21 days. Group III received sodium arsenate (8 days), left untreated for 21 days. Groups IV and V received sodium arsenate (20 mg/kg) for 8 days followed by PPRFGk (300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively) for 21 days. Groups VI and VII received PPRFGk (300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively) for 21 days followed by sodium arsenate (20 mg/kg) for 8 days. Rats were killed by cervical dislocation 24 hours after the last dose and their blood collected through cardiac puncture. Blood sera were assayed for the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone using immunoassay techniques. Histology of the pituitary gland and testes was carried out. A significant reduction was observed in the concentration of FSH in groups IV, V, VI, and VII in comparison with groups I and II. The concentrations of both LH and testosterone showed significant decreases in groups IV, V, VI, and VII in comparison with group I. Group III presented with the lowest serum hormonal concentrations. Photomicrographs of the pituitary gland revealed greatly reduced basophils in group III and mildly reduced basophils in groups IV, VI, and VII in comparison with groups I and II. Group V revealed hypercellularized and distorted basophils. Photomicrographs of the testes showed detachment of the seminiferous tubules from the basement membrane and disruption of the interstitial space which was worse in group III, moderate in groups V and VI, and mild in group VII. In conclusion, PPRFGk effected a dose-dependent reversal and prevention of the perturbations caused by arsenate in rats.

Assessment of Garcinia kola seed as a natural material for water treatment

Assessment of Garcinia kola seed as a natural material for water treatment

Kolaviron attenuates ischemia/reperfusion injury in the stomach of rats.

Kolaviron (KV), an active complex of at least 3 compounds in Garcinia kola seed, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, was investigated for its gastro-protective effect in the stomach of rats subjected to ischemia/reperfusion-induced gastric ulceration. Male adult Wistar rats (180-210 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 15) as follows: (i) control, (ii) ulcerated untreated (UU), (iii) KV alone (KVA), (iv) KV + ulcer (KVU), (v) ulcer + KV (UKV), and (vi) ulcer + omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Ulcer was induced through ischemia/reperfusion method after 2 weeks of daily oral KV (100 mg/kg). Rats were weighed daily, and gastric acid secretion, ulcer scores, hematological, biochemical, and histological variables were assessed 1 h after induction at 3 and 7 days post-ulceration. Body weight decreased in KVA (179.1 ± 1.6 g), and KVU (170.1 ± 2.2 g) compared with UU (199.0 ± 1.4 g). Gastric acid secretion decreased significantly in KVU after 1 h and 3 days post-ulceration (0.27 ± 0.03 mEq/L; 0.49 ± 0.02 mEq/L) compared with UU (0.60 ± 0.06 mEq/L; 0.85 ± 0.29 mEq/L), respectively. There was significant reduction in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of KVA (0.29 ± 0.06) and KVU (0.35 ± 0.02) compared with UU (0.54 ± 0.04). Malondialdehyde level decreased significantly with concomitant increase in anti-oxidative activities and nitric oxide level in the KV treated groups (KVA, KVU, UKV) compared with UU. In conclusion, treatment with KV protects the stomach by reducing gastric acid secretion, promoting antioxidant activity and suppressing action of reactive oxygen species.

The Garcinia kola biflavonoid kolaviron attenuates experimental hepatotoxicity induced by diclofenac

This study sought to investigate the effects of kolaviron on diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 rats each as follows: a control group that received oral propylene glycol and treatment groups that received diclofenac alone, diclofenac followed by Livolin Forte (a reference drug), or diclofenac followed by kolaviron at three different doses. At the end of the study period, five rats per group were sacrificed under ketamine hydrochloride anesthetic, 24h after treatment, while the other 5 rats in the group were allowed to recover for 2 weeks before being sacrificed. Liver enzyme activities, total bilirubin levels, and the concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined using plasma samples, while liver tissue samples were used for antioxidant analysis and histopathological examination.Compared with the control group, plasma liver enzyme activities, along with bilirubin levels, were higher in the groups that received diclofenac alone or diclofenac+the highest dose of kolaviron, respectively. These groups had higher plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines than did the control group. However, the administration of Livolin Forte and kolaviron (at the lower doses) ameliorated diclofenac-induced hepatic injury by improving antioxidant status, preventing an increase in inflammatory mediators, decreasing malondialdehyde, and attenuating the adverse effect of diclofenac on hepatic tissues. In addition, there was a significant difference in the histological scores between the groups that received either diclofenac alone or diclofenac followed by the highest dose of kolaviron when compared with the other three groups (Livolin Forte or lower doses of kolaviron). In conclusion, kolaviron appears to be as effective as Livolin in attenuating DCLF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. However, high doses of kolaviron seem to cause damage to the liver.

O27 Chemopreventive activities of kolaviron, a novel bioflavonoid from the seed of Garcinia kola: Mechanistic perspectives

Compelling evidence arising from both pre-clinical and clinical investigations indicate that plant-based diets rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are effective in preventing premalignant lesions. Thus the search for novel chemopreventive agents of physiological relevance acting on specific and/or multiple molecular and cellular targets hold promise as a rational strategy for the control of health threatening diseases such as cancer. Kolaviron, a natural antioxidant biflavonoid isolated from the seed of Garcinia kola (Guttiferae) indigenous to West Africa elicited striking inhibitory effects on diverse biochemical and molecular events associated with the multistage process of carcinogenesis. Specifically, kolaviron up-regulated antioxidant defence capacity, modulated gene expression, signal transduction mechanisms and reduced in vivo markers of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. Furthermore, kolaviron suppressed Dimethylnitrosamine-induced oxidative damage and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B and activator protein-1 in rat liver. Kolaviron elicited antiproliferative properties by inhibiting the growth and survival of both colon adenoma (LT97) and carcinoma cells (HT29). Kolaviron inhibited the induction of stress-inducible proteins clusterin and heat shock proteins apoptosis-related proteins, caspase-3 and caspase-9, Fas and Fas-L induced by ethylene glycol monoethyl ether in rats testes. Kolaviron prevented Atrazine-induced changes in the expressions of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, p21, and mRNA levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. This novel phytochemical exerts chemopreventive effects by modulating intracellular signalling cascades and apoptotic proteins and therefore qualifies as new therapeutic strategy for chemoprevention in chronic inflammation-related diseases.