Garcinia Kola Research Articles

The effect of Garcinia kola seed extract on the development of disease in an autoimmune mouse model of type-1 diabetes

The effect of Garcinia kola seed extract on the development of disease in an autoimmune mouse model of type-1 diabetes

A systematic multicellular spheroids screening approach lead to the identification of antineoplastic activity in three different plant extracts from the Egyptian flora

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

English

The need to reduce cost of production of meat animal has necessitated the use of plant materials with medicinal properties as feed additives capable of minimizing the influence of pathogenic microbes and improving performance of the animal. This study investigated the effect of such medicinal plant materials Garcinia kola on the growth performance and the haematological parameters of 20 weeks old rabbits. Thirty six rabbits of mixed breed and mixed sexed were used for the experiment, which lasted for eight weeks (56 days). The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: T1 with no (0%), T2 (2.5%), T3(5%) and T4(7.5%) of G. kola inclusion. The rabbits were housed in 2m × 1m × 1m cages per three rabbits in a 4 × 3 CRD experimental design whereby each treatment had three replicates, with each replicate having 4 rabbits and each treatment comprised 12 rabbits. During the eight week period of the experiment, feed and water were given ad libtum and while similar managerial and sanitary measures were applied for all the animals. Daily feed intake and growth performance of animals in each unit were monitored. At the beginning and the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the ear and analyzed for haematological parameters Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC and Plasma proteins). The result showed that G. kola has significant effect on the feed intake, growth rate, haemoglobin, PCV, RBC, WBC and Plasma protein. The feed intake decreased in all rabbits on G. kola treated feeds; numerical values obtained were 332 ± 0.32, 285 ± 0.52, 288 ± 0.12 and 262 ± 0.33 g/week for treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively. Weight depression was also observed similarly in all the rabbits on Garcinia treated feeds with T2 having weight loss of 0.36 ± 0.11, T30.35 ± 0.12 and T4 0.64 ± 0.10kg. Rabbits on Garcinia treated feeds also have lower Hb, PCV, Plasma proteins and higher WBC and RBC compared to the initial values showing G. kola. G. kola appear to contain substances which depress feed intake and growth performance and the effect seem to increase with higher concentration. However, the RBC and WBC increased, it is therefore recommended that the use of G. kola should be at low levels of inclusion or intermittently not continuous. Key words: Garcinia kola, growth performance, rabbits.

Kolaviron and <I>Garcinia kola</I> Attenuate Homocysteine-Induced Arteriosclerosis and Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control. Group II received homocysteine (Hcy) (200 mg/kg body weight) alone daily for 14 days. Rats in groups III and IV received Kolaviron orally at 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively, in addition to Hcy. Rats in groups V and VI received Garcinia kola (GK) orally (100 and 200 mg/ kg respectively) in addition to Hcy (200 mg/kg) for a period of 14 days. The results showed that Hcy caused a reduction in heart rate, shortened QT and QTc intervals together with low voltage QRS which were reversed by Kolaviron (100a200 mg/kg body weight) and Garcinia kola (100&200 mg/kg body weight). Hcy alone also caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA, H 2 O 2 generation, Xanthine oxidase, Myeloperoxidase, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatinine kinase cardiac specific (CK-MB) and nitrite with a significant (p<0.05) reduction in non-enzymic and enzymic antioxidants such as Reduced glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) coupled with a significantly high serum values of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins (LDL) and a significant reduction in (p<0.05) high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Overall, co-administration of Hcy with Garcinia kola at 200 mg/kg body weight showed a better cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effect on (Hcy)-induced cardiotoxicity and atherosclerosis than Kolaviron in this study.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic cytochalasins from the endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. harbored in Garcinia kola (Heckel) nut

BackgroundThe continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria drastically reduced the efficacy of our antibiotic armory and consequently, increased the frequency of therapeutic failure. The search for bioactive constituents from endophytic fungi against MDR bacteria became a necessity for alternative and promising strategies, and for the development of novel therapeutic solutions. We report here the isolation and structure elucidation of antibacterial and cytotoxic compounds from Phomopsis sp., an endophytic fungus associated with Garcinia kola nuts.MethodsThe fungus Phomopsis sp. was isolated from the nut of Garcinia kola. The crude extract was prepared from mycelium of Phomopsis sp. by maceration in ethyl acetate and sequentially fractionated by column chromatography. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral studies and comparison with published data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and anticancer properties by broth microdilution and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide methods respectively. The samples were also tested spectrophotometrically for their hemolytic properties against human red blood cells.ResultsThe fractionation of the crude extract afforded three known cytochalasins including 18-metoxycytochalasin J (1), cytochalasins H (2) and J (3) together with alternariol (4). The cytochalasin compounds showed different degrees of antibacterial activities against the tested bacterial pathogens. Shigella flexneri was the most sensitive microorganism while Vibrio cholerae SG24 and Vibrio cholerae PC2 were the most resistant. Ampicillin did not show any antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae NB2, Vibrio cholerae PC2 and Shigella flexneri at concentrations up to 512 μg/mL, but interestingly, these multi-drug resistant bacterial strains were sensitive to the cytochalasin metabolites. These compounds also showed significant cytotoxic properties against human cancer cells (LC50 = 3.66–35.69 μg/mL) with low toxicity to normal non-cancer cells.ConclusionThe three cytochalasin compounds isolated from the Phomopsis sp. crude extract could be a clinically useful alternative for the treatment of cervical cancer and severe infections caused by MDR Shigella and Vibrio cholerae.

Effect of storage materials on viability and proximate composition of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; Heckel

The viability and proximate composition of Garcinia kola Heckel as affected by different storage materials were studied using standard methods. Viability of the G. kola seeds stored in polyethylene bag (PB) was highest (100%) followed by that of the seeds stored in fresh plantain leaf (FPL) (86.67 ± 13.33%); cement bag paper (CBP) (73.33 ± 17.64%); dry plantain leaf (DPL) (60.00%) and the control which was exposed to the ambient temperature in the laboratory (33.33 ± 6.67%). Seeds stored in sawdust were not viable at the end of the experiment. Pre-storage proximate analyses showed that the seeds have high level of carbohydrates (52.00%), high moisture content (38.07%), and little amount of crude fat (4.18%), crude fibre (2.88%) and crude protein (2.09%) as well as negligible amount of ash content (0.78%). Results of post – storage proximate analyses showed that control seeds have higher carbohydrate, crude fibre, ash and crude protein contents with mean values of 80.71 ± 0.05%, 3.74 ± 0.01%, 1.11 ± 0.13% and 3.16 ± 0.01% respectively, compared to the results obtained from pre – storage proximate analysis. Moisture content of control seeds was lowest (9.24±0.03%) compared to seeds stored in the other storage materials. Seeds stored in polythene bag showed the lowest carbohydrate and crude protein contents of 47.65 ± 0.17% and 1.80±0.01% respectively. The same storage material contained highest amount of moisture (44.21 ± 0.76%). Seeds stored in cement bag, sawdust, fresh plantain leaf and dry plantain leaf have varying contents of carbohydrates, moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat and crude protein contents which were either higher or lower than those of the control and the polythene bag. The results showed that polythene bag favoured the longevity of the seeds as complete retention of viability occurred after 8 weeks in storage when compared to other storage materials. However, carbohydrate and protein in seeds were significantly reduced in this storage material. Keywords: Garcinia kola , post-storage, pre-storage, proximate analyses, storage materials, viability

Preparation and Response to the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic in Nigeria-The Experience of a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

IntroductionThe 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak elicited global attention and challenged health systems around the world, Nigeria inclusive. We hereby report the preparation and response to the outbreak by a tertiary teaching hospital in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.MethodBetween 4th August and 31st October 2014, we conducted a mixed cross sectional and qualitative study to ascertain the EVD-related fear, myths and misconceptions among healthcare workers (HCWs), and to evaluate the plans, activities and challenges faced by the hospital during the outbreak. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire as well as by documented observations during the outbreak. HCWs were asked to rate their fear of EVD from 1 (no fear) to 10 (highest fear).ResultsOut of 189 respondents, majority (>75%) reported uncertainty about the myth that EVD can be prevented by drinking salt water or eating Garcinia kola, while 82% of respondents believed that EVD can be prevented by avoiding crowded places. About 40% of respondents expressed fear ratings of EVD of ≥ 7 out of 10. In response to the outbreak, the hospital established an EVD response team, organised EVD-sensitization and training programmes and commenced routine EVD surveillance activities. An EVD-isolation ward was constructed from an existing ward, a field incinerator was designed, hand sanitizers were produced locally and personal protective equipment were procured. No case of EVD was reported in the hospital, although three false alarms caused panic. Some HCWs adopted overly protective and avoidance behaviours, but these behaviours were abandoned after the outbreak was declared over.ConclusionOur results suggest that the fear, myth and misconceptions were common among HCW during the outbreak. The EVD outbreak, however, helped to strengthen gaps in infection control and emergency preparedness in the hospital. Strategies to allay fear are required to contain future outbreaks of EVD in Nigeria hospitals.

The Methanol Seed Extract of Garcinia kola Attenuated Angiotensin II- and Lipopolyssacharide-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Nitric Oxide Production

Abstract All over the world, cardiovascular diseases are a risk factor for poor health and early death with predisposing factors to include age, gender, tobacco use, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, obesity, family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, psychosocial factors, poverty and low educational status, and air pollution. It is envisaged that herbal products that can stem this trend would be of great benefit. Garcinia kola (GK), also known as bitter kola is one of such plants. Generally used as a social snack and offered to guests in some cultural settings, bitter kola has been indicated in the treatment of laryngitis, general inflammation, bronchitis, viral infections and diabetes. In this study, the effects of methanol seed extract of Garcinia kola on the proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) in cell culture by Angiotensin II (Ang II) and LPS-induced NO production were carried out. Confluent VSMCs were exposed to GK (25, 50 and 100 μg/ml) before or after treatment with lipopolyssacharide (100μg/ml), and Angiotensin II (10−8-10−6M). Cellular proliferation was determined by MTT assay and NO production by Griess assay. Treatment with Angiotensin II (10−8, 10−6) or LPS significantly enhanced proliferation of VSM cells while LPS significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production. Treatment with GK (25, 50 &amp; 100 μg/ml) attenuated VSM cell proliferation. The results indicate that GK has potential to inhibit mitogen activated vascular cell growth and possibly inhibit inflammatory responses to LPS. Thus GK may be useful in condition that is characterized by cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses.

Impact of Conflict on Availability of Selected Non-Timber Forest Products around Omo Forest Reserves of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the impact of conflict on the level of availability of selected non-timber forest products around Omo forest reserve of Ogun State. Data was collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire on one hundred and twenty marketing households using multistage sampling technique. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, categorization method and t-test. The data analysis targeted socio-economic characteristics, the level of availability of NTFP before/afer the conflict in the study area. It was revealed that majority (69.2%) were farmers and (75%) had experienced conflict more than 3 times. It was discovered that the selected NTFPs were available in abundance with bitter kola and kola nut recording higher levels respectively before conflict, while wild mango and walnut were NTFPs that were still available in excess after conflict. The test of difference analysis result shows that there is a significant difference in the availability level before and after conflict.

English

The study evaluated the nephroprotective potentials of methanolic extract (ME) and dichloromethane fraction (DCMF) of root-bark of Garcinia kola on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats with a view to utilize the extracts of the root of G. Kola in the amelioration of antibiotic-induced kidney damage. The study involved preparation of the extract, fractionation, phytochemical screening and evaluation of phenolics and flavonoid contents. Moreover, both the acute and sub-acute toxicities of ME and DCMF were determined in mice and albino rats with concentrations ranging from 10 to 5000 mg/kg body weight (bwt) respectively. Forty albino rats were divided into 8 groups of five animals each and induced with gentamicin (80 mg/kg bwt). The renal biochemical metabolites and enzymes were quantified and assayed respectively. The histopathological examinations of kidney were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the ME and DCMF of the root-bark of G. kola revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, alkaloids and terpenoids. The extract and DCMF did not elicit any adverse effect and a dose of 250 mg/kg bwt of ME and DCMF was selected for further studies. The administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg bwt) caused elevated levels of plasma renal biomarkers, reduction in AciPase activities. Moreover, administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg bwt) resulted in damage to kidney structures. The treatments (pre and post) of the rats with 250 mg/kg extract and fraction reversed alterations of biochemical parameters which were supported by low levels of tubular and glomerular injuries induced by gentamicin treatment. The study concluded that, both the extract and fraction of G. kola root-bark elicited antioxidant and appreciable nephroprotective potentials. Key words: Antioxidant potentials, Garcinia kola, Methanolic extract, Nephrotoxicity, Renal biomarkers.

Effects of Garcinia kola biflavonoid fractions on serum lipid profile and kidney function parameters in hyperlipidemic rats

BackgroundGarcinia kola is used in traditional medicine in various parts of Africa including Nigeria for the amelioration of hypertension, cough, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, bacterial and fungal infections amongst others. The prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Garcinia kola biflavonoid fractions (GKBF); root bark (RBBF), stem bark (SBBF) and seed (SBF)) on the lipid profile and kidney function of Poloxamer 407 (P407) induced hyperlipidemic rats were determined.MethodsHyperlipidemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal dose of P407 after 19 days in the prophylactic group and after every 48 h in therapeutic group for 21 days. Atorvastatin (standard drug) and the GKBF were administered to different subgroups before induction in Prophylactic group and after induction in therapeutic group. Experimental animals were euthanized after day 21 of the study and blood samples collected for the evaluation of lipid levels and kidney function.ResultsAll Prophylactic and therapeutic group treated sub-groups had significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) when compared to hyperlipidemic control. The RBBF and SBBF increased the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). SBBF and SBF significantly (p < 0.05) increased HDL-c/TC ratio. The LDL-c/HDL-c and log (TG/HDL-c) level were lowered by the extracts except in the therapeutic group where only the SBF reduced log (TG/HDL-c). Kidney function test results in all groups showed no significant (p > 0.05) change in urea and creatinine concentrations.ConclusionThis study shows that Garcinia kola biflavonoid fraction has potential prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in the management of hyperlipidemia.

Kolaviron, a biflavonoid of Garcinia kola seed mitigates ischemic/reperfusion injury by modulation of pro-survival and apoptotic signaling pathways.

The study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of Kolaviron (KV) on ischemic/reperfusion injury in experimental animal models. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 received corn oil as a vehicle and rats in Group 2 were administered KV at 200 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The rats were fed with rat standard chow pellet and water administered ad libitum. After 4 weeks of KV administration, hearts were excised and mounted on the working heart perfusion system. Western blot analysis for protein expression was carried out on frozen heart samples. There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase with concomitant reduction in oxygen radical absorbance capacity in ischemic rat heart of control compared to group pre-treated with KV, respectively. Similarly, intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were significantly elevated in control compared to KV pre-treated rats. KV significantly increased total Akt/protein kinase B (PKB), phosphorylated Akt/PKB at serine 473 and also caused a significant reduction in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Caspase 3, and cleaved poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase. Taken together, KV offered significant cardioprotection via free radical scavenging activity and upregulation of pro-survival pathway.

Three indigenous plants used in anti-cancer remedies, Garcinia kola Heckel (stem bark), Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. (root) and Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (root) show analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevancePhytochemicals with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties are known to inhibit tumour initiation, promotion and progression. Hence, there is an increasingly-convincing rationale for employing remedies containing those phytochemicals in the treatment of cancers and also as analgesic and anti-inflammatory adjuvants in therapy. The plants Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae), stem bark; Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. (Annonaceae), root; and Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (Olacaceae), root, have been documented to be part of various indigenous anti-cancer regimens. Aim of the studyTo determine if the three plants exhibit significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and methodsUsing established models, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the three plants were investigated. ResultsPre-treatment with the plant extracts at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg produced inhibition of writhes; G. kola and U. chamae showed no significant effect on formalin-induced pain, but O. subscorpioidea produced inhibition in both phases of the formalin test. Similarly, while G. kola and U. chamae did not produce any significant inhibitory effect in the xylene-induced ear oedema model, the oedema was significantly reduced by O. subscorpioidea pre-treatment. However, all the three plants significantly inhibited the time-dependent increase in paw circumference in the carrageenan- and formaldehyde-induced rat paw oedema tests, with peak effects observed at 400mg/kg, 6h after the induction of oedema, comparable in some cases to the effects of two standard drugs, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and the anti-inflammatory antibiotic doxycycline. ConclusionWe conclude that the three plant extracts possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus providing a scientific rationale for their inclusion in some traditional anti-cancer regimens.

English

Preliminary screening of both methanol and aqueous extracts of the stem and root of Distemonanthus benthmianus, Treculia africana, Garcinia kola and Anogessus leiocarpus was carried out to test for antifungal activity. This was investigated using disc diffusion technique by measuring the zone of inhibition of the fungi after infusion with the plant extract. This produced definite antifungal activity against the dermatophytes used which were Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Distemonanthus benthmianus and Anogessus. leiocarpus extracts exhibited antifungal activity at 0.97mg/ml concentration against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. There was significant difference (PË‚0.05) in fungicidal activity in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. However, between the methanolic and aqueous extracts, there is no significant difference. Key words: Antifungal, dermatophytes, crude extract, fungicidal activity.

Control of Green Rot Fungus of &lt;i&gt;Arachis hypogaea &lt;/i&gt;L. in Orage Using Plant Extracts

The antifungal activity of the ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts of Zingiberofficinale, Tetrapleuratetraptera, Garcinia kola and Cola nitida on the green rot fungus (Penicillium sp.) isolated from infected groundnut (Arachishypogaea) seeds in storage were investigated in vitro. Various concentrations of the aqueous and ethanolic fruit extract ranging from 5g/100ml, 10g/100ml, and 15g/100ml were separately added to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. The fungus was inoculated into the media and incubated for seven days. Results of the in vitro studies showed that the ethanolic extracts had a significant inhibitory effect (p&lt;0.05) on the radial growth of Penicillium sp. at all levels of concentration tested. Complete inhibition of the fungus was at 15g/100ml of ethanolic extracts of Garcinia kola and Tetrapleuratetraptera. The aqueous extracts showed less inhibitory effect as compared to the ethanolic extracts. The effective inhibition of ethanolic extracts as compared to the aqueous extracts may be attributed to the efficiency of the extraction solvent on the phytochemical content of the plant extracts. The application of botanical extracts for disease management could be less expensive, easily available, non-polluting and eco-friendly. The ethanolic fruit extracts of Garcinia kola and Tetrapleuratetraptera at the higher concentrations can be produced in large quantities and used as spray in controlling the green rot fungus of Arachishypogaea in storage.

Ameliorative effect of kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola seeds against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats: role of antioxidant defense system.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) basal forebrain cholinergic neurons appear to be targeted primarily in early stages of the disease. Scopolamine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) has been used for decades to induce working and reference memory impairment in rodents. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex isolated from Garcinia kola seeds extract against scopolamine-induced memory impairment/oxidative stress. Rats were pretreated with kolaviron (25, 50 or 100mg/kg p.o.) for 3 consecutive days, scopolamine (3mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 1h post-treatment on day 3. Five minutes post-scopolamine injection, memory function was assessed using the Y-maze or Morris water maze tests (MWM) in rats. The rats were sacrificed and brains isolated on the 8th day after the MWM test for estimation of acetylcholinesterase activity and nitrosative/oxidative stress status. Scopolamine injection induced deficit (P<0.05) in percentage alternation behaviour in the Y-maze test indicating memory impairment which was ameliorated by kolaviron in a dose-dependent manner. Also, pre-training treatment with kolaviron significantly improved spatial learning evidenced in the session-dependent and more efficient localization of the hidden platform in the MWM test. Moreover, scopolamine injection induced significant increase in lipid peroxidation (prefrontal cortex), nitrite generation (striatum and hippocampus) and a decrease in glutathione (prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus) and superoxide dismutase (striatum and hippocampus) level which was attenuated by kolaviron pre-treatment. These findings showed that kolaviron possesses cognition enhancing effect through enhancement of antioxidant defense and cholinergic systems.

Control of Green Rot Fungus of &lt;i&gt;Arachis hypogaea &lt;/i&gt;L. in Orage Using Plant Extracts

The antifungal activity of the ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts of Zingiberofficinale, Tetrapleuratetraptera, Garcinia kola and Cola nitida on the green rot fungus (Penicillium sp.) isolated from infected groundnut (Arachishypogaea) seeds in storage were investigated in vitro. Various concentrations of the aqueous and ethanolic fruit extract ranging from 5g/100ml, 10g/100ml, and 15g/100ml were separately added to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. The fungus was inoculated into the media and incubated for seven days. Results of the in vitro studies showed that the ethanolic extracts had a significant inhibitory effect (p&lt;0.05) on the radial growth of Penicillium sp. at all levels of concentration tested. Complete inhibition of the fungus was at 15g/100ml of ethanolic extracts of Garcinia kola and Tetrapleuratetraptera. The aqueous extracts showed less inhibitory effect as compared to the ethanolic extracts. The effective inhibition of ethanolic extracts as compared to the aqueous extracts may be attributed to the efficiency of the extraction solvent on the phytochemical content of the plant extracts. The application of botanical extracts for disease management could be less expensive, easily available, non-polluting and eco-friendly. The ethanolic fruit extracts of Garcinia kola and Tetrapleuratetraptera at the higher concentrations can be produced in large quantities and used as spray in controlling the green rot fungus of Arachishypogaea in storage.

&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; study of interaction between quinine and &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt;

Purpose : To investigate the interaction between quinine and Garcinia kola using an in vitro adsorption study. Methods : In vitro interaction between quinine and G. kola was conducted at 37 ± 0.1 °C. Adsorption of quinine (2.5 - 40 μg/ml) to 2.5 % w/v G. kola suspension was studied. Thereafter, quinine desorption process was investigated. The amount of quinine adsorbed and desorbed was quantified using HPLC. A Freundlich isotherm was constructed to describe the resulting data and percentage of quinine desorbed was determined from the desorption data. Results : An adsorption isotherm of the data gave a Freundlich constant (K) of 52.66 μg/g, with a slope of 0.69 indicating a high capacity and affinity of G. kola to adsorb quinine at a concentration smaller than 2.41 μg/g of G. kola. However the adsorptive capacity of G. kola for quinine at 37 ± 0.1 °C appears to be a saturable process as observed from the isotherm. Quinine desorption from G. kola peaked at 1 hour (37.51 %) and decreased to a constant amount (about 35 %) over the remaining sampling time. Conclusion : Quinine is adsorbed on G. kola in vitro. This suggests that concurrent administration of quinine and G. kola should be avoided, to prevent potential drug interaction and decreased drug bioavailability. Keywords: Quinine, Garcinia kola, Adsorption, Desorption, Drug interaction

Protective effects of kolaviron and gallic acid against cobalt-chloride-induced cardiorenal dysfunction via suppression of oxidative stress and activation of the ERK signaling pathway.

Cobalt (Co) toxicity is a potential public health problem due to recent renewed use of Co in orthopedic implants, dietary supplements, and blood doping in athletes and horses. We investigated the protective roles of kolaviron (KV), a bi-flavonoid of Garcinia kola, and gallic acid (GA) on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced cardiorenal damage in rats. CoCl2 caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in serum creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), xanthine oxidase (XO), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, H2O2, nitric oxide, as well as C-reactive protein expression, along with significant (p < 0.05) reduction in cardiac and renal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. KV and GA prevented the toxic effects of CoCl2 by stimulating ERK expression and reversing Co-induced biochemical changes. Administration of CoCl2 alone did not significantly alter ECG patterns in the rats, although co-treatment with KV (200 mg/kg) produced QT-segment prolongation and also appeared to potentiate Co hypotension. Histopathology of the heart and kidneys of rats treated with KV and GA confirmed the biochemical data. KV and GA thus protected against cardiac and renal damage in Co intoxication via antioxidant and (or) cell survival mechanisms, possibly involving ERK activation.

EFFECT OF MODERATE INTAKE OF A MIXTURE OF GARCINIA KOLA AND HONEY ON BLOOD CELLS

A mixture of Garcinia kola and honey has been used for the treatment of certain conditions including dry coughs. The aim of this study was to study the effect of the mixture of G. kola and honey on blood cells. Twenty five rats were grouped into 5 of 5 rats each. A mixture of G. kola 0.16 g/kg and 0.5 ml honey was given orally to rats in Group 1 twice daily for 14 days. Each rat in Group 2 had a mixture of 0.20 g/kg G.a kola and 0.5 ml honey for a similar period as Group 1, while Groups 3 and 4 rats had 0.24g/kg G. kola and 0.5 ml honey, and 0.28 g/kg G. kola and 0.5 ml honey respectively. Group 5 served as the control, and was not administered with the mixture of G. kola and honey. The result did not reveal any significant difference in the packed cell volume (PCV), leucocyte differential count and the total leucocyte count in the control and test animals. Moderate intake of the mixture of G. kola and honey does not affect production of leucocytes and red bloodcells.