Effects Of Kolaviron Research Articles

Using WEKA to Classify Treponemes Based on Carbohydrate Utilization and Enzymatic Activity

Garcinia kola and Curcuma longa possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-toxic properties which makes them ideal choices in traditional alternative medicine. Kolaviron and curcumin ethanoic extracts are from Garcinia kola and Curcuma longa respectively and have shown ample beneficial health effect in animal models of diseases and also in the prevention of hepatoxicity induced by several toxins. The aim of the study was to compare the separate effects of kolaviron and curcumin ethanoic extracts on blood parameters in female Wister albino rats. Eighty-four female albino rats were used in this study and were grouped into fertile, infertile and pregnant rats in the investigation. Anti-oxidant markers such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST) were assayed for in this study.The result shows that both kolaviron and curcumin, possess antioxidant properties and the results from the three groups investigated, showed that the extracts had similar influence (anti-oxidants effect) on pregnancy, as kolaviron showed a bit more “potency”. In the infertile rats, both extracts present competing anti-oxidants effects on the organs. In conclusion, kolaviron presented a more effective anti-oxidants property across the three subject groups studied compared to curcumin. Keywords: Garcinia Kola , Turmeric, Kolaviron, Curcumin, Haematological, antioxidants Parameters DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-6-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Amyloid β fibrils disruption by kolaviron: Molecular docking and extended molecular dynamics simulation studies

Garcinia kola (GK) produces notable effects against neurodegenerative conditions, including experimentally-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These remarkable effects are basically attributable to kolaviron (KV), a bioflavonoid constituent of this seed. Specifically, it has been reported that in AD models, KV produces interesting neuroprotective effects, being able to diminish associated neurotoxicity, via modulation of antioxidative, inflammatory and other disease modifying processes. Intriguingly, the effect of KV on amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation and disruption of preformed Aβ fibrils have not been studied. In this study, we have described a thorough computational study on the mechanism of action of KV as an Aβ fibrils disruptor at molecular level. We used comprehensive in silico docking evaluations and extended molecular dynamics simulation to mimic KV/Aβ fibrils system. Results indicate that KV was able to move within the Aβ fibrils, binding with important residues and components in the Aβ peptide identified to be vital for stabilizing preformed fibrils. KV destabilized the assembled Aβ fibrils, indicating the ability KV as a potential anti-amyloidogenic agent. Furthermore, this work highlighted the possibility of identifying new multifunctional phytocompounds as potent AD drugs.

Kolaviron: A Biflavonoid with Numerous Health Benefits.

The increasing interests on the healing properties of medicinal plants have led to a paradigm shift from the use of synthetic drug to the search of natural medicines for the treatment and management of several diseases. Like other phenolics flavonoids have been continuously explored for their medicinal benefits, with their potent antioxidant activity being a major interest. Kolaviron (KVN) is a biflavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel, which has been reported for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been explored in several disease models including reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, diabetes mellitus, gastrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The present study was aimed to review the reported medicinal properties of KVN in order to provide some guidelines and direction to researchers on KVN research. A literature search was conducted with the aim of identifying peer-reviewed published data on KVN and their biological activities. Different academic and/or scientific search engines were utilized including but not limited to Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and so on. Among all the studied disease models obtained from the literatures, the effect of KVN on reproductive toxicity was the most studied as it represented 25% of all the studies, followed by neuroprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective activities of Kolaviron. From our identified studies, KVN has been shown to have antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hematoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective activities. KVN also has effects on malaria and reproductive health, which can be explored for novel drug and nutraceutical developments for related ailments. Unfortunately, while toxicity data are lacking, most studies are limited to in vitro and/or in vivo models, which may impede translation in this area of research. Based on data gathered from the literature search, it is evident that KVN possesses numerous health benefits, which can be attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, more studies are required in this area of research to validate the medicinal value of kolaviron, which may positively influence the economic value of plant, Garcinia kola.

Kolaviron ameliorates behavioural deficit and injury to striatal dopaminergic terminals via modulation of oxidative burden, DJ-1 depletion and CD45R+ cells infiltration in MPTP-model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Currently, the precise pathogenic detail of PD is not entirely clear and first line therapeutics fail to attenuate the progress of the disease. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of kolaviron, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed, on behavioural impairment, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in an acute MPTP-induced PD model. Kolaviron mitigated the frequently interrupted MPTP-associated hyperkinesia, inefficient gait, immobility, inability to pay attention to sizable holes on walking path, habitual clockwise rotations characterized with minimal diversion of movements and impaired balance. Also, kolaviron suppressed MPTP-mediated striatal oxidative stress, depletion as well as degeneration of dopaminergic terminals, reduced DJ-1 secretion and upregulated expression of caspase-3. Kolaviron facilitated cytoprotective antioxidant response and prevented MPTP-mediated neuroinflammation by blocking striatal infiltration of peripheral CD45R positive cells. Additionally, kolaviron reversed MPTP-induced inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. Together, our study provides evidence that the neuroprotective capacity of kolaviron to modulatestriatal degeneration, behavioural impairment, antioxidant/redox imbalance and neuroinflammation implicated in the pathogenesis of PD may involve upregulation of DJ-1 secretion and inhibition of CD45R cells infiltration. Our data recommend kolaviron as a possible neuroprotective strategy in the management of Parkinson's disease and the associated behavioural complications, albeit the identity of MPTP-associated striatal CD45R infiltrate needs to be further characterized.

Effects of Kolaviron on Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination in the Hippocampus of Adult Wistar Rats

Effects of Kolaviron on Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination in the Hippocampus of Adult Wistar Rats

Kolaviron, A Flavonoid From Garcinia Kola Seeds, Ameliorates Experimental Colitis In Rats Exposed To Cadmium

Cadmium has been shown to potentiate experimental ulcers in laboratory animals. Its ability to predispose humans to ulcerative colitis has also been postulated. Polyphenols and flavonoids found in plants possess antioxidant and metal binding potentials and may therefore, be beneficial in pathological conditions of oxidative stress resulting from exposure to heavy metals. In the present study, the effect of kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from the seeds of Garcinia kola (Heckel) on colitis in cadmium‐exposed rats was investigated. Male Wistar rats (110–120 g) were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 received distilled water, Group 2 received dimethyl sulphoxide, and served as negative and positive controls respectively. Group 3 received cadmium (10 mg/kg) while group 4 animals received Cadmium (10 mg/kg) in addition to kolaviron (200 mg/kg). The last group received kolaviron (200 mg/kg) alone. After four weeks of exposure to cadmium with or without kolaviron, colitis was induced in all animals in groups 2–5 by intrarectal administration of 2 mL of 4% Acetic acid (AA). Rats were sacrificed and colons resected at days 0, 3, 7 and 14 days of colitis induction. Assessment was based on symptoms of colitis such as weight loss and stool consistency using a diarrhoea score scale. Colon sample homogenates were analysed for concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), Glutathione (GSH), Sulfhydryl, activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Na+‐K+ ATPase, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) by spectrophotometry and histology by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The weight loss (%) in Cadmium group by week 3 was (31.05 ± 0.04). Intrarectal administration of AA resulted in increased stool score in Cadmium group (0.80 ± 0.00) till day 14 post colitis induction. Macroscopic score was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in Cadmium group till day 14. MDA were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in Cadmium group at days 7 and 14. The notable increases in MPO and NO during AA‐induced colitis and cadmium exposure were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by Kolaviron. Significant (p < 0.05) decreases in SOD, Na+‐K+ ATPase activities, sulfhydryl and GSH concentrations upon AA administration were attenuated in other groups except Cadmium group. Histology showed healing in all groups post colitis induction except in Cadmium group where histopathological damage was still evident at day 14. Kolaviron ameliorated the delayed healing of Acetic acid‐induced colitis during cadmium exposures in Wistar rats and may therefore, be useful as dietary intervention in cases of cadmium exposures.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

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.

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.

Kolaviron shows anti-proliferative effect and down regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and toll like receptor-2 in Wuchereria bancrofti infected blood lymphocytes.

The anti-proliferative effect and down regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor C and toll like receptor-2 by kolaviron on Wuchereria bancrofti infected peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated. Blood were collected from consenting volunteers in Talata Mafara, Nigeria, between the hours of 10pm to 12am, and microscopically identified for microfilariae. W. bancrofti positive samples were cultured for 72h treated with Doxycycline (2μg/ml) and kolaviron (5μg/ml) in vitro. Mitotic index, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-c), toll like receptor-2 (TLR-2) were determined using standard procedures. Mitotic index was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the kolaviron treated group compared to negative control. Kolaviron also significantly (P<0.05) down regulated the expression of VEGF-c and TLR-2 when compared with the untreated group. In both cases, the effects of kolaviron was not significantly different (P<0.05) to that of doxycycline. Furthermore, strong positive correlations between mitotic index, VEGF-c and TLR-2 expressions were observed. The study suggests that kolaviron rich portion of Garcinia kola exhibited anti-proliferative effect and down regulation of VEGF-c and TLR-2 in W. bancrofti infected blood. Thus, the results from this study might have unravelled the potency of kolaviron in the management of complications associated with lymphatic filariasis.

The Effects of Kolaviron on the Atherogenic Propensity of Nigeria Local Edible Oils in Male Wistar Rats

The Effects of Kolaviron on the Atherogenic Propensity of Nigeria Local Edible Oils in Male Wistar 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

The effects of Kolaviron, a Natural Flavonoid from the Seeds of Garcinia Kola on LPS‐induced Inflammation in Macrophages

Kolaviron (Kol‐v), an important component of Garcinia kola seed has a variety of biologic activities, including anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the possible anti‐inflammatory effect of Kol‐v against pro‐inflammatory responses induced by LPS and the associated signalling pathways in vitro. The protective effects of Kol‐v were determined by measuring gene expressions and activation of inflammatory molecules in LPS‐activated RAW macrophages. We found that Kol‐v inhibited LPS‐induced phosphorylation of p‐c‐JUN and p38 but not IκBα, NF‐κB (p65), ERK1/2, JNK, and IκBα degradation. Kol‐v also suppressed LPS‐induced IL‐18 and LPS‐down‐regulated IP‐10 gene expressions but had no effect on the LPS‐induced gene expression levels of IL‐1α, IL‐33, IL‐1β, IFNβ1‐1, and TNF‐α. Kol‐v concentrations (50 and 100 μM), blocked the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, IκBα, p38, and NF‐κB but not CREB. The protective effect on JNK phosphorylation was observed at 100 μM Kol‐v. At all concentrations of Kol‐v (10‐100 μM) tested, Kol‐v suppressed the production of IL‐6 in a concentration dependent manner but had no effect on LPS‐induced secretion of TNF‐α. Collectively, these results suggest that Kol‐v interferes with LPS signalling by reducing the activation of several inflammatory transcription factors and that its inhibitory action on IL‐6 secretion correlates with inhibition of ERK1/2, p38, Akt, p‐c‐JUN and JNK signalling pathways.

Renoprotection of Kolaviron against benzo (A) pyrene-induced renal toxicity in rats

Benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon generally formed from incomplete combustion of organic matter, reportedly causes renal injury and elicits a nephropathic response. The present study investigated the modulatory effect of Kolaviron, an isolated bioflavonoid from the seed of Garcinia kola, on renal toxicity induced by B[a]P in Wistar rats. Benzo[a]pyrene was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg alone or in combination with Kolaviron at 100 and 200 mg/kg for 15 d. Administration of B[a]P alone resulted in significant increase in plasma levels of urea and creatinine in the treated rats. Moreover, B[a]P exposure significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) as well as glutathione (GSH) level in the kidneys of treated rats. Conversely, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly elevated in kidneys of B[a]P-treated rats compared with control. Further, B[a]P exposure significantly decreased the circulatory concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and T3/T4 ratio without affecting thyroxine (T4) in the treated rats. Light microscopy revealed tubular lumen with numerous protein casts in kidneys of rats exposed to B[a]P alone. Kolaviron co-treatment significantly improved the renal antioxidant status, thyroid gland function and restored the renal histology, thus demonstrating the protective effect of Kolaviron in B[a]P-treated rats. Dietary inclusion of Kolaviron could exert protective effects against renal toxicity resulting from B[a]P exposure.

Anti-inflammatory effects of kolaviron modulate the expressions of inflammatory marker genes, inhibit transcription factors ERK1/2, p-JNK, NF-κB, and activate Akt expressions in the 93RS2 Sertoli cell lines.

The anti-inflammatory effects of kolaviron (Kol-v) have been demonstrated in several experimental models. The ability of Kol-v to modulate the expressions of inflammatory genes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Sertoli cell line, 93RS2 was investigated in this study. Kol-v decreased the expressions of inflammatory genes TNF-α, Tlr-4, and Nfκb1 and has synergistic effect on LPS-induced COX-2 and iNOS expressions at high concentrations (25-100 μM). At lower concentrations (5-15 µM), the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1α were down-regulated by Kol-v except Tgfβ1 that was up-regulated. The LPS-induced decrease in the expression of the anti-inflammatory genes IL-3, IL-4, and IL-10 was blocked by Kol-v at all concentrations of Kol-v tested. The LPS-induced phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinase family members (ERK1/2, and p-JNK), decreased IκBα expression, and decreased Akt phosphorylation was blocked by Kol-v. Our results highlight the potential for Kol-v at lower concentration to ameliorate cellular damage caused by local inflammation.

Modulatory Role of Kolaviron in Phenytoin-Induced Hepatic and Testicular Dysfunctions in Wistar Rats

ABSTRACTPhenytoin, an anticonvulsant agent used for the treatment of epilepsy has been reported to exhibit toxic side effects on the liver and testes. The present study investigated the protective effects of kolaviron (KV, a bioflavonoid from Garcinia kola seeds) against hepatic and testicular damage in rats exposed to phenytoin. The study consisted of four groups of six rats per group. Group I rats received 2 mL/kg of corn alone while group II received 75 mg/kg of phenytoin (PHT) alone. Groups III and IV were co-treated with kolaviron (200 mg/kg KV) and vitamin E (500 mg/kg VTE), respectively, for 14 days. The antioxidant status, hepatic and reproductive functional parameters were subsequently determined. PHT treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels along with significant reduction in the hepatic and testicular levels of glutathione (GSH). Moreover, PHT exposure elicited significant increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The significant reduction in seminal epithelium thickness and the diameter of seminiferous tubules was accompanied with marked decrease in sperm motility, sperm count, and viability in PHT-treated rats. However, antioxidant status and the functional indices of liver and testes were restored to near control levels in rats co-treated with KV and VTE. In conclusion, KV and VTE protect the liver and testes against functional impairment due to PHT treatment.

The Effects of Kolaviron (Methanolic Extract of Garcinia kola Seeds) on the Histoarchitectural Studies of the Hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal Axis in Female Wistar Rats

The Effects of Kolaviron (Methanolic Extract of Garcinia kola Seeds) on the Histoarchitectural Studies of the Hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal Axis in Female Wistar Rats

A Study of the Hepatoprotective effect of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia Kola&lt;/i&gt; Water Extract in Amodiaquine and Artesunate Treated Rats

The effect of kolaviron, a water extract of Garcinia Kola on hepatotoxicity induced by the antimalarial drug, amodiaquine was investigated. The effect was compared with that of artesunate, another antimalarial agent. Thirty (30) adult male rats divided into six (6) groups were used in the study. Groups D, E and F were treated with 100mg/Kg of the extract twice daily for the first one week and 200mg/Kg/day for the subsequent three (3) weeks. Amodiaquine (10mg/Kg/day) was administered orally for four (4) days into rats in groups A and E while rats in groups B and F were treated with artesunate (5mg/Kg/day for four {4} days). Group C was treated with normal saline and kept as test control. All the rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks treatment period. Blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture while the liver was removed, homogenized and used for both biochemical and histological analysis. Treatment with amodiaquine resulted in increase in relative liver weight while this increase was reversed by pre-treatment with Garcinia kola extract. Amodiaquine treatment also resulted in significant increase in liver postmitochondria lipid peroxidation, while pretreatment with Garcinia Kola significantly decrease the MDA value from the 62.53±0.60 unit/g tissue (prior to Garcinia Kola administration) to 44.43± 2.16unit/g tissues. Treatment with artesunate neither caused a significant change in the relative liver weight nor in the lipid peroxidation value. Amodiaquine treatment also resulted in significant increase in serum ALT and AST activities and a subsequent decrease in these parameters in the liver, whereas, the observed changes were reversed with pretreatment with Garcinia kola extract. Treatment with artesunate and pretreatment with Garcinia kola prior to artesunate administration did not alter these parameters significantly. Histological examinations of the liver slices correlated with the observations in the serum and liver. The present study indicates that Garcinia Kola is effective in preventing the hepatotoxic effect due to prophylactic administration of amodiaquine. It also emphasized that prophylactic treatment with artesunate does not cause a significant alteration in liver function. Keywords: Garcinia Kola, hepatotoxicity, amodiaquine, artesunate, lipid peroxidationNigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 9-15

Chemoprevention of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats by kolaviron—A Garcinia kola seed extract

The effect of kolaviron, a mixture of Garcinia biflavonoid 1 (GB1), Garcinia biflavonoid 2 (GB2) and kolaflavanone, used in the treatment of various ailments in southern Nigeria on hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in rats was investigated. The ability of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) to attenuate the toxic effect of 2-AAF was also examined. Kolaviron administered orally to rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight twice a day for 1 week before challenge with 2-AAF (200 mg/kg feed) and continuously for 3 weeks at a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight reversed the 2-AAF-mediated decrease in final body weight and relative organ weights, especially the liver. BHA was administered at a dose of 7.5 g/kg feed to the animals for 4 weeks. The extract decreased significantly the 2-AAF-mediated increase in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase and ornithine carbamyl transferase by 58%, 62%, 60% and 67%, respectively. BHA elicited respectively 55%, 63%, 57% and 65% reduction in the 2-AAF induced-increase in the activities of these enzymes. Histological examination of the liver slices correlated with the changes in serum enzyme alterations. Similarly, kolaviron decreased the 2-AAF reduction of 5′-nucleotidase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities by 63% and 60%, respectively while BHA elicited 59% and 61% decrease in the activities of these enzymes. Simultaneous administration of kolaviron with 2-AAF inhibited microsomal lipid peroxidation as assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) formation by 66%. BHA produced a 64% reduction in TBARS formation. In the present study, kolaviron appears to act as an in vivo natural antioxidant and an effective hepatoprotective agent and is as effective as BHA.

Inhibition of drug metabolism by flavonoid extract (Kolaviron) ofGarcinia kola seeds in the rat

Male rats were treated daily with either intraperitoneal or oral doses (200 mg/kg) of a biflavonoid fraction of an extract from Garcinia kola seeds, kolaviron, either dissolved in DMSO or suspended in 0.9% NaCl. The duration of kolaviron treatment lasted 4 days (i.p.) or 7 days (oral). The control groups received 0.9% NaCl orally or DMSO alone (i.p.). The effect of kolaviron was tested on the duration of barbiturate-induced sleep, and on the activities of liver microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (p-hydroxylation and N-demethylation). Kolaviron was observed to: 1, significantly prolong the duration of sleep induced by either hexobarbital or pentobarbital; and 2, significantly depress the levels of drug metabolizing activity of the hepatic microsomal enzymes studied, when compared to the control groups. The effects of kolaviron pretreatment on the duration of sleep induced by barbiturates, are attributable to an inhibitory effect of kolaviron on the activity of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver.