Extract Of Garcinia Kola Research Articles

Control of Green Rot Fungus of <i>Arachis hypogaea </i>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<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.

Control of Green Rot Fungus of <i>Arachis hypogaea </i>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<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.

Effects of Garcinia Kola Extract on the Testicular Sperm Reserve of Adult Male Guinea Pig

The effect of Garcinia Kola extract on testicular sperm reserve was investigated by using varying concentrations and duration of administration of the extract. Twenty‐five adult male Guinea pigs were randomly divided into five groups containing five Guinea pigs in each group. The first four groups served as experimental groups and the other one served as control group. The Guinea pigs in group A was given a dose that ranged from 60.0 to 37.5mg/kg body weight with a concentration of 100mg/kg body weight while those of group B were given a dose that ranged from 200 to 75mg/kg having a concentration of 500mg/kg body weight. Group A and Group B had time duration of just one week. The Guinea Pigs in Group C was given a dose that ranged from 40.0mg to 20.0mg/kg body weight with a concentration of 100mg/kg body weight, while those of Group D were given a dose that ranged from 175mg to 75mg/kg body weight having a concentration of 500mg/kg body weight. The two Groups had time duration of two weeks. The extract was administered orally daily, for the one and two weeks consecutively. Group E served as the control group. The animals were weighed, sacrificed and the testes collected the right testis was macerated in 2ml of semen diluting fluid until a homogenous mixture was formed. An improved Neubauer's Chamber was used to determine the testicular sperm reserve. The control Group had a significant higher (p<0.05) testicular sperm reserve than the treated Groups, especially Groups B and D that had doses with concentration of 500mg/kg body weight. The extract did not exhibit any effect on the testicular body mass. The result suggests that oral administration of Garcinia Kola extract reduced testicular sperm reserve of male Guinea Pigs in a concentration dependent manner.

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

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

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

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

Antibacterial and Chemical Properties of Chromatographic Fractions of Acidic Metabolites from Garcinia Kola Seed Extract

Acidic metabolites were precipitated from ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola seed and fractionated by column chromatography to obtain three fractions AM1, AM2, and AM3. Chemical test on the acidic metabolites and the fractions showed they were mainly flavonoids. In vitro antibacterial screening of the fractions showed they possessed antibacterial activity. They inhibited the growth of five human test bacterial isolates: Coliform bacilli, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Their inhibition zone diameters ranged from 8 mm to 26 mm. The standard control antibiotic Ciprofloxacin gave inhibition zone diameters ranging from 18 mm to 20 mm, at the same concentration of 100 mg/ml for the same test bacteria. It was concluded that with appropriate standardization, the three fractions from the acidic metabolites of ethanolic extract of seed of Garcinia kola could effectively complement the existing antibiotics with beneficial health effect.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on male sexual function after subchronic and chronic treatment periods at different sublethal doses. Adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) of a 70% ethanolic extract of G. kola daily for 56 days. Sexual behaviour studies were performed on days 28 and 50. At termination on day 56, organ weights, sperm count, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histology were assessed. Subchronic and chronic treatment of normal male rats with G. kola extract resulted in overall increase in components of libido, erection and ejaculation in treated rats - with lower doses being more efficient than the higher dose. There was a slight reduction in some components of sexual behaviour with prolonged time of treatment. G. kola treatment at all doses resulted in increased testicular weights, increased sperm count with no change in motility and increased serum testosterone levels with no change in gonadotropin levels. Gross testicular histology was not affected by treatment. We conclude that G. kola seed extract possesses potent aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats with resultant increase in sperm count and testosterone levels.

Some Physical Properties of &lt;i&gt;Vernonia amygdalina&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; Microspheres Prepared with High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycols

The effect of polymer concentrations on some of the physicochemical properties of Vernonia amygdalina (Linn) and Garcinia kola (Heckel) extracts loaded microspheres was evaluated. Microspheres of the aqueous extracts was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation using polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixtures of molecular weight 4000 and 6000 at different ratios of 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 while the amounts of the extracts incorporated was constant for all ratios. The microspheres were evaluated for their particles sizes, yield, flavonoid content, loading efficiency, moisture loss and flow properties. In-vitro release studies were carried out by monitoring flavonoid release rate from the microspheres. The microspheres were spherical and uniformly shaped and exhibited good flow characteristics. Their size range, yield, loading efficiency, moisture loss and flavonoid content were 76 - 83 im, 49 - 76 %, 47 - 82 %, 2.18 - 4.60 % and 17.10 - 23.80 mg%, respectively for V. amygdalina and 144 - 160 im, 50 - 68 %, 51 - 68 %, 3.00 - 4.41 % and 20.00 - 28.70 mg%, respectively for G. kola . Flavonoids release from the microsphere was up to 90 % within 1 h and it followed a matrix release kinetic model with a super case-II transport mechanism. The concentrations of the polymers affected the yield, loading efficiency, moisture loss and the extent of flavonoid release of the microspheres but had no effect on their particle sizes and flavonoid content. These results may find useful application in the delivery of V. amygdalina and G. kola extracts since the combination of PEG of different molecular weights resulted in microspheres with good physicochemical and release properties. © JASEM

Neuroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia kola on Monosodium Glutamate - Induced Cerebellar Cortical Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Aims: This study assessed the neuroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on monosodium glutamateinduced toxicity in the cerebellar cortex of adult Wistar rats. Study Design: Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=5): A, B, C, D, and E. Group A served as the control while the other groups served as the treated groups. Animals in group A were given feed and water liberally. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal Holdings of the Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria between September 2011 and December, 2011. Methodology: Animals in group B received 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate orally for 14 days, Original Research Article Adeshina et al.; EJMP, 5(1): 13-22, 2015; Article no. EJMP.2015.002 14 group C received 200 mg/kg of Garcinia kola extract orally for 14 days, group D received 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate and 200 mg/kg of Garcinia kola extract orally for 14 days and group E was pretreated with 200 mg/kg of Gracinia kola extracts orally for 14 days prior to the administration of 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate for 14 days. The brain was excised and weighed before fixing in 10 % formal saline for histological processing. Results: The results reveal intact cerebellar neurons in group A, C and D. Group B reveals some cellular degeneration of cortical layers compared with other groups. Preservation of cerebellar tissue was observed in group B. Group E which was pretreated with Garcinia kola shows an appreciable preserved cerebellar tissue. Conclusion: This study concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on monosodium glutamate-induced cerebellar damage in adult Wistar rats.

Potentials of nutritional therapy, phytopharmaceuticals and phytomedicine in the prevention and control of Ebola virus in Africa

With more than 15000 people infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) leading to more than 7000 deaths in Liberia, Serra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal, Ebola Virus Disease remains one of the most dreaded scourges and concerns in contemporary international health (CIH). We note in this essay, that current intervention strategies for the containment of emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola may remain inadequate unless an integrated health intervention (IHI) strategy is adopted. Focus on vaccine development is, undoubtedly, critical but unlikely soon. Synthetic antiviral therapy (AVT) or antifiloviral therapy (AFT) such as using Zmapp, Favipiravir and Brincindofovir amongst others may remain therapeutically inadequate to contain not only Ebola but future scourges. For one fact, as already observed, Zmapp, TKM-Ebola and Favipiravir are hopeful but clouded with toxicity concerns and like any antibiotic of single molecular base likely to be resisted by the bug over time. In this article, our position is that, the medical approach to confront Ebola should be a multidisciplinary approach with equality. This will mean providing a medical care that protects health care workers, searching for an effective vaccine and antiviral therapy that is cost effective, weaving cultural, environmental and community based approaches to preventing the spread as well as fostering and incorporating nutritional therapy, traditional medicine as an integrative package for infectious diseases control. We attempted to highlight that african nutriceticals and phytomedicine could be useful in the control of infectious diseases such as Ebola through the use of medicinal plants such as Garcinia kola extracts and the exploitation of mushroom extracts such as Ganoderma lucidum containing selenium, Iron, zinc, 7-8% crude protein, 26-28% carbohydrates and a range of bioactive protein that can boost the immune system of patients with Ebola virus hemorrhagic fevers. Evidence in grey literature demonstrates profound antiviral activities from extracts of Garcinia kola on a range viruses including Ebola virus. Kolaviron, a class of flavonoids from garcinia kola, have been found with profound antiviral activity while compounds from cordycep mycelium such as beta glucans also reported in Ganoderma lucidum and some mushroom species have profound immune boosting potentials against many viral infections. A computerized data base for these compounds for drug development could be generated for use by pharmaceutical companies. It is concluded that, nutritional therapy, phytopharmaceuticals from medicinal plants, could be used not only as drug leads but could clinically complement current management of Ebola virus diseases in African hospitals.

Estimation of glucose level and body weight in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rat treated with Aqueous extract of Garcinia Kola Seed

Aim: Hypoglyceamic effect of Garcinia kola (GK) was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Method: Eighteen male wistar albino rats of weights between 158-172g were divided into three groups A- C. Group A was given distilled water (D/W) throughout the experiment; diabetes was induced in group B and C. Group B was given d/w but not GK while group C was treated with GK extract for 21 days. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, 24 hours, 7th, 14th and 21st day for blood glucose evaluation. Results: Mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was significantly higher (P<0.001) after 24 hours diabetes induction with alloxan in groups B and C rats compared to the baseline. Group B showed geometric increase in FBG level and decrease in body weight from 24 hours after diabetes induction to the 21st day of study duration. Group C rats had significantly lower (P<0.001) mean FBG level than Group B rats. Significant difference in body weight was observed among the 3 groups throughout the study periods but for baseline. Conclusion: Treatment of alloxan induced diabetic rats with GK extract lowers blood glucose level and restores weight loss.

Anticonceptive, estrogenic and antiestrogenic potentials of methanol extract of Garcinia kola seed in rodents

The anticonceptive, estrogenic and antiestrogenic potential of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola seed in rodents was investigated. The anti-conceptive effect of extract showed that the extract dose-dependently protected female mice and rats from conception for two to three gestational periods. Changes observed in the length and weights of pups were not statistically significant relative to control. There were no abnormalities observed in the pups over thirty days. In ovariectomized immature rats treated with extract (100 to 300 mg/kg), there was a significant increase in uterine wet weight. The extract also induced uterotrophic effects, namely, immature vaginal opening and cornification, when comparedwith control. These findings agree with the traditional use of G. kola seed in control of fertility. The contraceptive property of the extract may be associated with the direct effects of its chemical constituents. Key words: Garcinia kola, anti-conceptive potential, estrogenic.

Garcinia Kola Extracts As Antifungal Therapy for Oral Candida Infections’- A Comparative Study

Background: Candida, a normal commensal of the mouth is the cause of candidal infections of the oral cavity in patients with compromised immunity, extremes of ages and in healthy people with local factors that can precipitate the infection. Objectives: To determine the effect of Garcinia kola (G.kola) extract on oral Candida infection in non- HIV participants, to assess its side effects and to compare its efficacy with Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. Materials and methods: A double blinded clinical trial was carried out in non-HIV participants with clinically diagnosed Candida infection. Consecutive patient presenting with oral candidal infection were recruited until the sample size was achieved. They were all screened for varying medical conditions. Garcinia kola extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash were administered to the participants by the research assistant after randomly selected into the two treatment groups. Both the researcher and the participants were blinded..(remove the 2 nd full stop)Data generated was analyzed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows version 16.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago IL. Results: There were sixty six participants, with thirty three in each group, but fifty-nine completed the study (twenty eight in Garcinia kola group and thirty one in Chlorhexidine group) .The lesion was cleared in 96.4% participants who used Garcinia kola while it was cleared in 80.6% participants who used chlorhexidine at the end of the 3 rd week. There was a statistical significant difference (p=0.01) at the end of the 2 nd week in the participants; with 16 (57.1%) having it cleared with Garcinia kola and 6 (19.4%) with Chlorhexidine. Conclusion: Garcinia kola and Chlorhexidine were both effective against candidal infection, but Garcinia kola showed a better clinical outcome.

In-vitro antifungal effect of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; and garlic (&lt;i&gt;Alliums sativum&lt;/i&gt;) on vaginal isolates of &lt;i&gt;candida&lt;/i&gt;

Background/Objectives:Within the last decade there has been an emergence of antifungal drug resistance. Alliums sativum and Garcinia kola seeds were tested for their anticandidal properties in comparison with fluconazole and miconazole.Methods: High Vaginal swab samples from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis were processed and identified to the species level by germ tube method, morphology on corn meal agar and sugar fermentation reactions. Methanol and aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola and Alliums sativum, as well as fluconazole and miconazole were tested in-vitro using the agar dilution method.Results: One hundred and twenty six women with symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled and Candida species were isolated from 25 of them. Candida spp. identified were C. albicans (44%), C. tropicalis (28%), C. glabrata (16%) and C. parapsilosis (12%). All species except C. glabrata were inhibited by fluconazole and miconazole, all isolates of the same species having same minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The highest MICs (25 mg/ml) with the alcoholic extracts were shown by C. albicans and C. glabrata and the lowest MICs (12.5 mg/ml) were shown by C parapsilosis and C tropicalis. All the isolates tested with Garcinia kola aqueous extract had a uniform MIC of 50 mg/ml, those tested with garlic aqueous extract had an MIC of 200 mg/ml. C. albicans and C. glabrata had MIC of 200 mg/ml of the alcoholic extract but C. tropicalis was inhibited at 25 mg/ml.Conclusion: We found that Garcinia kola and Alliums ativum have activity against the vaginal Candida species isolated thus showing promise as alternative therapy for vaginal candidiasis.Keywords: Alliums ativum, Candida spp, Garcinia kola, Minimum inhibitory concentrations

English

This study was designed to determine the effects of the concomitant administration of kolaviron (Garcinia kola&nbsp;extract) with lead on male fertility by evaluating some spermogram and histopathology of the testis. 20 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The rats in group O (negative control) were given normal saline, while rats in group A were given 6 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate (positive control) for a period of 2 weeks. Rats in groups B and C (test groups) were given 6 mg/kg body weight of lead and with concomitant administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of the kolaviron extract once daily for a period of 7 and 14 days, respectively. The histopathological analysis revealed distorted morphological alterations of sperm cells, as well as deleterious effects on the seminiferous tubules, with degeneration of interstitial spaces and narrowing of lumen in the lead exposed groups compared to normal architecture in control group. Sperm cell motility was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lowered in animals exposed to lead and kolaviron extract compared to the control group. The kolaviron extract does not prevent further damage of the testes for the period of two weeks. It rather showed worsening effects when compared with Group A which received lead only for 2 weeks. These are indications of interference with maturation stage of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. We concluded that extract (kolaviron) of&nbsp;G. kola&nbsp;do not prevent the toxic effect of Pb&nbsp;on the seminiferous tubular cells but rather worsen the toxic effect after we 2weeks duration of administration. Herbal preparation of&nbsp;G. kola&nbsp;should therefore be used cautiously in both man and animal. The possibility of the plant as an anti-fertility drug in man without toxic agents should be carefully explored. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Kolaviron,&nbsp;lead acetate, wistar rats, reproductive system, toxicity, testis.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial properties of Garcinia kola

Extract of bark, seed and root of Garcinia kola were used to determine the antibacterial properties of the extract as well as determine which extract is most effective. Methanol and ethanol were used for the extraction. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; mg/ml) of the extract as well as zones of inhibition of the extract were determined. Results show that the extracts from bark of Garcinia kola contain higher % Saponins (3.2±0.04), while the root contain higher % of phenol (0.44±0.11). Bark extract of Garcinia kola was more effective in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas auraginosa, Esherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus when compared with the extract from the root and seed. Results also show that inhibition of the test extract in (mm) was higher in extract from the bark, followed by the seed and the least zone of inhibition was found in the root extracts. The variation in the antibacterial activities is presumed to be due to different active compounds present in the extract.

Evaluation of antispermatogenic effect of Garcinia kola seed extract in Albino rats

To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola (G. kola) seed on serum sex hormones and epididymal functions of Wistar albino rats. Fifteen male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into three groups of five rats per group. The animals in the treatment groups were administered orally aqueous extract of Garcinia kola seed at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for 30 days. Rats in the control group received normal saline (0.9%). The body weights of the rats were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment. Sperm characteristics of each rat were determined. Hormonal assay for FSH, LH and testosterone were done using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). There were significant ( P <0.05) decreases in relative organ weights of extract-treated rats compared to the control. G. kola seed extract decreased sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm viability as well as affected normal morphology of sperm cells in dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the extract reduced the serum concentrations of sex hormones of the treated rats relative to the control. The findings suggest that aqueous extract of G. kola seed may have antispermatogenic property.

Evaluation of the antibacterial properties and synergistic effect of Garcinia kola Heckel (Family: Guttiferae) seed extract and honey on some bacteria

The antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola, honey and mixture of aqueous G. kola extract and honey was investigated against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using agar well diffusion method. Sensitivity pattern of these bacteria was varied and extract concentration-dependent. It was observed that the synergistic use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey mixture was more effective in inhibiting bacterial growth than the separate use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey. The susceptibility of the test bacteria to the aqueous G. kola extract and honey mixture was in descending order as follows: P. aeruginosa > E. coli > S. aureus > Salmonella > K. pneumonia > B subtilis (> = more susceptible). Aqueous G. kola extract was most active against P. aeruginosa with zones of inhibition ranging from 16.7 ± 0.21 to 18.00 ± 1.00 mm and least active against B. subtilis with zone of inhibition of 0.00 - 6.00 ± 1.00 mm. Honey at 100% concentration inhibited growth of all the test organisms except B. subtilis. Statistical analysis showed that E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at P < 0.05, exhibited significant difference in their susceptibility to the synergistic mixture and separate use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey. Synergistic use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey is therefore recommended as a better option than their separate use in the treatment of infections caused by the test bacteria. Key words: Garcinia kola, honey, bacteria, antimicrobial activity, synergy

Phytochemical and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; antimicrobial properties of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;n&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-butanol seed extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Garcinia kola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Objective: Phytochemical and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the n-butanol seed extract of Garcinia kola was investigated against some bacterial isolates. Methods: Six (6) bacterial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella. typhi, E. coli and P. aeroginosa were use to investigate the anti bacterial activity, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: The phytochemical analysis of the n-butanol seed extract indicates the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The extract exhibited significant inhibitory action against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The zone of inhibition exhibited by the extract against the tested organisms ranged between 7 and 19 mm while zone of inhibition exhibited by tetracycline as the standard antibiotics ranged between 19 and 32 mm. On the other hand, MIC against the bacterial isolates (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) was 100 and 200 mg/ml, while MBC was 100, 200 mg/ml. Conclusion: The n-butanol extract of Garcinia kola has antibacterial activity hence validating the folkloric claims and application of the decoction of Garcinia kola in the management of some bacterial infections especially of the oral cavity and dental caries by traditionalists and herbalists in Africa especially in Nigeria.

Antioxidant and phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola

Garcinia kola is widely consumed habitually and used as traditional remedy for various diseases in Nigeria. However, information with respect to the effect of using different solvents of extraction on its antioxidant properties is scanty. Therefore, the present study investigates the effect of different solvents on the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of G. kola. Phytochemicals measured were the total phenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C content while the antioxidant parameters assessed were the free radical scavenging, Fe (II) - chelating and Fe3+ reducing properties. Finally, the ability of both extracts to offer protective benefits to both hepatic and cerebral tissues placed under oxidative assault induced by FeSO4 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was also investigated. The phenolic content of G. kola was estimated to be 45.2 ± 0.9 mg/g and 30.3 ± 0.4 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Whereas the flavonoid content was estimated to be 29.2 ± 0.2 mg/g and 10.8 ± 0.2 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE) for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. In addition, the vitamin C contents were 21.2 ± 0.4 mg/g and 20.8 ± 0.1 mg/g for the ethanolic and aqueous extract of dried G. kola, respectively. In all the antioxidant indices measured, the ethanolic extract possessed significantly higher properties than the aqueous extract (p < 0.05). In view of all, the use of G. kola for the treatment of cough and liver disorders in folkloric medicines may be related to its phytochemical content. Hence, moderate consumption of the fruit should be encouraged as antioxidant supplement. Key words: Garcinia kola, antioxidant, ethanolic, aqueous and phytochemical.