Behavior-modifying effects of methanolic seed extract of Garcinia kola (Clusiaceae) against Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Fungi and mycotoxins hugely contaminate food and feed commodities and consequently contribute to adverse effects on health and the economy. While various measures have been adopted to control food contamination, the potential application of nanotechnology to control fungi and mycotoxins in food seems promising; nevertheless, it has not been sufficiently explored. This study investigated the antifungal effect of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) form Garcinia kola, Carica papaya, Achillea millefolium, Ocimum gratissimum, and Perilla frutescens against ten food-borne fungi. Furthermore, the effect of Garcinia kola AgNPs and Achillea millefolium AgNPs against aflatoxin (AFB1 and AFB2) and ochratoxin (OTA and OTB) production by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, and Aspergillus clavatus was determined by using an Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) instrument to quantify the amount of aflatoxins and ochratoxins produced following AgNPs antifungal treatments. The characterization analysis of AgNPs showed that stable and crystalline AgNPs were bioformulated, with sizes ranging from 10.9 to 67.5nm. The antifungal effect of AgNPs by agar well diffusion method after 7 days of incubation revealed that at a concentration of 100mg/L, AgNPs were able to exhibit an antifungal effect on the tested food-borne pathogens. As found, a maximum inhibitory zone (MIZ) of 20.3mm by Penicillium frutescens AgNPs on Penicillium chrysogenum was obtained, while a 10.7mm MIZ exhibited by Carica papaya AgNPs on Aspergillus Niger was recorded. Mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) activity of AgNPs at varying concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100mg/L was established. The highest MGI of AgNPs of 100% was recorded against Penicillium citrinum, while the lowest MGI of 6.7% for Aspergillus flavus was noted. The significant difference at p≤0.05 was validated by comparing MIZ and MGI induced by the tested AgNPs to the control groups. The ability of AgNPs derived from Garcinia kola and Achillea millefolium showed a reduction in mycotoxin (AFB1, AFB2, OTA, and OTB) production as the concentration of the synthesized AgNPs increased. These findings demonstrate that AgNPs have immense potential as antifungal agents for controlling the growth of fungi and the subsequent biosynthesis of their respective mycotoxins.

Phytocompounds Profiling and Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potentials of Methanol Extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel)

BackgroundBitter kola, Garcinia kola Heckel, is a woody plant native to West and Central Africa. It is traditionally used both in social ceremonies and for treating a wide range of ailments, including malaria, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disturbances, hepatitis, metabolic and sexual disorders. Despite its importance and popularity, a great deal of information and basic knowledge is still missing about the species. Particularly lack of studies is related to therapeutic efficacy and safety of bitter kola uses.AimsThis study aimed to document ethnomedicinal uses of bitter kola among native populations in Nigeria, to identify commonly used plant parts and the dosages, record perceived side effects and to compare these findings with scientific evidence, and to estimate its potential clinical applications.MethodsData were collected by a structured questionnaire distributed both online and in-person to members of the Nigerian public.ResultsA total of 152 respondents participated, primarily from the Ibibio, Annang, and Igbo ethnic groups. Most participants reported using fresh seeds of bitter kola, mainly for treating respiratory symptoms, stomach upset, and general well-being. Regular use was common, typically, monthly or as needed, depending on the disease.ConclusionsSeveral traditional uses of bitter kola are supported by clinical studies: including its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects and its benefits for gastric, hepatic, glycemic, respiratory, reproductive and pain-modulation related conditions. Evidence also suggests antimicrobial and hepatoprotective potential. However, further studies are required to establish standardised dosages and safety profiles for different plant parts.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-026-05287-5.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder associated with dysregulated dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling. Although current pharmacotherapies are effective, they carry significant cardiovascular and abuse liabilities, highlighting the need for safer, targeted alternatives. This study evaluated Garcinia kola secondary metabolites as potential inhibitors of human dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters utilizing in silico approaches. Of twenty-seven metabolites, sixteen met Lipinski’s Rule-of-Five and synthetic accessibility (SA) criteria and were further analyzed through molecular docking and CNS-relevant ADMET profiling. Cycloartenol, δ-tocotrienol, and 2-hydroxyxanthone demonstrated the strongest predicted dual-target binding affinities with both transporters, surpassing those of the reference ligand, atomoxetine, and engaging targets via hydrophobic, aromatic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions. ADMET analysis indicated that cycloartenol, δ-tocotrienol, and 2-hydroxyxanthone have high predicted brain exposure, favorable bioavailability, and no hepatotoxicity, whereas the reference ligand atomoxetine was flagged for hepatotoxicity. Garcifuran B and Garcipyran also showed favorable dual binding affinities and interactions, compared to the reference ligands, but predicted low blood-brain barrier permeability, suggesting that structural optimization may be required to improve their CNS delivery. In conclusion, δ-tocotrienol, cycloartenol, and 2-hydroxyxanthone emerge as predictive leads for dual DAT/NET inhibition and warrant further experimental in vitro and in vivo validation as safer, non-stimulant ADHD therapeutics.

Garcinia kola fruit pulp extract mediated CuCo2S4/Ti3C2Tx for improved performance as supercapacitor electrode

Garcinia kola (bitter kola) is widely consumed in West Africa and is traditionally regarded as a hematinic agent capable of improving blood parameters. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal use, scientific evidence supporting its erythropoietic benefits remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effect of sub-chronic administration of ethanolic seed extract of Garcinia kola on erythroid indices in healthy male Wistar rats. Thirty male Albino Wistar rats (130–180 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10 per group). Group A served as control and received standard chow and water only. Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic Garcinia kola seed extract orally for 28 days, while Group C received 200 mg/kg for the same duration. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and analyzed for hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell (RBC) count. Data were expressed as Mean ± SEM and analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc LSD test, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Sub-chronic administration of Garcinia kola extract produced slight, non-significant reductions in hemoglobin levels and packed cell volume in both treatment groups compared with control (p > 0.05). Red blood cell counts showed minimal variation, with a marginal increase in the low-dose group and a slight decrease in the high-dose group, neither reaching statistical significance. Overall, no dose-dependent erythropoietic enhancement was observed. The findings do not support the traditional claim that Garcinia kola exerts hematinic effects in healthy subjects. At doses of 100–200 mg/kg administered over 28 days, the ethanolic seed extract did not significantly alter erythroid indices in male Wistar rats. While the extract appears hematologically safe within the studied range, its purported blood-boosting properties warrant reconsideration. Further studies involving anemic or diseased models are recommended to determine whether its effects differ under pathological conditions.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the value chain of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) in Kumba, Meme Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon. Bitter kola represents a highly valued non-timber forest product (NTFP) with significant medicinal, cultural, and economic importance in West and Central Africa. Despite its contribution to rural livelihoods, the sector remains characterized by informal operations and structural constraints that limit its potential. Using a mixed-methods approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques, this research identifies key actors, analyzes marketing channels, examines harvesting techniques, evaluates profit margins, and identifies systemic challenges through semi-structured questionnaires (n=100 actors), key informant interviews (n=7), and focus group discussions (n=5). Findings reveal a male-dominated value chain with significant price volatility (US$0.36 – US$23.18/kg) and modest annual incomes for most harvesters despite the high profitability for some traders (average US$981.15 annually). Major constraints include limited storage facilities, capital shortages, poor transportation infrastructure, and price fluctuations. The study concludes with recommendations for improving post-harvest management, enhancing cooperative organization, and facilitating market access to optimize the bitter kola value chain for improved livelihood outcomes and sustainable development. The findings hold important policy implications for sustainable NTFP management, rural development, and conservation planning in similar agroforestry contexts.

Garcinia kola is a flowering plant which produces brown, nut-like seeds and belongs to a family of tropical plants known as Clusiaceae or Guttiferae. It is native to Western and Central Africa and is commonly referred to as a "wonder plant" because all of its parts have been shown to have medicinal properties. Although various reports have documented uses for all parts of the plant (nuts/seed, leaf, stem, bark, and root), the nuts (bitter kola) are still the most commonly used part of the plant. According to ethnobotanical claims, traditional medical practitioners utilise the seed for preventive measures against menstrual pain, reflux, heart conditions, gastroenteritis, cough, dental and oral hygiene, and so on. The phytochemical constituents found in the G. kola plant, such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, phenols, sterols, proteins, and sugars, are reported to be responsible for the numerous pharmacological and therapeutic potentials of the plant. Based on numerous scientific reports, these potentials include anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-hypertensive activities, among others. The minerals found in bitter kola include phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. There are presently limited in vivo studies on some of the plant's pharmacological and therapeutic potentials, particularly its anticancer potentials. This review aims to provide information on the pharmacological and therapeutic potentials of Garcinia kola.

Peripheral nerve injury and diabetes can lead to some serious neurodegenerative changes in central nervous system structures. Curcumin and Garcinia kola are considered natural compounds with known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The current study aims to investigate the effects of curcumin and Garcinia kola on granular cells, glial cells, and Purkinje cells in a diabetic rat model induced by sciatic nerve transection, using stereological and immunohistochemical approaches. Thirty-five male adult rats were divided into five groups: Control, Sham (Transected Sciatic Nerve), Transected Sciatic Nerve + Diabetes (T + DM), T + DM + Curcumin (T + DM + Cur), and T + DM + Garcinia kola (T + DM + GK). Ninety days after the sciatic nerve injury, the rats' cerebellar tissues were dissected and processed into paraffin and resin blocks. Volumetric fractions of cortical layers and white matter were estimated using the Cavalieri principle. Apoptosis and glial activation were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Stereological analyses revealed that the volume fraction of the molecular layer was significantly lower in the T + DM + Cur group compared to the T + DM + GK and T + DM groups. A significant decrease in the volume fraction of the Purkinje cell layers was observed in the T + DM + Cur group compared to the Sham group. No significant differences were found between the groups in the granular layer and white matter volume fractions. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed inhibition of caspase-3 activity in the T + DM group. However, intense caspase-3 activation was also observed in the Control and T + DM + Cur groups. Sciatic nerve transection, combined with diabetes, leads to significant structural and cellular changes in the cerebellar cortex. The mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic effects of diabetes on granular cells and other cerebellar components should be investigated in detail.

Therapeutic role of plant bioactive compounds in atrazine-mediated neurotoxicity.

Background Emerging evidence indicates that certain chemotherapeutic agents, particularly the bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) regimen, exert deleterious effects on male reproductive function, including impaired spermatogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that Garcinia kola (GK) seed extract and its bioactive biflavonoid constituent, kolaviron (KV), exhibit beneficial properties in reproductive physiology. However, their potential protective effects against BEP‐induced testicular toxicity remain underexplored. This study evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of GK extract (GKE) and KV in attenuating BEP‐mediated testicular damage in a preclinical rodent model. Methods Adult male Wistar rats ( n = 8 per group) were subjected to three 21‐day cycles of BEP chemotherapy (0.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin, administered intraperitoneally). Concurrently, treatment groups received oral supplementation with GKE (100 mg/kg), KV (100 mg/kg), silymarin (SLM; 10 mg/kg), or prednisolone (PRED; 5 mg/kg), with dosages determined via prior dose–response optimization. Post‐treatment assessments included: sperm functional analysis (count, motility, morphology), serum reproductive hormone profiling [testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)], oxidative stress markers [glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST)], lipid peroxidation indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO)], inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6), and apoptotic markers [caspase‐3 (CAS‐3) and caspase‐9 (CAS‐9)]. Results BEP administration significantly impaired spermatogenic output, which was ameliorated by GKE, KV, SLM, and PRED co‐treatment. Notably, TST levels remained stable in GKE‐ and KV‐supplemented groups. All test compounds enhanced antioxidant capacity, suppressing lipid peroxidation (reduced MDA and NO). Furthermore, GKE and KV significantly attenuated BEP‐induced elevations in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) and apoptotic mediators (CAS‐3, CAS‐9). Conclusion GKE and KV conferred substantial protection against BEP‐induced testicular toxicity, primarily through mechanisms involving oxidative stress mitigation, anti‐inflammatory action, and apoptosis suppression. Their efficacy paralleled that of established agents (SLM, PRED), suggesting potential utility as adjunctive therapies to preserve male fertility during chemotherapy. These findings warrant further clinical investigation to assess translational applicability.

Starch‐based films have low water resistance and poor mechanical properties. This study aimed to optimize the properties of biodegradable films based on cassava starch reinforced with Garcinia kola oil and Cocos nucifera L. microfibers. To this end, OléKanga cassava starch, G. kola oil, and C. nucifera L. microfibers were used to produce an optimized packaging film using response surface methodology (RSM). The desirability function subsequently determined an optimal formulation. The results showed that adding microfibers, and oil increased thickness by 77%, reduced water content by 43%, decreased water solubility of the film by 46%, and reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) of the starch‐based films from 955 × 10 −13 to 5.15 × 10 –13 g·Pa −1 ·s −1 ·m −1 . In other words, there was a 99% increase in the film’s water vapor barrier. However, elongation was reduced with the addition of microfibers. The addition of G. kola oil increased film opacity from 1.56 ± 0.05 to 4.26 ± 0.08 A·mm −1 and reduced the breaking strength by 62%. An optimal film formulation was determined using the desirability function, with 4 g OléKanga cassava starch, 30% glycerol, 5% C. nucifera L. microfibers, 25% G. kola oil, and 5% lecithin. The properties of the films were improved by adding G. kola oil and C. nucifera L. microfibers to the starch matrix.

NaPherbs, a Nigerian-based polyherbal supplement compounded with Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina, Garcinia kola, etc. is consumed locally as an immune-boosting nutraceutical. In this study, we investigated its preliminary immune-boosting mechanisms and sub-acute toxicity profile in both male and female albino Wistar rats. A total of 40 Wistar rats (20 males and 20 females) were randomly allotted to 5 experimental groups (n=8, 4 males and 4 females); control, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of NaPherbs for 30 consecutive days. The animals were anesthetized, and cardiac puncture was used to obtain serum for biochemical assays such as the serum lipid profile, immunoglobulins concentration, proinflammatory cytokines' concentration and liver function enzymes; and whole blood for hematological assessment. In vivo antioxidant assays were carried out also on the liver homogenates, while the liver and kidneys were examined histologically in both male and female animals. There was a dose-dependent increase in the neutrophil: leucocyte ratio in the female animals. This has been linked to physiological stress, underlying disease condition and most recently a risk factor for early onset chronic kidney disease (CKD). NaPherbs did not pose any major cardiovascular risk across the groups, and there seemed to be some level of cardioprotection judging from the reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) observed in both sexes. The antioxidant indices assayed for were not significantly (P<0.05) affected by NaPherbs treatment, except for the catalase enzyme which was significantly increased in the female animals. As a purported immune-boosting supplement, we carried out a preliminary investigation on its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins. NaPherbs did not significantly (P<0.05) alter these indices. Histological examination of the liver and kidneys showed that NaPherbs did not cause any major deleterious effect to these organs, except for mild infiltration of the sinusoids with inflammatory cells in the hepatocyte. NaPherbs showed a consistent profile of safety across the animals and doses considered in this study. However, further immunologic assays must be explored to validate its immune boosting claims and more specific toxicity assays must be employed to focus more on neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and gonadotoxicity in both sexes.

Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) triggers oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, resulting in organ and DNA damage. Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid complex extracted from Garcinia kola seeds, has shown properties that combat oxidative stress and protect cells. Aim was to evaluate the protective effects of kolaviron against phenylhydrazine-induced hepatotoxicity, splenic pathology, and genotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into four groups: Control (distilled water), PHZ (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 3 days), PHZ+KV (PHZ at 40 mg/kg+KV at 100 mg/kg orally for 14 days), and KV alone (100 mg/kg orally for 14 days). Hepatotoxicity, splenic pathology, and genotoxicity were assessed via biochemical analyses, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant parameters, histopathology, and micronucleus testing in bone marrow cells. Results showed PHZ significantly elevated liver enzymes (p<0.05), increased malondialdehyde levels, decreased antioxidant enzymes, and caused periportal fibrosis. Treatment with KV normalized these liver parameters and mitigated histopathological damage. In the spleen, PHZ induced lymphoid follicular hyperplasia, whereas in the PHZ+KV group, we observed lymphoid follicular necrosis; nonetheless, splenic oxidative stress and antioxidant levels remained similar across all groups. For genotoxicity, PHZ significantly increased micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and reduced the polychromatic erythrocytes/normochromatic erythrocytes ratio (p<0.05), while KV treatment restored these to near-control levels. Kolaviron showed significant hepatoprotective and genoprotective effects against PHZ-induced toxicity, primarily through modulation of oxidative stress parameters, though its impact on splenic pathology was weak. Further research should investigate the best dosing regimens and molecular mechanisms underlying KV's protective effects against oxidative damage. Keywords: Kolaviron, Phenylhydrazine, Hepatotoxicity, Genotoxicity, Oxidative stress, splenic pathology.

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, is a complex and multifactorial disease with unknown etiology that remains challenging in its management due to pathophysiological complexity and limited success with conventional therapies such as 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, and anti-TNF-α antibodies. This study examines the therapeutic potential of Kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola, with a novel focus on its effect on colonic MUC-2 expression, a key component of the intestinal mucus barrier, together with its known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a Wistar rat model. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5 per group): Group 1 (Control) received vehicle (DMSO); Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered 5% (w/v) DSS orally and received DMSO, kolaviron, or sulfasalazine (200mg/kg), respectively. Kolaviron significantly reduced disease activity index, oxidative stress markers, myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-6, and lipid peroxidation. It also improved colonic histoarchitecture and remarkably enhanced the expression of MUC-2. In silico docking analysis showed strong binding affinities of Kolaviron to NF-κB and phospholipase C, pointing to its contribution in the regulation of molecular pathways for MUC-2 expression. Kolaviron significantly reduced the disease activity index and colonic oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant levels and decreasing myeloperoxidase activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lipid peroxidation, with the novel enhancement of MUC-2 expression, highlighting its potential role in restoring mucosal barrier integrity.

The stem bark of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) is frequently used as antitumor in Southern Nigeria. The study aimed to evaluate antioxidant, cytotoxic, and inhibitory activities from the extract and fractions of G. kola and assess their potential use as histone deacetylase (HDAC8) inhibitors in cancer therapy. Antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays were performed on the methanol (MeOH) stem bark extract and fractions [n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc)]. Bioactive compounds from the n-hex fraction were suitably prepared and docked using the Ligprep and Glide modules of Schrodinger. The inhibitory concentration (IC50 in µg/mL) values of the free radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was highest in the EtOAc fraction (16.70 ± 4.48) followed by n-hexane fraction (25.30 ± 2.67), and 35.50 ± 1.47 in the MeOH extract, compared to ascorbic acid (12.17 ± 2.36). The MeOH extract, n-hexane, and DCM fractions had lethal concentration (LC50 in µg/mL) values of 207.50 ± 2.50, 5.50 ± 0.50 and 5.00 ± 0.00, respectively, compared to cyclophosphamide, 58.00 ± 12.50. After 96 h, the mean length of 85.75 ± 1.20 mm in the control of Sorghum bicolor radicle seeds was reduced to 41.07 ± 0.97 and 18.53 ± 2.32 mm when treated with 2 and 3 mg/mL of n-hexane fraction, corresponding to 52.10 and 78.39%, inhibitory reductions respectively. Furthermore, the molecular docking results revealed that quercetin-3-O-galactoside demonstrated the strongest affinity for the HDAC8 protein, forming stable interactions within the binding site and establishing three prominent hydrogen bonds with the residues Lys33, His143, and Tyr306. These results suggest that quercetin-3-O-galactoside could be the bioactive inhibitor from the n-hexane fraction of Garcinia kola possessing potential antioxidant, cytotoxic, and inhibitory activities.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major public health burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to conventional therapies is limited. Consequently, herbal medicines/medicinal plants are increasingly utilised for SCD management. However, standardisation and quality control of these medicinal plants are hindered by variability in phytochemical composition, underscoring the relevance of marker compounds. This systematic review applies the Herbal Marker Ranking System (Herb MaRS) to identify and prioritise appropriate marker compounds for quality control of the most frequently reported anti-sickling medicinal plants. Selected plants include Carica papaya , Terminalia catappa, Annona muricata, Ceiba pentandra, Ocimum gratissimum, Garcinia kola , and Rauvolfia vomitoria . Data on phytochemical composition, anti-sickling bioactivity, toxicity, compound concentration, and availability of analytical methods and standards were obtained through a systematic literature review. Marker compounds were ranked based on adapted Herb MaRS criteria prioritising anti-sickling activity, safety, and analytical feasibility. Overall, 35 compounds were identified, with rutin and ellagic acid achieving the highest scores (8/8), indicating their suitability as marker compounds. Quercetin (7/8), carpaine (6/8), gallic acid (6/8), campesterol (6/8), and stigmasterol (6/8) also ranked highly. Several compounds demonstrated toxicity concerns requiring monitoring, while others lacked sufficient data for full evaluation. This study demonstrates the utility of the Herb MaRS framework for systematic marker selection to support the quality control of herbal formulations for SCD management. It highlights promising chemical markers that can facilitate standardisation, advancing the safe and effective use of plant-based therapies for SCD.

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The objective of this paper is to ascertain Effects of Biopesticide Use on Agricultural Production and Health of Rural Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria using standard appropriate methods, including structured questionnaire. The results showed that several sources of information on bio-pesticides exist, such as extension officers (74.8%), marketing companies (84%), fellow farmers (88%), and other sources. Several bio-pesticides exist, such as neem oil, neem extract, bitter leaf extract, bitter kola extract, hot pepper extract, and lemon grass for the control of insect pest infection. The use of bio-pesticides is perceived to have the following general effects, based on a mean response of 2.50; ability to breakdown or degrade quickly (M=2.58), non-toxic to an organism (M=2.64), has lower residue level (M=3.0), no pest resilience (M=3.45), improvement in plant health (M=2.81), seed treatment (M=3.41) among others. On health, it is less toxic to human health (M=2.81), reduces the risk of chemical toxins (M=2.74), reduces population risk (M=2.85), reduces environmental contaminants (M=2.91), among others. The following challenges present themselves: high cost, inadequate savings, unavailability of bio-pesticides when needed, low level of awareness, and slow pace of supply, among other challenges.