Garcinia Kola Seeds Research Articles

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

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

Semisynthetic and Natural Garcinoic Acid Isoforms as New mPGES-1 Inhibitors.

Over the last twenty years, tocotrienol analogues raised great interest because of their higher level and larger domain of biological activities when compared with tocopherols. Amongst the most promising therapeutic application, anti-inflammatory potency has been evaluated through the inhibition of various mediators of inflammation. Here, we worked on the isolation of two natural isoforms of garcinoic acid (i.e., δ and γ) from two different sources, respectively, Garcinia kola seeds and Garcinia amplexicaulis bark. We also developed semisynthetic strategies to access the other two non-natural α- and β-garcinoic acid isoforms. In the next stage of our work, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase was defined as a target to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the four garcinoic acid isomers. Both dimethylated isoforms, β- and γ-garcinoic acid, exhibited the lowest IC50, 2.8 µM and 2.0 µM, respectively. These results showed that the affinity of tocotrienol analogues to microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 most probably contributes to the anti-inflammatory potential of this class of derivatives.

Protective Effect of Garcinia kola Seed and Honey Mixture against Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Protective Effect of Garcinia kola Seed and Honey Mixture against Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Isolation and Phytochemical Characterization of Bioactive Constituents from the Seeds of Garcinia kola, Heckel (Clusiaceae)

Isolation and Phytochemical Characterization of Bioactive Constituents from the Seeds of Garcinia kola, Heckel (Clusiaceae)

Time-Kill Effect of Crude Extracts of Garcinia kola Seeds on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the Anterior Nares of Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Time-Kill Effect of Crude Extracts of Garcinia kola Seeds on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the Anterior Nares of Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Safety Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia Kola Seeds in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Garcinia kola seed is consumed indiscriminately in Nigeria without recourse to its potential toxicity. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the toxicity of the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds on selected tissues of male rats. Methods: Thirty male rats (215.00 ± 18.58 g) were assigned into four groups: A, B, C and D which received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, once daily for 7 days. Biochemical indices of organ damage and toxicity were determined using standard methods. Results: The extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the testes-body weight ratio, activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), heart, testes and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, serum concentrations of uric acid, K+, creatinine and PO43-. The liver-body weight ratio, activities of kidney and serum ALP, liver, heart and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), serum and testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), concentrations of serum albumin, globulin, urea, Na+ , HCO3-, conjugated and total bilirubin were reduced. The heart- and kidney-body weight ratios and liver ALP were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered. Conclusion: The treatment related alterations in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight caused functional toxicity to the organs of the animals and thus not safe as an oral remedy.

Extract of Garcinia kola Seed has Antitussive Effect and Attenuates Hypercholesterolemia in Rodents

Background: The seeds of Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferrae) are widely eaten in West Africa for cultural and ethnomedicinal reasons including cough suppression and body fat reduction. We prepared a 70% ethanol extract and designed experiments to investigate the antitussive and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Methods: For the antitussive investigations, guinea pigs were exposed to 7.5% citric acid aerosol in a chamber and cough bouts were counted after acute doses of the extract. Mucus expectoration was evaluated in mice after administering the extract for seven days by measuring the concentration of phenol red dye released from mouse trachea. Hypercholesterolemia was induced and doses of the extract were administered for 14 days. Results: Single doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly (p<0.01) and dose-dependently suppressed cough bouts by 67, 78 and 92% respectively when compared cough bouts exhibited before treatment. The dose of 400 mg/kg was slightly but not significantly superior to the standard drug dihydrocodeine (84%) in cough suppression. The extract administered daily for 7 days also significantly (p<0.05) reduced concentration of phenol red released from mouse trachea in comparison with control. At 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day for 14 days, extract like 5 mg/kg simvastatin significantly (p<0.0001) attenuated the increase in plasma cholesterol level but only doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day significantly blunted increase in body weight compared to cholesterol treated rats. Conclusion: The extract possesses antitussive effect and attenuates hypercholesterolemia thereby lending credence to its ethnomedicinal uses.

Microencapsulated Garcinia kola and Hunteria umbellata Seeds Aqueous Extracts Part 1: Effect of microencapsulation process

Objective: This study investigates microcapsulated aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola (GK) and Hunteria umbellata (HU) seeds. Method: Extracts obtained after maceration of dried powdered seeds were prepared as microcapsules with chitosan-alginate by counterion coacervation method. Microcapsules were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In vitro release studies were carried out at pH 1.2 for 2 h and 6.8 for a further 10 h. Results : Between 20 and 50% extract release occurred from microcapsules after 2 h while conventional tablets released 100% after 1 h at simulated gastric pH. At pH 6.8, >80% of extract was released from microcapsules after 6 h. DSC revealed the presence of complex materials. XRD and FTIR showed stable character of the plant extracts within the microcapsules. Conclusion: Controlled release of aqueous extracts derived from these plants was achieved by microencapsulation and therefore can be developed as suitable delivery devices.

Effect of Garcinia Kola Seed on Serum Enzyme, Urea, Creatinine and Electrolytes of Healthy Human Subjects

Effect of Garcinia Kola Seed on Serum Enzyme, Urea, Creatinine and Electrolytes of Healthy Human Subjects

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.

Effects of kolaviron on hepatic oxidative stress in streptozotocin induced diabetes.

BackgroundAlteration in antioxidant defence and increase in oxidative stress that results in tissue injury is characteristic of diabetes. We evaluated the protective effects of kolaviron (a flavonoid complex extracted from the seeds of Garcinia kola) on hepatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in diabetic rats.MethodsTo induce diabetes, rats were injected with streptozotocin intraperitoneally at a single dose of 50 mg/kg. Kolaviron (100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 6 weeks (5 times weekly). Activities of liver antioxidant enzymes was analysed with Multiskan Spectrum plate reader. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in the analysis of MDA (malondialdehyde), a product of lipid peroxidation. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.ResultDiabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in the peroxidation of hepatic lipids as observed from the elevated level of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), level of reduced glutathione (GSH), ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH: GSSG) and catalase (CAT) activity were decreased in the liver of diabetic rats. The activities of GPX (glutathione peroxidase) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) were unaltered in diabetic rats. TUNEL assay revealed increased apoptotic cell death in the liver. Kolaviron attenuated lipid peroxidation and apoptosis, increased CAT activity, GSH levels and GSH: GSSG ratio. The ORAC of kolaviron-treated diabetic liver was restored to near-normal values.ConclusionKolaviron protects the liver against oxidative and apoptotic damage induced by hyperglycemia.

Kolaviron‐Induced Inhibition of H1299 Lung Cancer Cells Growth and Survival via PKA/P13K Pathways

Kolaviron (KV), a natural biflavonoid obtained from the seeds of Garcinia kola, has been noted for its diverse pharmacological actions such as its antioxidative, antiproliferative, and anti‐inflammatory properties. We have evaluated the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of KV on H1299 lung cancer cell line. H1299 Cell was cultured in modified medium fortified with 10% FBS using 96 well plates and MTT assay was performed to determine effects of KV (0.025‐100 mg/ml) on cell proliferation 24 hrs. or 48 hrs. (cytotoxic/apoptosis) after plating. MTT assay indicates that KV dose‐and time ‐dependently inhibited H1299 cell proliferation as well as causing cell death in the cytotoxic studies. These effects were significantly different from the control. The cytotoxic effects of KV were only partially reversed at 24 and 48 hrs. following treatment with cell division/ cell growth promoter, 8‐bromoadenosine 3':5'‐cyclic monophosphate (1mM) analog of cAMP. This observation indicates that KV is probably mediating its cytotoxic effects via inhibition of pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic signals mediated by cAMP modulated downstream effectors through PKA/PI3K, pathways. These preliminary results suggest that KV has therapeutic potential against lung cancer and the mechanisms of actions need further investigation.

Effect of hormone on the seed germination of Garcinia kola Heckel.

Garcinia kola plays an important socioeconomic role in the Africa culture. Inspite of this, the plant only exists in the wild or as part of left over in the Agroforestry farms. Therefore, this research examined the phenology in seed germination for possible plantation establishment. G. kola seed dormancy and growth was investigated using hormone Napthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and Benzene Amino Purine (BAP) application to induce quick germination and early growth The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments (0.5mg/ml BAP, 0.5mg/ml NAA, 1mg/ml BAP, 1mg/ml NAA, 2mg/ml BAP, 2mg/ml NAA and Control) in twenty replications. The results showed that Garcinia kola seeds germinated in seven weeks in IBA. Growth were assessed for 19wks and the result showed that Length of Radicle (LR) and Number of Radicle (NR) were significantly affected by the treatments, while 0.5mg/ml IBA gave the best result among the treatments. Length of Plumule, Number of Leaves and Collar diameter were not significantly affected by the treatments.Keywords: Garcinia kola, seed, hormone, dormancy, germination

Possible Mechanism of Antispasmodic Action of Garcinia kola Seed Extract on Isolated Guinea Pig Ileum

Possible Mechanism of Antispasmodic Action of Garcinia kola Seed Extract on Isolated Guinea Pig Ileum

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.

Therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola with reference to the restoration of inhibited acetylcholinesterase activities in induced Clarias gariepinus

This study was conducted to assess the antidotal prospect of Garcinia kola seeds extract in restoring the activity of inhibited Acetylcholinesterase. This was done by inducing Clarias gariepinus with the enzyme inhibitor (glyphosate pesticide formulation). The fish divided into six groups were exposed different treatments; the pesticide alone, the G. kola seed extract alone and different mixture of the pesticide and G. kola seeds extract. AChE activities in the brain, liver and serum of the fish were measured in the experimental and control fish on day −7, 14, 21 and 28th by the colorimetric method. The enzyme was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in the glyphosate formulation test alone and in group IV treatment (0.16 mg/L glyphosate formulation with 150 mg/L of extract). The inhibition percentages of AChE ranged for the brain, liver and serum between 40.7–59.4%, 50–57% and 27.5–51.3%, respectively. The AChE activities were however, recovered in G. kola seeds extract treated aquaria, and were dose, time dependent and organ specific. Modifications of this enzyme may leads to increased perspiration, increased salivation, tearing, blurred vision, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and if severe enough, death from respiratory depression. This investigation had revealed the therapeutic significance of G. kola seeds extract, by stabilizing the enzyme activity in the investigated fish. Further investigation is required to measure the concentrations of acetylcholine at cholinergic synaptic junction in fish and mammals induced with ant-cholinesterase agent and the possibility of its restoration using G. kola seeds.

Bio activity of some botanicals on Helminthosporium infestans L. and Solanum aethiopicum L. (host)

Some botanicals were assayed in two laboratory trials for their relative toxicities to African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and Helminthosporium infestans causing leaf spots disease at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In the first experiment on the toxicity of the protectants to S. aethiopicum, three concentrations (10, 20 and 30 g/ml) were used. Four concentrations (0.03, 0.06, 0.12 and 0.25 g/ml) were used in the second experiment on the toxicity of the botanicals (Azadirachta indica leaves, Gongronema latifolia leaves, Garcinia kola seeds, Zingiber officinale stems and Carica papaya leaves) to H. Infestans. Distilled water served as control in each case. Solanum seeds dressed with G. kola germinated faster and attained 100% germination 14 days after incubation (DAI). On the other hand, Z. officinale inhibited the seed germination most, resulting in the least germination being recorded on seeds treated with Z. officinale. Similarly, all the plant extracts assayed inhibited the growth of H. Infestans to varying degrees relative to check at 3 days after inoculation. Anti-fungal activity of extracts on H. Infestans decreased in the following order: G. kola at 0.12 g/ml (90.00%) > C. papaya at 0.25 g/ml (59.54%) > G. kola at 0.06 g/ml (59.15%) > G. kola at 0.03 g/ml (55.15%) > A. Indica at 0.06 g/ml (53.67%) > Z. officinale at 0.03 g/ml (52.65%) > control (7.71%). The seeds extracts of G. kola at 0.12 g/ml therefore proved more effective in the suppression of H. infestans relative to other botanicals and concentrations and were be recommended as a good alternative in its control in the field. Key word: African eggplant anti-fungal, inhibition, protectants, toxicity.

Kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex of Garcinia kola seeds modulates apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes-induced nephrotoxic rats

Diabetic nephropathy is a complex disease that involves increased production of free radicals which is a strong stimulus for the release of pro-inflammatory factors. We evaluated the renal protective effect of kolaviron (KV) – a Garcinia kola seed extract containing a mixture of 5 flavonoids, in diabetes-induced nephrotoxic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: untreated controls (C); normal rats treated with kolaviron (C+KV); untreated diabetic rats (D); kolaviron treated diabetic rats (D+KV). A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50mg/kg) was used for the induction of diabetes. Renal function parameters were estimated in a clinical chemistry analyzer. Markers of oxidative stress in the kidney homogenate were analyzed in a Multiskan Spectrum plate reader and Bio-plex Promagnetic bead-based assays was used for the analysis of inflammatory markers. The effect of kolaviron on diabetes-induced apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. In the diabetic rats, alterations in antioxidant defenses such as an increase in lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) levels and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were observed. There was no difference in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Diabetes induction increased apoptotic cell death and the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α with no effect on IL-10. Kolaviron treatment of diabetic rats restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes, reduced lipid peroxidation and increased ORAC and GSH concentration in renal tissues. Kolaviron treatment of diabetic rats also suppressed renal IL-1β. The beneficial effects of kolaviron on diabetes-induced kidney injury may be due to its inhibitory action on oxidative stress, IL-1β production and apoptosis.

Effects of Oral Administration of Garcinia kola Seeds on Haematological and Defence Parameters of Diabetic Rats

Effects of Oral Administration of Garcinia kola Seeds on Haematological and Defence Parameters of Diabetic Rats

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterisation of the anti-Listeria components of Garcinia kola seeds

Adsorption chromatography was used to separate the bioactive constituents of the crude n-hexane extract of Garcinia kola seeds. The silica gel 60 column fractions were eluted using the solvent combination of benzene: ethanol : ammonium hydroxide (BEA) in the ratio combination of 36 : 4 : 0.4 v/v. The fractions were tested for anti-Listeria activities by determining their MIC50, MIC90 or MIC against 4 Listeria isolates. The fractions were labelled BEA1 to BEA5 and 3 out of the 5 fractions eluted were active against the test Listeria species with MIC's ranging from MIC 0.57 mg/mL to MIC50 0.625 mg/mL. The most active fractions, BEA2 and BEA3, were subjected to gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify their composition. Fraction BEA2 constituted of 18 compounds mostly sterols and the BEA3 fraction contained 27 compounds with the most abundant compounds being fatty acids derivatives. The BEA2 fraction's interactions with antibiotics proved to be 100% synergistic with ciprofloxacin and ampicillin whilst it exhibited 50% additivity and 50% synergism with penicillin G. However, all the interactions of the BEA2 fraction with each of the conventional antibiotics used were synergistic against the human listeriosis causative bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.