Garcinia Kola Seeds Research Articles

Kolaviron, a natural flavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, reduces LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages by combined inhibition of IL-6 secretion, and inflammatory transcription factors, ERK1/2, NF-κB, p38, Akt, p-c-JUN and JNK

BackgroundKolaviron (Kol-v), an important component of Garcinia kola seed has a variety of biologic activities, including anti-inflammatory properties. MethodsWe tested the ability of Kol-v to block signalling pathways implicated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory gene expression in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. ResultsWhen macrophages pre-treated with Kol-v (15 and 25μM) were activated with LPS, phosphorylation of p38 and p-c-JUN but not IκBα degradation and phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65), ERK1/2, and IκBα were blocked. Furthermore, Kol-v suppressed LPS-induced increase in the expression of IL-18 gene and LPS-induced decrease in the mRNA expression of IP-10 but it had no effect on the LPS-induced decrease in the gene expression levels of IL-1α, IL-33, IL-1β, and IFNβ1-1. When macrophages pre-treated with Kol-v (50 and 100μM) were activated with LPS, phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, IκBα, and NFκB (p65) but not that of CREB was blocked by Kol-v. The protective effect of Kol-v on the LPS-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family member JNK was only observed at 100μM. At all concentrations of Kol-v (0–100μM) tested in this study, there was no effect of Kol-v on LPS-induced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α but a concentration dependent inhibition of Kol-v on IL-6 secretion was observed. ConclusionKol-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. General significanceThe anti-inflammatory potential of Kol-v via inhibition of IL-6 secretion in RAW macrophage was established in this study.

Anti-pyretic Activity of Garcinia kola Seed Extract

Anti-pyretic Activity of Garcinia kola Seed Extract

In vivo Trypanocidal Activity of Ethanolic Crude Extract and Phytochemical Fractions of Garcinia kola Seeds

Aim: To determine the trypanocidal activity of the crude ethanolic extract and phytochemical fractions of Garcinia kola seeds in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected rats. Study Design: Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected rats were treated with the ethanolic crude extract, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and cardiac glycoside fractions of Garcinia kola seeds. Parasitaemia and Packed cell volume (PCV) were measured. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria between June and October 2011. Methodology: 11 groups of four rats each were used. Group A rats were infected but not treated. Groups B, C, D, E and F were infected but treated with 50mg/kg crude extract, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and cardiac glycoside fractions respectively, while groups G, H, I, J and K were infected but treated with 100mg/kg of the extracts respectively. Parasitaemia levels of rats were observed daily under Light microscope at x100 magnification. PCV values were determined on days 4 and 8 using microhaematocrit centrifuge at 10,000xg for 5 min. Results: At 50mg/kg the crude extract brought about a 37.50% reduction in the parasitaemia of infected rats, the alkaloid fraction 76.70%, flavonoid fraction 53.45% and saponin fraction 76.70%. At 100mg/kg the crude extract and the alkaloid, flavonoid and Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(1): 212-222, 2014 213 saponin fractions reduced parasitaemia of infected rats by 84.50%, 92.25%, 61.20% and 68.98% respectively. Treatment with the cardiac glycoside fraction showed no improvement in parasitaemia. Significant increases (P=.05) in PCV values were observed in all the treated groups on days 4 and 8 when compared with the untreated ones. Conclusion: Available results from this research shows that ethanolic crude extract of Garcinia kola seeds and its alkaloid, flavonoid and saponin fractions at 50 and 100mg/kg demonstrated activities against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in rats.

Kolaviron improved resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood (erythrocyte, serum, and plasma) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Aims. Bitter kola seed (Garcinia kola, family: Guttiferae) has been used as a social masticatory agent in Africa for several years and is believed to possess many useful medicinal properties. The present study evaluates the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic effects of kolaviron (an extract from the Garcinia kola seeds) in the blood of streptozotocin- (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods. Diabetic rats were treated with kolaviron (100 mg/kg b·wt) orally, five times a week for a period of six weeks. Serum glucose and HBA1C concentrations were estimated in experimental groups. The activities of antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (in erythrocytes) as well as plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were investigated. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factor: interleukin- (IL-) 1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively, were also analyzed. Results. Kolaviron treatment markedly improved antioxidant status and abated inflammatory response evidenced by reduction in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factor, lipid peroxidation product, and the restoration of activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in the blood of diabetic rats. Conclusion. Kolaviron improved antioxidant status, reduced inflammation, and protected against hyperglycemic-induced oxidative damage in the blood of diabetic rats.

Identification of the AntiListerial Constituents in Partially Purified Column Chromatography Fractions of Garcinia kola Seeds and Their Interactions with Standard Antibiotics.

Partially purified fractions of the n-hexane extract of Garcinia kola seeds were obtained through column chromatography and their constituents were identified through the use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Three fractions were obtained by elution with benzene as the mobile phase and silica gel 60 as the stationery phase and these were named Benz1, Benz2, and Benz3 in the order of their elution. The antiListerial activities of these fractions were assessed through MIC determination and only Benz2 and Benz3 were found to be active with MIC's ranging from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/mL. The results of the GC-MS analysis showed Benz2 to have 9 compounds whilst Benz3 had 7 compounds, with the major compounds in both fractions being 9,19-Cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol, (3.β.) and 9,19-Cyclolanostan-3-ol,24-methylene-, (3.β.). The Benz2 fraction was found to have mainly indifferent interactions with ampicillin and penicillin G whilst mainly additive interactions were observed with ciprofloxacin. The Benz3 fraction's interactions were found to be 50% synergistic with penicillin G and 25% synergistic with ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. A commercially available 9,19-Cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol, (3.β.) was found not to exhibit any antiListerial activities at maximum test concentrations of 5 mg/mL, suggesting that the compound could be acting in synergy with the other compounds in the eluted fractions of Garcinia kola seeds.

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

In-vitro antifungal effect of <i>Garcinia kola</i> and garlic (<i>Alliums sativum</i>) on vaginal isolates of <i>candida</i>

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

Alkaloid and Non-Alkaloid Ethanolic Extracts from Seeds of Garcinia Kola as Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Mild Steel in H2SO4 Solution

Alkaloid and Non-Alkaloid Ethanolic Extracts from Seeds of Garcinia Kola as Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Mild Steel in H2SO4 Solution

Kolaviron, isolated from Garcinia kola, inhibits acetylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus and striatum of wistar rats.

Kolaviron, isolated from seeds of Garcinia kola, have been shown to possess wide pharmacological properties. The present study examined the effect of kolaviron on acetylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus and striatum of adult Wistar rats. In this study, histological and histochemical methods were used to investigate the effects of kolaviron on the histology of the hippocampus and striatum and on acetylcholinesterase activities in these brain regions. We showed that kolaviron produced no neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus and striatum. Kolaviron did not significantly alter (p<0.05) neuronal density in these brain regions. Kolaviron significantly reduced (p<0.05) acetylcholinesterase staining intensity, suggesting a likely inhibiting effect on this enzyme. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that kolaviron could act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Kolaviron may be developed as a herbal-based natural product with therapeutic potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders associated with disturbed cholinergic neurotransmitter systems.

Kolaviron, a Natural Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Phytochemical Prevents Dextran Sulphate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Rats

The beneficial effects of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, have been attributed mainly to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated these effects on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Sulfasalazine served as standard reference in this study. Kolaviron and sulfasalazine were separately co-administered orally at 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively, to dextran sulphate sodium-exposed rats for 5 days. The result indicated that kolaviron or sulfasalazine significantly prevented DSS-induced body weight loss as well as the incidence of diarrhoea and bleeding in DSS-exposed rats. Kolaviron suppressed the DSS-mediated increase in colonic nitric oxide concentration and myeloperoxidase activity and significantly prevented the increase in inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor alpha, in the colon of DSS-treated rats. The significant depletion in colonic antioxidant status in rats exposed to DSS alone was evident by marked reduction in colonic catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities as well as glutathione content, leading to elevated hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels. Histopathologically, DSS alone resulted in severe epithelial erosion, total absence of goblet cells, destruction of the crypts, necrotic and distorted glands, accompanied by marked cellular mononuclear cells infiltration. However, administration of kolaviron and sulfasalazine ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by increasing the antioxidant status decreased hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels and attenuated the adverse effect of DSS on colon architecture. In conclusion, the anti-colitis effect of kolaviron is related to its intrinsic anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

Antidiabetic effect of kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex isolated from Garcinia kola seeds, in Wistar rats

Hypoglycaemic effect of kolaviron (KV), (biflavonoid from Garcinia kola) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats has been established. To evaluate the possible protective effects of KV on cardiac, renal and hepatic tissues of STZ-diabetic rats. This study consists of four groups of 6 rats each. Groups one and two contained non-diabetic and untreated-diabetic rats, respectively. Groups three and four were made up of KV- and glibenclamide (GB) - treated diabetic rats, respectively. STZ-intoxication caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the relative weight of liver in diabetic rats. STZ-diabetic rats had significant increase (p<0.05) in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), á-amylase and HbA1c. A marked and significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of cardiac, renal and liver marker indices such as serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, urea and alanine aminotransferase were observed in untreated diabetic rats. Also, untreated diabetic rats had significantly (p<0.05) elevated urinary glucose and protein and, lowered creatinine clearance. In KV- and GB- treated groups, the levels of FBG, á-amylase and HbA1c were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, while treatment with KV significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the cardiac, renal and liver marker indices. KV offered significant antidiabetic and tissues protective effects in the rats.

Hepatic, testicular and spermatozoa antioxidant status in rats chronically treated with Garcinia kolaseed

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGarcinia kola seed is commonly used in African Traditional Medicine as a remedy for liver disorders, hepatitis, bronchitis, throat infections as well as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing substance. Owing to the abundance of complex mixture of phenolic compounds in Garcinia kola seed, there is a growing safety concern on its long-term use in folklore medicine. The present study evaluated the hepatic, testicular and spermatozoa antioxidant status in rats chronically treated with Garcinia kolaseed. Materials and methodsAdult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 rats each and were orally administered with Garcinia kola at 0, 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg for 6consecutive weeks. Clinical observations, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress biomarkers, spermatozoa parameters and histopathological examination of the organs were assessed to monitor treatment-related adverse effects inrats. ResultsLong-term treatment of Garcinia kola had no adverse effect on the spermatozoa characteristics but significantly elevated testosterone concentration when compared to the control group. Improvement of antioxidant systems was accompanied by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde level in the liver, testes and spermatozoa of Garcinia kola-treated rats. Histological observation revealed that chronic administration of Garcinia kola had no effect on the liver and testes at all doses when compared with control. ConclusionGarcinia kola seed boosts the antioxidant status and exhibits no adverse effect on the liver, testes and spermatozoa after a long-term oral exposure inrats.

Garcinia kola seeds: is the aqueous extract a true aphrodisiac in male Wistar rats?

The age long acclaimed aphrodisiac potentials of Garcinia kola seeds in some parts of Western Nigeria has not been substantiated with scientific evidence. In this study, we have decided to evaluate the effect of aqueous seed extract of G. kola at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight on sexual behaviour of male rats. Male rats weighing 215.00 ± 18.58 g were randomized completely into four groups (A-D) of six animals each. Animals in group A received, orally, 0.5 ml of distilled water only while those in groups B, C and D received same volume containing 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the seed extract respectively. Frequencies of mount (MF), intromission (IF), genital toilet (GTF) and ejaculation (EF) as well as latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL) and ejaculation (EL) were evaluated following the pairing of male rats (1:1) with non-oestrous female rats. The parameters were monitored for the first (15-30 min), second (75-90 min) and third (180195 min) observatory periods. The levels of testosterone, luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) were also determined. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins (2.78%), cardiac glycosides (0.26%), cardenolides and dienolides (0.24%), flavonoids (1.28%) and steroids (1.14%). The 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight increased (P<0.05) the MF whereas the ML was decreased by all the doses of the extract. MF and ML were not altered during the second observatory period whereas the 50 mg/kg body weight increased these parameters during the third observatory period. Other sexual behaviour parameters as well as serum testosterone, FSH and LH were not significantly altered throughout the observatory periods. Overall, the results revealed that G. kola seeds did not have sex enhancing potential as claimed. Therefore, the acclaimed pro sexual effect of Garcinia kola seeds is scientifically untrue. This study has refuted the claim that one of the rationales for consuming the seeds by the aged population of Nigeria is to enhance sexual invigoration in males.

Proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of Allanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa from Nigerian rainforest

Evaluation of the proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of three tree species was carried out at the University of Agriculture, Umudike. Mature fruits ofAllanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa were collected from the rainforest at Umudike and Oban National Park. The seeds were extracted from the fruits and washed with distilled water. Plant seeds were put in a labeled and numbered envelope. The envelopes were put into an oven set at 60°C for 6 h. Seeds of each plant species were milled and separately put in air-tight numbered sterile bottles. The bottles were stored in a refrigerator set at 4.0°C. Samples for proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions were collected for the bottles. The moisture content ranged between 9.98 and 12.10% while the dry matter ranged between 87.80 and 90.44%. Of interest was the high percent oil content (>60.0%) of both A. floribunda and P. oleosa. Each seed had between 25.36 and 75.38% carbohydrate. The high concentration of carbohydrate in G. kola seeds justified the acceptability of the seeds as edible seeds by many people. However, the seeds contained some quantity of lead, cadmium and chromium. This research work recommends that little quantities of these seeds should be taken periodically to minimize the adverse effects arising from consuming large quantities of the seeds. Key words: Proximate, oil, Poga oleosa, Allanblackia floribunda, phytochemical.

Kolaviron Biflavanoids of Garcinia Kola Seeds Protect Atrazine-Induced Cytotoxicity in Primary Cultures of Rat Leydig Cells

We sought to explore the mechanism by which kolaviron (Kol) protects against atrazine (ATZ)-induced toxicity of cultured interstitial Leydig cells (ILCs). In our experiments, treatment with Kol improved Leydig cell viability and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Further investigations revealed a reduction in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and elevation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) as measured by messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Additionally, the ATZ-induced alterations in the mRNA transcript copy numbers of steroidogenesis genes: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) were shifted toward the control values by Kol. Taken together, these findings indicate that Kol protects ILCs from ATZ-induced toxicity via the reduction in ROS and MDA levels and induce normalization of mRNA levels of all the tested genes.

Identification and Antibacterial Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Garcinia kola (Heckel) Seeds

We assessed the bioactivity of G. kola seeds on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella typhimurium. The crude ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, acetone and aqueous extracts were screened by the agar-well diffusion method and their activities were further determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays. The extracts were fractionated by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Bioautography was used to assess the activity of the possible classes of compounds present in the more active extracts. Column chromatography was used to purify the active compounds from the mixture, while GC-MS was used to identify the phytocomponents of the fractions. The inhibition zone diameters of the extracts ranged from 0–24 ± 1.1 mm, while MIC and MBC values ranged between 0.04–1.25 mg/mL and 0.081–2.5 mg/mL, respectively. The chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF) solvent system separated more active compounds. The MIC of the fractions ranged between 0.0006–2.5 mg/mL. CEF 3 (F3), CEF 11 (F11) and CEF 12 (F12) revealed the presence of high levels of linoleic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl ester, respectively. The results obtained from this study justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine and provide leads which could be further exploited for the development of new and potent antimicrobials.

In vitro antibacterial activity of crude ethanol, acetone and aqueous Garcinia kola seed extracts on selected clinical isolates

The study was conducted to screen for in vitro antibacterial activity of crude ethanol, acetone and aqueous seeds extract of Garcinia kola at different treatment regimes against some selected clinical bacterial isolates comprising of Gram positive and negative organisms namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginos a and the major chemical groups responsible for the activity were determined. The agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the inhibitory effects of the seeds extract on the test microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration exerted by the extracts against the bacterial isolates ranged between 3.125 and 25 mg/ml. The zones of inhibition exhibited by the extracts against the tested bacterial isolates ranged between 4.0 and 10.5 mm. The crude ethanol extract was found to exhibit more significant (P<0.01) inhibitory action against all the bacterial isolates at the various treatment regime. Also, compared to crude acetone and aqueous extracts, it was also notably found to exhibit significant (P<0.05) effects against the bacterial isolates. The preliminary phytochemical test revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols and terpenes as the major chemical groups in the plant extracts. The results of this study revealed that the in vitro antibacterial activity exhibited by the seeds extract may be attributed to the presence of these phytochemical compounds. Key words : In vitro antibacterial activity, phytochemical, Garcinia kola seeds, bacterial isolates.

Proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of Allanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa from Nigerian rainforest

Evaluation of the proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of three tree species was carried out at the University of Agriculture, Umudike. Mature fruits of Allanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa were collected from the rainforest at Umudike and Oban National Park. The seeds were extracted from the fruits and washed with distilled water. Plant seeds were put in a labeled and numbered envelope. The envelopes were put into an oven set at 60°C for 6 h. Seeds of each plant species were milled and separately put in air-tight numbered sterile bottles. The bottles were stored in a refrigerator set at 4.0°C. Samples for proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions were collected for the bottles. The moisture content ranged between 9.98 and 12.10% while the dry matter ranged between 87.80 and 90.44%. Of interest was the high percent oil content (>60.0%) of both A. floribunda and P. oleosa . Each seed had between 25.36 and 75.38% carbohydrate. The high concentration of carbohydrate in G. kola seeds justified the acceptability of the seeds as edible seeds by many people. However, the seeds contained some quantity of lead, cadmium and chromium. This research work recommends that little quantities of these seeds should be taken periodically to minimize the adverse effects arising from consuming large quantities of the seeds. Key words: Proximate, oil, Poga oleosa, Allanblackia floribunda, phytochemical.

Gastroprotective potentials of the methanolic extract of Garcinia kola in rats

Background : There is a claim in the folklore medicine of the use of Garcinia kola (GK) seeds in the management of gastritis and gastric ulcer. However, there has not been any scientific evidence in the literature that substantiated or refuted this with regards to the management of gastritis and gastric ulcerations in association with gastric morphological damage and cytoarchitectural changes. Aim : This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of the methanolic extract of GK (mGK) in the management of gastritis and gastric ulcerations in rat model. Methods : Adult albino rats with comparable weight were randomized into six groups. Group A was administered 1ml/kg bw of distilled water three times daily. Group B and C were administered ethanol (0.2ml/23g bw of 80% v/v) two hours prior termination of experiment and 150mg/kg bw of mGK daily for three weeks respectively. Group D was pre-treated with mGK and then ethanol as in groups B and C. Group E was administered ethanol as in group B and posttreated with mGK as in group C. Group F was concomitantly treated with mGk as in group C and ethanol as in group B. Results : Ethanol induced gastritis and gastric ulceration. Treatment with mGK abrogated ethanolinduced gastric damage: it reduced the morphological damage score, ulcer score, gastric wall thickness, and lipid peroxidation (p Conclusion : This study substantiated the gastroprotective potentials of mGK. The mechanism of action could be associated with the anti-oxidative activities of the flavonoid constituents. Keywords : Garcinia kola , flavonoids, gastritis, ulcer, lipid peroxidation

In-vitro anti-bacterial activities of crude n-hexane extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds against some Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater effluents

Crude n-hexane extracts of the seed of Garcinia kola were screened for their in-vitro anti-Vibrio activities against 50 Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater final effluents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The extract at a screening concentration of 10 mg/ml resulted in zones of inhibition ranging from 10 to 14 mm against the susceptible isolates and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) varied between 0.313 and 0.625 mg/ml. The rate of kill assay was done against 3 representative isolates namely Vibrio vulnificus (AL042), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (AL049) and Vibrio fluvialis (AL040). The results showed appreciable biocidal activity after 2 h exposure time at 4 × MIC with V. vulnificus(AL042) having 91.6% bacteria cells killed; V. parahaemolyticus (AL049) had 92.6% cells killed and V. fluvialis (AL040) had 96.3% killed. We conclude that G. kola seeds are a potential source of compounds that could be useful in the treatment of infections caused by Vibrio bacteria. Key words: n-hexane extract, Garcinia kola, Vibrio species, minimum inhibitory concentrations, rate of kill.