Project Materials

THE EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT OF COLA NITIDA POD ON LIPOPROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS OF ALBINO RATS

ABSTRACT

In the eastern regions of Nigeria, cola nitida has been used as an aphrodisiac to treat sexual dysfunctions and to treat other illnesses. The effects of this extract on certain human health indices, however, have not been documented. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how kola pod water extracts affected the levels of lipoproteins in albino wistar rats. In order to raise the blood lipoprotein content in the rat models, the rats utilised in this study were split up into many groups and fed a high-calorie meal (cow’s brain). To determine how the water extract affected the rat models, the effects of the sample’s water extracts were compared with those of a known medication, and the results were statistically compared. The findings of this study support the use of cola nitida pod water extracts for sexual erectile function by showing that they can be utilised to treat minor lipoprotein dysfunctions.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In traditional medicine, cola nitida has been used to treat indigestion, morning sickness, migraine headaches, and as an appetite suppressant and aphrodisiac (Esimone et al., 2007). Additionally, it has been administered directly to the skin to treat inflammation and lesions on the gums and teeth (Newall et al., 1996).

Although there is no data on the prevalence of peptic ulcers in Nigeria, there have been conjectures on their potential application in treating them. The cola nitida tree is indigenous to West Africa, claims Esimone (2007).

Cola trees are the source of cola nuts. Cola nitida is a member of the steriliaceae family and genus cola. They are frequently used to combat thirst and hunger; in certain situations, they are also used to prevent vomiting in expectant mothers.

Students, truckers, and other low-skilled professions also utilise them as a primary stimulant to stay awake and endure exhaustion. Both cells and the liver contain lipoproteins.

The largest organ in the body is the liver. The liver has two major lobes and is dark reddish-brown in colour. The biliary system is a well-organised network of blood arteries and “bile” ducts that connects the liver’s more than 300 billion specialised cells.

CHAPTER ONE

LITERATURE REVIEW  

According to Hamzat et al. (2003), coloa husk pods have a lot of promise as feed ingredients. The cola tree is a tropical tree that is a member of the Sterileceae family. It is mainly prevalent in West Africa’s rain forest region. There are several kola species, but in Nigeria, cola nitida and cola accuminata are the most significant in terms of both economic and social significance.

Babafunde and colleagues (2001). The tree is sturdy and often grows to a height of 12 meters, according to Russellu (2005). Large plantations are created in South Western Nigeria, and I found that the husks of kola nitida and coco pods are comparable in that they both contain a high amount of crude protein and a low amount of crude fibre.

The largest concentrations of calcium (0.60%), chloride ions (0.44%), and molybdenum (9.4 ppm) are found in the husk of kola pods; the lowest concentration of this nutrient is found in the kola test (0.7 ppm). The nutritional value of both cola nitida and cola accuminata seeds has been documented as cogutuga.

The components of a kola pod

It was discovered that the components of kola pods have a beneficial effect on fat storage. 2% caffeine powder reduces body weight growth and fat buildup, according to Sayami et al. (2010). Without lowering food intake (in mice), it also lowers serum levels of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and TG in the liver.

Consequently, it was demonstrated that the combination of catechin and caffeine may be the most potent green tea ingredient in preventing the buildup of fat.

Mice given a high-fat diet showed a marked suppression of body fat growth. The liver’s B-oxidation was linked to the upregulation of catechins and the MRNA expressions of acyl-con oxidase (ACO) and medium chain acyl-con dehydrogenase (MCAD).

Additionally, it was shown that rats given a regular meal and water with 0.5% catechins had reduced levels of weight increase, body fat, accumulation, TG and TC in the liver, and TG in the serum.