Project Materials

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

ABSTRACT

Cola nitida has long been used in eastern Nigeria to treat various ailments and as an aphrodisiac to treat certain sexual dysfunctions. However, the effects of this extract on certain health indices in human subjects have not been reported. This study sought to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of kola pods on lipoprotein concentrations in albino wistar rats. This study used rats, who were divided into multiple groups and fed a high-calorie diet (cow’s brain) to raise blood lipoprotein concentration in the rat model. The effect of the sample’s water extracts was compared to a known medicine, and the findings were statistically compared to determine the effect of the water extract on rat models. The findings of this study suggest that water extracts from cola nitida pods can be utilised to treat mild lipoprotein dysfunctions, supporting its application in sexual erectile functions.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Cola Nitida has been used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, appetite suppressant, and treatment for morning sickness, migraine headaches, and indigestion (Esimone et al., 2007). It has also been used directly on the skin to treat wounds and inflammation of the teeth and gums (Newall et al., 1996).

There has also been conjecture that it could be used to treat peptic ulcers, but there is no record of peptic ulcer incidence in Nigeria. According to Esimone (2007), the cola nitida tree is native to West Africa. Cola nuts are harvested from cola trees.

Cola nitida belongs to the genus Cola and the family Steriliaceae. They are often used to combat hunger and thirst; in rare situations, they are used to manage vomiting in pregnant women; and they are also utilised as a primary stimulant to keep students, drivers, and other menial workers awake and able to tolerate weariness.

Lipoproteins are found both in the liver and in cells. The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. The liver is dark reddish-brown and has two primary lobes.

The liver contains about 300 billion specialised cells that are linked by a well-organised network of “bile” ducts and blood arteries known as the biliary system.