The effect of water extract of cola nitida pod

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cola nitida, commonly known as kola nut, is a plant native to West Africa and is known for its cultural, social, and medicinal significance. The pod of the plant has been traditionally used in various forms for its stimulant properties and has been reported to possess several bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract of Cola nitida pod on various physiological parameters in experimental animals. In this research, water extract of Cola nitida pod was prepared and administered to experimental animals to evaluate its effects. The study focused on assessing parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, and biochemical markers including lipid profile and glucose levels. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using in vitro assays. The results of the study revealed that administration of the water extract of Cola nitida pod led to a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure in the experimental animals. There was also a notable reduction in body weight observed in the treated animals compared to the control group. Furthermore, analysis of the biochemical parameters indicated alterations in the lipid profile and glucose levels in the treated animals. The antioxidant activity of the water extract was found to be significant, as indicated by its ability to scavenge free radicals in the in vitro assays. This suggests that the extract may possess antioxidant properties that could contribute to its potential health benefits. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the water extract of Cola nitida pod exerts effects on various physiological parameters in experimental animals. The stimulant properties of the extract, as evidenced by the increase in heart rate and blood pressure, may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as caffeine and theobromine. The alterations in lipid profile and glucose levels indicate potential metabolic effects of the extract. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed effects and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the water extract of Cola nitida pod in humans. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of literature on the potential health benefits of traditional plant-based remedies and highlight the need for further investigation into their therapeutic properties.