Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract of Cola nitida pod on lipoprotein concentrations in albino Wistar rats. Cola nitida, commonly known as "cola nut," is a plant native to West Africa and known for its various pharmacological properties. In this study, 30 albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups a control group, a high-fat diet group, and three treatment groups receiving different concentrations of Cola nitida pod extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg). The rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce dyslipidemia. After 28 days of treatment, blood samples were collected for lipoprotein analysis. The results showed that the high-fat diet group had significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), along with reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to the control group. Treatment with Cola nitida pod extract at all three concentrations led to a dose-dependent reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and VLDL-C levels, while HDL-C levels increased significantly compared to the high-fat diet group. The most significant improvements were observed in the group receiving the highest concentration (400 mg/kg) of the extract. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the liver tissues showed that the high-fat diet group exhibited signs of hepatic steatosis, while the treatment groups showed reduced fat accumulation, indicating a protective effect of Cola nitida pod extract on the liver. Overall, the results suggest that water extract of Cola nitida pod has potential hypocholesterolemic effects by improving the lipid profile of albino Wistar rats with dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat diet. The findings support the traditional use of Cola nitida in the management of lipid disorders and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for dyslipidemia treatment. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate the long-term effects and safety profile of Cola nitida pod extract in the management of dyslipidemia.

Thesis Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Cola Nitida has been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac, an appetite suppressant, to treat morning sickness, migraine headache, and indigestion (Esimone et al., 2007). It has also been applied directly to the skin to treat wounds and inflammation (Newall et al., 1996)on the teeth and gums. There has also been speculations as to its use in the treatment of peptic ulcer, however, in Nigeria there is no record of the incidence of peptic ulcer.
According to Esimone (2007), cola nitida tree is native to West Africa. Cola nuts are obtained from cola trees. Cola nitida belongs to the genus cola and family steriliaceae. They are commonly used to counteract hunger and thirst; in some cases it is used to control vomiting in pregnant woman and also as a principal stimulant to keep awake and withstand fatigue by students, drivers, and other menial workers.
Lipoproteins are found in the liver and cells. The liver is the largest organ inside the body. The liver is dark reddish-brown and
consists of two main lobes. There are over 300 billion specialized cells in the liver that are connected by a well organized system of “bile” ducts and blood vessels called the biliary system.