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.

Thesis Overview

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.