Abstract

The phytochemical screening and biochemical effects of methanol extract of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) on alloxan induced diabetes was studied using standard methods in order to determine the potential of this seed. Twenty five (25) male Wistar (albino) rats used as the experimental organisms were divided into (5) groups designated A, B, C, D and E with (5) animals per group. Groups A and B which were non-diabetic control and non-diabetic test were treated with normal saline (0.5 mL/kgbody weight) and 50 mg/kg body weight of Garcinia kola extract respectively. Groups C, D and E which were made diabetic using alloxan monohydrate had one diabetic untreated group that received normal saline (0.5 mL/kg body weight) and two diabetic treated groups that received reference drug (gliben clamide) (50 mg/kgbody weight) and 50 mg/kgbody weight of Garcinia kola extract respectively. After every treatment, blood samples were collected from the test organisms through tail vein puncture and their respective blood glucose concentration was measured with gm glucometer at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h for three (3) days. It was observed that Garcinia kola methanol extract treatment significantly reduced blood glucose level. The result of the phytochemical screening which was analyzed using standard analytical method revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycocides while alkaloids were absent. From the finding in this prospective study, Garcinia kola extract has useful pharmacological bioactive compounds and as such could be used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of diabetes and other ailments.

Keywords:

Blood, garcinia, glucometer, intraperitoneally, kola, medicinal,

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