Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cola nitida, commonly known as Kola nut, is a plant native to West Africa and is popular for its stimulant properties. The water extract of Cola nitida pod has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, but its effects have not been extensively studied. This research project aimed to investigate the potential effects of the water extract of Cola nitida pod on various biological systems. The study involved the preparation of the water extract of Cola nitida pod using standard methods. The extract was then subjected to phytochemical analysis to identify the presence of various bioactive compounds. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Additionally, the extract was tested for its potential antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method. Furthermore, the effect of the water extract of Cola nitida pod on mammalian cells was assessed using cell viability assays. The extract was tested for its cytotoxicity and potential to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells. The expression of key apoptotic markers was also evaluated using Western blot analysis. Moreover, the impact of the extract on animal models was investigated. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies were conducted to determine the safety profile of the extract. The extract was administered to rats at different doses, and various parameters including body weight, organ weight, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The results of the study revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins in the water extract of Cola nitida pod. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays. It also demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains. In the cell viability assays, the extract showed selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, with minimal effects on normal cells. The extract induced apoptosis in cancer cells, as evidenced by the upregulation of apoptotic markers. The acute and sub-acute toxicity studies indicated that the extract was safe at tested doses, with no significant adverse effects observed in the animal models. Overall, the findings of this research project suggest that the water extract of Cola nitida pod possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making it a potential candidate for further development as a natural therapeutic agent.

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.