Project Abstract

The abstract is as follows This study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract of Cola nitida pod on various biological activities. Cola nitida, commonly known as Kola nut, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The water extract of Cola nitida pod was prepared using standard procedures and its phytochemical composition was analyzed. The extract was then tested for its antioxidant activity using DPPH assay, antimicrobial activity against selected bacteria and fungi, and cytotoxicity using MTT assay on cancer cell lines. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the water extract of Cola nitida pod. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its potential as a natural antioxidant source. In the antimicrobial activity assay, the extract showed inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains, suggesting its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the water extract of Cola nitida pod demonstrated cytotoxic effects on different cancer cell lines, with varying degrees of potency. The MTT assay results indicated a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability upon treatment with the extract, highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent. The extract also exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells compared to normal cells, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for cancer treatment. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the water extract of Cola nitida pod possesses significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. These results support the traditional use of Cola nitida in herbal medicine and provide scientific evidence for its pharmacological potential. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action of the bioactive compounds present in the extract and to explore its therapeutic applications in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer. The water extract of Cola nitida pod holds promise as a natural source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits and warrants further investigation for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

Project 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.