Project Abstract

Abstract
Cola nitida, commonly known as kola nut, is a plant native to West Africa and is traditionally used for its stimulant properties due to its high caffeine content. The pod of Cola nitida has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of water extract of Cola nitida pod on various biological activities. The water extract of Cola nitida pod was prepared using standard methods and analyzed for its phytochemical composition. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The cytotoxicity of the extract was determined using the MTT assay on human dermal fibroblast cells. Our results showed that the water extract of Cola nitida pod exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its ability to scavenge free radicals in the DPPH and ABTS assays. The extract also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the extract was found to be non-toxic to human dermal fibroblast cells at the concentrations tested. These findings suggest that the water extract of Cola nitida pod has the potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to determine the in vivo efficacy of the extract. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the traditional uses of Cola nitida in herbal medicine and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties.

Project 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.