The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia Kola Seed On The Liver Histology

Abstract

Background: Various parts of Garcinia kola plant are used for a wide range of medicinal purposes in Africa where it is indigenous. The kernels of the nut are widely traded and are eaten as bitter stimulant while extract of the seed have been used traditionally for the treatment of cough and liver diseases. This study is done to evaluate the possible histological effect(s) of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola seeds on the liver of albino rat.  Twenty (20) matured wister rats were grouped into four (A, B, C and D). Each group contained five(5) rats. Group A received 125mg/kg of the extract while groups B and C received 200mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. Group D served as control. The results obtained revealed that the treated sections of the liver showed no evidence of degenerative changes or cyto-architectural distortions of the hepatic parenchyma. It was concluded that intake of Garcinia kola in itself does not cause any acute morphological changes in the liver.

Keywords: Garcinia kola seed, Liver, histology.