The Effect of Ivory Coast Garcinia Kola Heckel (Guttiferae) Seeds on Hyperlipidemia, Hyperglycemia and Obesity in Wistar Rats

Many studies have reported the beneficial health properties of Garcinia kola (G. kola) seed from Ivory Coast. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hyperglycemic effect of aqueous extract of G. kola (AEGk) seed in rats subjected to the High Fat and Sucrose Diet (HFSD). Methods: Acute toxicity study was performed according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines 423. In this study, AEGk was administered starting at 2000 mg/kg and followed by 4000 mg/kg. Rats were observed for toxic signs at 24 h and the next 14 days. For the AEGk effect on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and liver and kidney biochemical markers, animals were divided into five groups. Group I (Control) was fed with a normal diet; Group II, III, IV and V were fed with HFDS and received respectively, 0,9% NaCl, 10 mg/kg statin, and 600 or 1000 mg/kg AEGk daily for four weeks. Finally, histological assessment of liver, kidney and adipose tissue was undertaken. Results: AEGk at single dose of 4000 mg/kg revealed no lethal effects. Treatment with AEGk significantly decreased hyperlipidemia (p<0.05), hyperglycemia and the relative weight of adipose tissue (p<0.001 for 1000 mg/kg). Histologically, fat deposits in the liver and kidney damage decreased. Conclusion: Overall, AEGk was relatively safe in rats at a single dose except for some transient disturbances (4000 mg/kg) and showed some potential in the management of cardiometabolic diseases.