Therapeutic Potential of Orally Administered Aqueous Seed Extract of Garcinia kola on Experimental Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid Colitis in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Erosive colitis is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with unknown cause, characterized by recurrent erosion of the colonic mucosal lining. The pathogenesis likely involves genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors. Aim: This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Garcinia kola (GK) on acetic acid-induced erosive colitis in adult male Wistar rats. Erosive colitis (EC) was induced in male Wistar rats by intra-rectal administration of 2 ml of 4 % acetic acid at 8 cm proximal to the anus for 30 seconds. Methodology: Thirty-six animals were divided into six groups (n=6), negative control (no erosion, no GK); positive control (erosive colitis without treatment of GK extract); treated with 100, 200, 400mg/kg GK, standard treatment group (Prednisolone) for 14 days. Results: Garcinia kola significantly improved Erosive colitis-induced reduction in mean stool consistency and mean macroscopic erosion score (P< 0.05). Injection of GK also significantly reduced the mean microscopic erosion score when compared to untreated EC control (P < 0.01). GK reduced the colonic mucosa injury of the Wistar rat. Conclusion: Results of this study provide scientific evidence that lends credence to the use of aqueous seed extract of Garcinia kola in folklore medicine in the management of colitis erosion.