IMPACT OF GARCINIA KOLA SEED CONSUMPTION ON LIPID PROFILE AND ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Garcinia kola seed (G. kola seed) was investigated for its ability to exert an influence on serum lipid profile and activities of some hepatic marker enzymes of healthy human subjects. Different groups of healthy human subjects were fed with G. kola seed (20g) along with Eva premium table water (250ml), and 250ml Eva premium table water alone respectively, for 10 days. Results obtained showed that feeding human subjects with G. kola seed and water produced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentrations, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. In the group of human subjects fed only water, none of the serum lipids and enzymes investigated was found to be significantly affected (p > 0.05). This investigation therefore shows that G. kola seed may have a beneficial effect, as evidenced by its ability to raise HDL cholesterol concentration, and a protective effect on liver function, as evidenced by its ability to produce a reduction in activities of serum AST and ALP.