The Antifungal Effects of Different Extracts of Cola nitida on Selected Organisms

Background: Cola nitida has been consumed as fruit and also play a significant role in the daily tradition and custom of the Nigerian people. Kola nut has also been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac, appetite suppressant, treatment for migraine, indigestion and vomiting control as well as for treatment of wounds, tooth infections, urinary tract infections and other numerous microbial infections. This study was carried out to evaluate the antifungal activities of Cola nitida extracts from different localities: Udi, Enugu state, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state and Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: Three fungi which included Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were used for the study. Agar diffusion and agar dilution assays respectively were carried out for fungi studies. Screening of the methanol and acetone extracts for their antifungal profile was done at varying concentrations. Results: Findings showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the extracts Cola nitida for the organisms. When the mycelial radial growth diameter for test organisms (P1) was compared, a statistically significant difference was recorded for all the fungi at all concentrations and when the mycelial growth inhibitions (M%) were compared Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) with result ranging from 80% to 92% for both methanol and acetone extract of Cola nitida from all the regions. Conclusion: The study identified kola nut extracts to be antifungal. This suggests that kola nut extracts can be used as alternative medicine in the treatment of fungal infections.