Erythropoietic and anti‐obesity effects of Garcinia cambogia (bitter kola) in Wistar rats

Abstract

The anti-obesity and erythropoietic effects of crude ethanolic extracts of Garcinia cambogia (bitter kola) seeds on Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. The rats were divided into three dosage groups: A (0 mg/kg of body weight), B (200 mg/kg) and C (400 mg/kg). Weight changes, plasma lipoprotein levels and the lipid profile of the liver, gastrointestinal system and adipose tissue were monitored as indices for anti-obesity, while the RBC (red blood cell) count (assessed by using a haemocytometer) was monitored as a measure of erythropoiesis. The extract was administered by gavage for 5 weeks. The results for each test group was compared statistically with those for the control (P<0.05). Analysis of the results showed a significant increase in RBC counts in both test groups and a decrease in weights of experimental animals. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the plasma level of very-low-density lipoprotein and a dose-dependent increase in the level of chylomicrons. There was a slight, but significant, decrease in the level of high-density lipoprotein and a significant increase in the level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein). There was significant dose-dependent decrease in the TAG (triacylglycerol) pool of adipose tissue and the liver of the test groups, but a significant increase in the TAG pool of the gastrointestinal system. The increase in the TAG pool of the gastrointestinal system is possibly compensatory. The results therefore confirm that ethanolic extracts of G. cambogia seeds have both haematologically enhancing and anti-obesity effects. The decrease in the high-density-lipoprotein level and an increase in the LDL level may play an important role in cardiovascular disease.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed on Milt Quality of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstocks

“…enhance fertility either directly or indirectly and that most plants rich in antioxidants have the tendency to increase sperm count, motility, and enhance sperm morphology Adesanya et al, 2007). The African catfish C. gariepinus is a major cultivated fish of high commercial value in Nigeria and is ideal for captive breeding (Adesulu & Syndeham 2007) but many limitations are associated with fry production and the development of better broodstock management techniques is crucial for improvement of fry yield and system efficiency.…”

“…The ever-growing demand for the seed of African catfish C. gariepinus calls for more production of high quality milt which could be used to fertilize the eggs in the hatchery. It has been shown by several studies that medicinal plants can influence fertility in man, animal and fish (Oluyemi et al, 2007;Salman et al, 2008;Dada, 2012). According to Bahmanpour et al, (2006), the oral administration of date palm fruit suspension doses at 120 and 240mg/kg improved sperm count, motility, morphology and DNA quality with a concomitant increase in weights of testes and Epididymis.…”

An examination of the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of Garcinia cambogia fruit pericarp extracts

“…17 Due to the role of citrate lyase in fatty acid biosynthesis, inhibition of this enzyme would be expected to block the synthesis and storage of triacylglycerols and result in fatty acid mobilisation from the adipose tissue.Several studies have reported this effect in rat models. 18 However, similar trends have not been reported for human trials. 13,15 Despite the current interest in the therapeutic potential of G. cambogia, scientific research is focussed almost entirely on its potential antiobesity potential.…”

In Vitro Cyto-genotoxicity of Hydroxycitric Acid: A Weight-loss Dietary Supplement

“…8 Moreover, the same extracts also showed erythropoetic activity in Wistar rats. 36 Hence, additional studies are needed to assess the DNA damage and repair pathways associated with HCA exposure at high concentrations. Moreover, our results ascertain the safe consumption of HCA within the acceptable dose limit (∼2800 mg/day).…”