Abstract:
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.
