Aqueous extract of Cola anomala nuts protects against metabolic disorders in albino Wistar rats

Youvop F. Janvier1, Ntentie R. Françoise2, Mbong A. Mary-Ann1*, Fokok C. Myrna1, Ndansack K. Emmerencia1, Bakam V. Merveille1, Takuissu R. Guy3, Azantsa K1. Boris, Oben E. Julius1.

Affiliations:

1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon

2 Department of life and health science, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon

3 Institute of medical research and medicinal plants studies, Ministry of scientific research and innovation, Yaounde, Cameroon

*Corresponding author:

Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaounde 1, Ngoa-Ekelle, Yaounde PO Box 812, Cameroon.

E-mail address: mbongs2000@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

            The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Cola anomala nuts against metabolic disorders induced by a hypercaloric diet. For this purpose, the aqueous extract of Cola anomala nuts was prepared for a 28-day animal experimentation. Twenty male wistar rats were randomized according to body weight into four groups of five rats each and treated as follows : a negative control group fed with a normal calorie diet, a positive control group fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHFD) and two test groups fed with a HFHFD and also receiving either 200 or 400mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Cola anomala nuts. At the end of the experiment, blood and organs were collected for the preparation of plasma, hemolysate and homogenates then used for the evaluation of lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides), oxidative status (catalase, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ferric reducing antyoxidant Power (FRAP)), hepatotoxicity (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) and nephrotoxicity (Creatinine). The extract at both doses significantly limited weight gain. Plasmatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels were lower in Cola anomala-treated groups when compared to the positive control. As for the oxidative stress status, plasmatic MDA levels, FRAP and catalase activities in liver and heart were lower in Cola anomala-treated groups when compared to the positive control group. Finally, the extract at both doses had a protective effect on renal and hepatic functions. The results obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of Cola anomala nuts has a protective effect against metabolic disorders induced by a hypercaloric diet.

Key words: Cola anomala, extract, metabolic disorders, hypercaloric diet, weight gain, glycemia