Effect of Garcinia Kola Seed on Serum Enzyme, Urea, Creatinine and Electrolytes of Healthy Human Subjects

D. G. Tamuno-Eminie, A. Ben-Chioma, A. A. Uwakwe

Abstract: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, sodium (Na*) and potassium (K*) are key diagnostic markers of hepatic and renal function. In this study, the effect of Garcinia kola seed (G. kola seed) on the key diagnostic markers of hepatic and renal function in healthy human subjects was investigated. In the group of human subjects fed 20g G. kola seed plus 250ml water, none of the renal function markers (serum urea, creatinine, Na* and K*) was significantly affected (P > 0.05). However, two of the hepatic function markers (serum AST and ALP activities) were found to show a significant decrease (p < 0.05) following G. kola seed feeding. These findings suggest that G. kola seed may not be toxic to the kidney and may have a protective effect on liver function.

Keywords: Garcinia kola seed, Enzymes, Urea, Creatinine, Electrolytes