Comparative Chromatographic Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Activities of Garcinia Kola Nut Extracts

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the pharmacodynamic activities of Garcinia Kola nut (GK) extract with known antiglaucoma medication using the movements and sites of separation on thin layer chromatography.

Study Design: Experimental Study

Materials and Methods: Garcinia kolanuts were obtained from Ogun state. Drugs in comparison were 0.5% Betaxolol, 0.5% Timotol maleate and 2% Pilocarpine. Extraction of Garcinia Kolanuts was carried out at the Pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory of the CMUL. The antiglaucoma drugs were basified in ammonium hydroxide to extract the active ingredients. The other half of water extract served as control. Comparative Thin layer Chromatography (TLC) studies were done both at the College of Medicine Lagos and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State, using the 3 known antiglaucoma drugs. Garcinia kolanuts were also sent to Alcon Laboratories in Texas, USA for analysis of its active ingredients.

Main Outcome Measure: Extent of movement and corresponding spots at sites of separation of all the antiglaucoma drugs and GK extracts on TLC.

Results: Thin layer Chromatography (TLC) showed comparative corresponding separating spots of the extracts with those of the antiglaucoma drugs, and the same extent of movements. The laboratory analysis of the Garcinia Kolanuts extracts showed receptors inhibition of Beta adrenergic sites, adenosine, melatonin, opiate, purine, calcium channel L-type and 5HT5A.

Conclusion: Garcinia kolanut extract exhibits a combined effects of all the known antiglaucoma drugs used in comparison.


NQJHM Vol. 15 (1) 2005: pp. 30-33