| Therapeutic Potential of Garcinia kola: A Fast Review of Pharmacological Benefits and Clinical Applications |
| Paper ID : 1199-IGA |
| Authors |
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Sogol Fereydouni Balangani * Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Background and Aim: Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) the wonder plant, a member of the genus Garcinia, is a lesser known plant food that is chewed not necessarily for its food value but rather for its curative properties has been widely recognized for its pharmacological and therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to review the the therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola and its pharmacological benefits and clinical applications. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Relevant studies were identified using the keywords "Garrcinia kola," "pharmacological benefits," "therapeutic potential," and "clinical applications". Inclusion criteria were set to include only published papers after 2015 and those available in the English language. Results: Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, bioflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, bitter kola exhibits potent antioxidant, anticancer potential, digestive aid and gut health improvement, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. Studies indicate the role of its anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, bitter kola’s antimicrobial activity extends to bacteria, fungi, and viruses, supporting its use in traditional medicine for treating respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, studies indicate that bitter kola may contribute to neuroprotection, potentially mitigating neurodegenerative conditions by inhibiting oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Its role in improving male reproductive health and enhancing cognitive function further highlights its broad-spectrum benefits. Conclusion: Despite promising medicinal potential of bitter kola, more clinical studies and pharmacokinetic investigations are required to fully understand its prolonged safety and clinical outcomes. |
| Keywords |
| Bitter kola, Garcinia kola, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Neuroprotection, Diabetes, Phytochemicals |
| Status: Accepted |
