Indian Journal of Animal Research

SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2013
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue: 4

Effects of bitter cola (Garcinia cola) extract on steroid hormones and selected electrolytes in West African Dwarf bucks

  • Author:
  • O.I. Falana, O.F. Smith, O.S. Gazal1, O. Olowofeso2, N. Okwelum, O.G. Sodipe, J. Ochefu, T.A. Sorongbe
  • Total Page Count: 10
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 273 to 282

Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

1Department of Biological Sciences, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, USA

2Department Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Abstract

Twelve mature West African Dwarf bucks were allotted to four treatment groups of three animals per group to determine various doses of Garcinia cola seed extract (GCSE) on testosterone, cortisol, potassium (K+), sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) in WAD bucks. Treatment A (0 mg GCSE) received saline solution; Treatment B (50 mg GCSE); Treatment C (100 mg GCSE) and Treatment D (150 mg GCSE). The animals were observed for 20 minutes after GCSE injection for behavioural response. Jugular blood samples were collected from the WAD bucks at 10 min intervals for 3 hours before and after GCSE injection. Plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay method. Serum electrolytes were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Injection of GCSE had no effect on mean plasma testosterone concentration while cortisol significantly increased (P<0.001) in the three treatments as compared with the control (12.21 ng/mL). The injection of GCSE induced behavioural changes in the animals resulting in depression, inability to stand, suppression of feed intake and lethargy for 15 mins after injection. Also, intravenous injection of GCSE significantly increased serum potassium (P<0.001) and sodium (P<0.05) but not calcium in the three treatments as compared in the control. These results indicate that GCSE may be involved in the regulation of cortisol, potassium and sodium secretion in bucks. Despite the reported potential benefits of Garcinia cola, its use should be with caution because GCSE has a depressant property.

Keywords

Behaviour, Electrolytes, Garcinia cola, Steroid hormone