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Dose-Dependent Effects of Cola acuminata, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola Seed Supplementation on Serum Reproductive Hormones, Lipid Profiles and Hepatic Health in Male Wistar Rats

Widely consumed kola nuts and bitter kola in Nigeria have nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, long-term consumption causes chronic liver and hepatic malfunctioning. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, and Garcinia kola seed supplementation on serum reproductive hormones, lipid profiles, and hepatic health in male wistar rats. Fifty (50) male rats (135 ± 15g) were randomly assigned into ten groups; one control and nine treatments (n = 5) receiving 5%, 10%, and 20% dietary inclusion of each seed for 12 weeks. Testosterone, LH and FSH, and ALT, AST, and ALP and TC, LDL-c, and HDL-c were determined using standard procedures. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed by One-way ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results revealed that treatment with KA and GK significantly increased serum testosterone levels (p < 0.05), with the highest values observed at 5% (KA) and 10% (GK) inclusion levels. Conversely, LH and FSH levels were significantly reduced in all treated groups compared with control. Lipid profile analysis revealed significant elevations in TC across all treatment groups, particularly with GK at 20% inclusion, while LDL-c and HDL-c showed variable trends. Chronic kola seed consumption also elevated liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP), indicating possible hepatocellular stress. Food intake decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups, with the greatest reduction at 10% inclusion, and correspondingly, body weight gain was significantly lower compared with control, with the 20% inclusion group exhibiting the lowest gain. Chronic dietary intake of C. acuminata, C. nitida, and G. kola seeds elevates testosterone, suppresses LH and FSH, disrupts lipid balance, induces hepatic stress, and reduces food intake and weight gain, highlighting potential risks of prolonged whole seed consumption and the need for moderated intake.