Evaluation of the antihepatotoxic activity of the biflavonoids of Garcinia kola seed.

Abstract Seeds of Garcinia kola enjoy a folk reputation in Africa as a poison antidote. Their antihepatotoxic properties have been evaluated using four experimental toxins, namely carbon tetrachloride, galactosamine, α-amanitin and phalloidin. Kolaviron, a fraction of the defatted ethanol extract, and two biflavones of Garcinia kola seeds (GB1 and GB2) significantly modified the action of all these hepatotoxins. At 100 mg kg orally, the test substances reduced thiopental-induced sleep in CCl 4 -poisoned rats. The microsomal enzyme levels in the serum of mice poisoned with phalloidin were significantly protected by treatment with Garcinia extractives. The probable mechanism of the antihepatotoxic action is briefly discussed.