Preparation of bitter kola

PREPARATION OF BITTER KOLA

          The seeds of  bitter kola (Garcinia kola) were bought from  mile 1 market, Rivers State. The testa were peeled off and the white seeds chopped into tiny pieces. They were air-dried and homogenized with an  electric blender. 10g of homogenized form was soaked in 100mL of distilled water for  twenty four  (24) hours. And filtered through a whatman filter paper.

          The concentration was  calculated on a weight / volume.

 COLLECTION OF BLOOD SAMPLES

          The blood samples were collected from rats of the same age and weight, fed for three week. The blood samples were collected by inserting a syringe into the radial, brachial  artery of rat. The sample collected  by the syringe was put in different sample  containers containing  anticoagulants to prevent the  blood from clotting.

          Sodium fluoride was added to anticoagulant to prevent glycolysis from taking place. Glucose disappears  fairly  rapidly  from whole  blood on standing, so that up to about  0.5mmol/L (10mg/100mL) may  be lost per hour at room temperature.

          This is  due to its conversion to Lactic acid C₆H₁₂O₆              2C₃H₆O_3,  a process known as glycolysis, which occurs even in sterile blood  (HAROLD practical  clinical BCH 5^thED pg 370)

          The blood  sample was spun in a centrifuge  for about 10 mins and plasma was separated out with micro pipette into a  washed test tube.

    EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

          The experiments carried  out during the project includes:

1.      Determination of blood glucose

2.      Effect of aqueous  bitter kola  extract on blood glucose