CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Cola Nitida has been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac

an appetite suppressant to treat morning sickness migraine headache

and indigestion (Esimone et al. 2007). It has also been applied

directly to the skin to treat wounds and inflammation (Newall et al.

1996)on the teeth and gums. There has also been speculations as to its

use in the treatment of peptic ulcer however in Nigeria there is no

record of the incidence of peptic ulcer.

According to Esimone (2007) cola nitida tree is native to West

Africa. Cola nuts are obtained from cola trees. Cola nitida belongs to

the genus cola and family steriliaceae. They are commonly used to

counteract hunger and thirst; in some cases it is used to control

vomiting in pregnant woman and also as a principal stimulant to keep

awake and withstand fatigue by students drivers and other menial

workers.

Lipoproteins are found in the liver and cells. The liver is the

largest organ inside the body. The liver is dark reddish-brown and

consists of two main lobes. There are over 300 billion specialized

cells in the liver that are connected by a well organized system of

“bile” ducts and blood vessels called the biliary system.