Effects of kola-nut extract administration on the liver, kidney, brain, testis and some serum constituents of the rat

Kola-nut extract induced a number of overt neurotoxicological signs in male albino rats. A decrease in the total body weight and an increase in the absolute weights of the liver, kidney, brain and testis were observed after 18 weeks oral administration of kola-nut extract to the rats. Total protein, RNA and DNA of these organs were significantly depressed. The activity of beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase was induced only in the kidney, brain and testis of treated animals. While the levels of serum phosphomonoesterases and total cholesterol were significantly enhanced due to kola-nut intake, serum total and conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly decreased.