A Systematic Review of the Fertility-Enhancing Effects of Garcinia kola and Its Metabolites: Evidence from In Vivo Animal Studies

Résumé fourni par la source

Infertility is a significant reproductive health challenge affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It has considerable social and psychological consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to conventional fertility treatments remains limited and costly. Garcinia kola (bitter kola), a tropical plant native to West and Central Africa, has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries, including for the management of reproductive health conditions. Despite its established ethnomedicinal use, the scientific evidence supporting its fertility-enhancing properties has not been systematically reviewed. This systematic review aims to assess whether Garcinia kola or its metabolites enhance fertility in male and female animal models by synthesizing evidence from in vivo studies. The review focuses specifically on the fertility-enhancing or reproductive organ-protective effects of Garcinia kola and its principal metabolites (kolaviron and GB1-hydroxybiflavanonol). The mechanisms through which these metabolites influence reproductive health will be unraveled. Such mechanisms include antioxidant defence, hormonal modulation, and structural preservation of reproductive tissues. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) on 3rd January 2026. Studies were screened against predefined eligibility criteria using the PICOS framework, with screening conducted independently by two reviewers and conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using a standardized template and synthesized using a descriptive and narrative approach. In silico pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiling of identified metabolites will be performed using the SwissADME and pkCSM web servers. These web servers will predict the druglikeness and safety profiles of G. Kola metabolites. The findings of this review will provide researchers, clinicians, and policymakers with a structured and evidence-based account of the reproductive health potential of Garcinia kola, identify gaps in the current evidence base, and inform the design of future preclinical and clinical investigations aimed at developing accessible and affordable fertility interventions for populations with limited healthcare resources.