IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences (IOSR-JPBS) e-ISSN: 2278-3008, p-ISSN:2319-7676. Volume 10, Issue 6 Ver. IV (Nov - Dec. 2015), PP 83-89 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/3008-10648389 www.iosrjournals.org 83 | Page Encapsulation of the Ethanol Extract of Garcina kola and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical Properties Aiwaguore Johnbull Obarisiagbon 1 , Oladejo Peter Ogunlowo 2 , Ikponmwosa Esther Ogbeide 1 1 Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Igbinedion University, Okada. Edo state, Nigeria 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. Abstract: This study seeks to formulate the seed extract of Garcina kola into capsule dosage form and to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the formulated capsules. The dry powdered seed, ethanol extract as well as the aqueous extract of the seeds were evaluated for their flavanoid content. The ethanol extract, lactose and maize starch as diluents, were wet granulated using maize starch BP mucilage and gelatin solution at (1 – 5%w/w) concentration. The resultant granules were sieved, dried and mixed with disintegrant and talc and the physicochemical characteristics of the granules and capsules were studied. These include: uniformity test, moisture content, flow rate, bulk density, tapped density, disintegration and dissolution rates. The result of the study shows that the dry powdered seed, the aqueous extract and the ethanol extract have flavonoid content of 0.483, 0.387 and 1.362 mg rutin equivalent per gram of dry sample respectively. The results also showed that the capsule had good disintegration time and dissolution profiles. Other characteristics were within acceptable values. This study has shown that Garcina kola seeds can be encapsulated as a solid pharmaceutical dosage form. Keywords: mucilage, diluents, rutin, Garcinia kola, granules, capsule I. Introduction Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long term health when consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat human diseases. At least 12,000 such compounds have been isolated so far; a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total (Tapsell, et al 2006; Lai and Roy 2004). In 2001, researchers identified 122 compounds used in modern medicine which were derived from "ethno medical" plant sources; 80% of these have had an ethno medical use identical or related to the current use of the active elements of the plant (Fabricant and Farnsworth 2001). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the populations of some Asian and African countries presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Garcina kola commonly referred to as Bitter kola is traditionally used by African who believes that it has purgative, anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties (Maurice et al., 1999). Bitter kola was found helpful in ameliorating the pain and swelling experienced by people with knee osteoarthritis, and for the prevention of ulcer. The cold water extract of the root bark with salt is used in Southern Nigeria against cough and vomiting. In this same region of Nigeria, the seed is chewed to prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and motion sickness. In animal studies, Garcina kola increased the activities of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase and glucose – 6 – phosphate dehydrogenase (Olajide and Adeniyi, 2011). Garcinia kola is also known to have activities against Ehrlich carcinoma and Human K562 leukaemia through its alkaloids and flavonoids (Andressa, et al, 2002) . Studies have also been done on Garcinia kola extract on oestrus cycle, ovulation, implantation and pregnancy using adult female rats with the aim of its possible use as female contraceptive (Iranloye and Owokunle, 2008) . Also used as an alternative to hops in the brewing industry (Ogu and Agu, 1995) and in the treatment of Cirrhosis and hepatitis in phytomedicine (Okwu, 2003; Nwankwo et al, 2000) Garcina kola seed have been investigated for its ability to suppress colic disorders, cure head or chest cold. The anti- cancer and chemo - preventive properties of the plant have been studied (Farombi et al, 2005; Akintonwa and Essien, 1990). It has been reported (Adaramoye et al, 2005; Ibironke et al, 1997) that the flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in the plant are responsible for antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-hepatoxic, anti-ulcer and anti-microbial properties exhibited by the plant). Rutin, also called rutoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and sophorin is the glycoside between the flavonol quercetin and the disaccharide rutinose (α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)-β-D-glucopyranose). Rutin is a yellow coloured phenolic compound found in the invasive plant species Carpobrotus edulis and contributes to