Investigating the Diagnostic Utility of Cola acuminata Extract as an Alternative Histological Cytoplasmic Stain

Abstract

Background: Stains are essential artefacts which aid visualisation and evaluation of histological specimens. However, the
use of synthetic dyes for diagnostic purpose has become a major concern a threat to sustainable development owing to
the associated toxicity, environmental pollution and potential risk to human health. Several studies have investigated the
application of naturally occurring pigments in plants use of natural dyes for clinical and diagnostics purposed. The study
investigated the application of naturally occurring pigments of Cola acuminata extract for clinical and diagnostics purpose;
specifically, as a histological cytoplasmic stain.
Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from cattle heart, liver and spleen were stained by varying
concentrations of Cola acuminata nuts extracts, with different extractants including absolute methanol, ethanol and distilled
water at different times. Tissue sections stained with dye extracts produced a spectrum of greyish to golden brown cytoplasmic
colouration.
Results: Cola acuminata dye extracts produced relatively varying staining intensities of golden-brownish cytoplasmic
colouration applied on liver, spleen and heart tissue sections cattle tissue with different extractants, at different concentrations
and staining times, comparable to eosin, and with blue purple heamatoxylin nuclear stain. Methanolic dye extract (60% w/v)
of Cola acuminata at an acidic pH, applied for 15min at room temperature, yielded the best staining result.
Conclusion: Cola acuminata nut dye extract is a potential substitute for cytoplasmic synthetic dye utility in histological staining
techniques. Further research needed to reinforce and validate its applicability in a wide range of pathological specimens.