Physico-Chemical and Nutritive Properties of Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola)

This study evaluated the proximate composition, nutritive properties and phytochemical content of Bitter Kola. Colour, shape, texture, odour, flavour and colour of peeled seed were some of the physical properties observed. Carbohydrate (70.31%) was observed to be the most abundant biological molecule. The moisture content (9.28%) was significantly high (P<0.05) while Ash (4.17%), crude fiber (3.94%) ether extract/fat (1.03%) and crude protein (11.27%) were present in appreciable amounts. Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 contents of the bitter kola were assayed. The mineral and phyto-chemical analysis revealed the nutritional and medicinal values of Bitter Kola. The levels of vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron were significantly high (P<0.05). The phyto-chemical assay showed that tannin (0.347%), sapoium (0.680%), phytic acid (0.550%), phenol (0.163%), Trypsin inhibitor (2.737Tu/g), sterol (0.093%), flavonoid (2.130%), Alkaloid (0.433%), oxalate (0.433%), caffeine (0.607%) and Hydrogen cyanide (1.347 mg/kg) were present in significant amounts. These results suggest that Bitter Kola possess nutritional and healthy benefits.