EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE, MINERALS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GARCINIA KOLA CULTIVATED IN ESSIEN UDIM, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

E. J. Abai*, K. E. Essien and I. O. Ekpenyong

ABSTRACT

Garcinia kola is a dicotyledonous plant found in moist rain forests and swamps. It seeds are edible and are consumed for their multiple property. Samples of Garcinia kola seeds were analysed for their nutritional composition, minerals constituents and phytochemical composition. The proximate analyses showed that the seed sample has high level of carbohydrate 75.03%, little amount of Crude fibre 3.94%, ash content 4.17%, crude fat 3.80% and protein 3.06%. Also, a considerable level 9.28% of Moisture was shown. This composition shows that the sample could be a good source of carbohydrate, fibre, fat and protein. The phytochemical parameters carried out were flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannin, Oxalate, Phytate, and HCN. The result shows a high level of flavonoids (9.20%), Oxalate (8.85%) and Saponins (8.70%). Alkaloids and HCN were present in considerable amount 6.50% and 4.55% respectively. But Phytates and Tannins were present in negligible amount, 0.57% and 1.02% respectively. The mineral contents were found in moderate amount. Garcinia kola seed could be a good source of minerals despite the negligible amount of anti-nutrients found that could prevent the adsorption of these minerals.

Keywords: Garcinia kola, nutritional, phytochemicals, proximate composition, Antinutrients.