A Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Activities of Some Nigerian Indigenous Kola Nuts Kola acuminate (Igbo Kola Nut), Kola vera (Hausa Kola Nut), and Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola)
M. C. Egbujor *
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria
S. E. Ike
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria.
E. O. Anieze
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria.
U. L. Kanayochukwu
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria.
N. E. Nwankwo
Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
I. C. Chidebelu
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria.
C. G. Okenwa-Ani
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Nigerian indigenous kola nuts (Garcinia kola, Kola acuminate, Kola vera) were evaluated for potential phytochemical properties.
Study Design: Phytochemical analysis.
Place and duration of Study: Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State, Nigeria, July 2016.
Methodology: The nuts were dried, ground and extracted by cold maceration with 99.5% methanol for 72 hours after which the methanol was allowed to evaporate.
Results: The phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of saponin glycosides, glycoside, volatile oil, steroid and alkaloid in Kola vera; saponin, saponin glycoside, glycoside, tannins, pseudo tannins, volatile oil, steroid and alkaloid in Kola acuminate while flavonoid, alkaloid and steroid were found in Garcinia kola.
Conclusion: The phytochemical activities results showed that kola acuminate and Garcinia kola extracts exhibited more phytochemical than kola vera.
Keywords: Phytochemical, Nigeria, indigenous kola nuts, kola acuminate, kola vera, Garcinia kola