Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidative Potential of Phenolic-rich Extract of Cola acuminata Nuts

The unprecedented rise in chronic diseases and severe health risks of prolonged usage of synthetic drugs has opened a window for alternative remedies. This study screened the phytochemical contents and the in vitro antioxidant activity of Cola acuminata aqueous extract (CAAE). The phytochemical and antioxidative potential of CAAE was determined using standard techniques. The result of the phytochemical analysis shows that the extract contains a high abundance of phenols > alkaloids > flavonoids > reducing sugars. CAAE had high NO and TBARS inhibitory activities with 5.56 and 29.16 µg/ml IC50 values, respectively, more effective than the 10.02 and 60.27 µg/ml obtained for the standard drugs, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene, respectively. Also, CAAE showed good DPPH inhibitory activity, with IC50 of 6.01 µg/ml, while ascorbic acid had 6.31 µg/ml. The total antioxidant capacity and FRAP activity were maximal at 15.63 and 32. 25 µg/ml with an IC50 of 4.89 and 32.44 µg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that the Cola acuminata nut has antioxidative capacity. Thus, Cola acuminata could be employed as a medicinal and pharmaceutical agent to scavenge and inhibit oxidative stress caused by free radicals generated in the body during biochemical processes.