Evaluation of Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition of Cola lepidota Fruits (K. Schum): An Underutilized Fruit

This study examined the nutrient and phytochemical composition of Cola lepidota fruits commonly known as Monkey Kola. The pulps were extracted, grated and dried. Dried pulps were milled into flour and packaged in properly labeled air-tight polyethene sachets. The nutrient composition was determined using standard AOAC methods while the phytochemical composition was determined using the gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Findings from the results revealed that 100 g portion of fresh Cola lepidota was high in moisture content (88.9%), moderate in carbohydrate content. The most abundant mineral was calcium (182.5 mg/100 g), followed by magnesium (87.5 mg/100 g), potassium (68.1 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (34.4 mg/100 g). Cola lepidota has substantial amount of vitamin A (25.63 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (12.98 mg/100 g). The phytochemical compositions found in the fruit were quite high, the most abundant were flavonoid (420.7 mg/100 g) and saponin (42.4 mg/100 g). These findings indicate rich nutritional and potential health benefits of this underutilized fruit. Thus, the information obtained from the study will contribute in widening the scope of the knowledge and encourage conservation and domestication preservation of this species.