title: Nutrient and phytochemical composition of two varieties of Monkey kola (Cola parchycarpa and Cola lepidota): An underutilised fruit.
abstract: The nutrient and phytochemical composition of two varieties of Monkey kola: Cola parchycarpa and Cola lepidota were determined. The pulps were extracted, grated and dried using solar dryer. Dried pulps were milled into flour with attrition milling machine (0.5mm sieve size). The nutrient compositions were determined using standard AOAC methods. Gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used for phytochemical determinations. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the proximate and some mineral and vitamin composition of the two varieties. Most abundant minerals were calcium (195-199mg for C. parchycarpa), potassium (204-209mg/100g for C. lepidota) and β-carotene (2755-5028μg/100g for C. parchycarpa). Calcium:phosphorus and sodium:potassium ratios were adequate (>1.0 and ⩽0.06, respectively). Monkey kola had substantial amounts of iron, zinc, and copper; the B-vitamins and vitamin C. The phytochemical contents were quiet high, the most abundant being flavonoids (415-494mg/100g). Monkey kola is a fruit that should be fully exploited for its potential health benefits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry (Nutrition and Dietetics Unit), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Electronic address: nkeneobong@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Henrietta N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Ene-Obong
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Electronic address: helenokdu@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Helen O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Okudu
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Electronic address: vuasumugha@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Ukamaka V
authors.initials: UV
authors.lastname: Asumugha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D030221:Cola / Q000737:chemistry*; D005419:Flavonoids; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D009753:Nutritive Value; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000032:analysis; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D008903:Minerals; D064209:Phytochemicals; D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Cola lepidota; Cola parchycarpa; Monkey kola; Nutrients; Phytochemicals; Underutilized fruit