Evaluation of the Nutrients and Phytochemical Composition of Two Varieties of Monkey Kola Membrane (Cola parchycarpa and Cola lepidota)

Abstract

Monkey kola is a common name given to some edible wild relatives of West African kolanut, viz Cola lateritia K. Schum, C. lepidota K. Schum and C. pachycarpa K. Schum. The yellow and white varieties of monkey kola were collected from the major markets in Calabar (in the South-south zone) and Umuahia (in the South – east zone) Nigeria. C. parchycarpa membrane  had significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein (15.25-21.6 g/100g), crude fat (0.94-2.66 g/100g), Ca (186 mg/100g), Mg (48.65-79 mg/100g) and P (30.15-32.65 mg/100g), Zn (9.15-10.68 mg/100g), Cu (4.77-7.82mg/100g)  while C.lepidota membrane (mg/100g) had significantly (p<0.05) higher K(127-140.9),Na (32.65-41.75), Fe (8.60-13.49).  β-carotene and vitamin C (928.5 -1003 mcg/100g ; 15.4- 19.5 mg/100g respectively) were found in significant amount in C. parchycarpa membrane than in C.lepidota membrane (444- 462.5 mcg/100g; 9.45-9.75 mg/100g). The B-vitamins, particularly riboflavin and niacin were found in significant amount in monkey kola membrane. Both varieties of monkey kola had substantial amounts of phytochemicals (particularly alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and saponins). The high phytochemical values obtained in monkey kola seed makes it an important seed that need to be fully exploited.