Three varieties of Kola, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola which are tropical African crops were obtained from Ifon-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria. This was with a view to carrying out the proximate analysis of the seeds. The seeds were collected, cured by the traditional method of wrapping in fresh banana leaves to reduce the amount of moisture lost and thereafter kept for two weeks in the laboratory before used.
Proximate analysis of the species was carried out using the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 1990 with little modification. The results obtained showed that Cola nitida had 62.83 % moisture, 2.83 % ash, 7.72 % crude protein and 2.42 % caffeine. Cola acuminata had 54.33 % moisture, 2.89 % ash, 8.68 % crude protein and 2.65 % caffeine, while, Garcinia kola had 49.16 % moisture, 2.9%ash, 8.67 % crude protein and 2.96 % caffeine.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
2.1 Collection of Samples
2.2 Sample Treatment
2.3 Digestion of Sample
2.4 Determination of Percentage Moisture
2.5 Determination of Percentage Crude Protein
2.6 Extraction of Caffeine
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to conduct a detailed proximate analysis of three common kola varieties in Nigeria—Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, and Garcinia kola—to determine their nutritional composition and caffeine content, thereby evaluating their potential as caffeine-containing food substitutes.
- Nutritional composition of Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, and Garcinia kola
- Determination of moisture, ash, and crude protein percentages
- Quantitative analysis of caffeine content in different kola species
- Comparison of nutritional findings with previously established scientific data
- Assessment of the pharmacological and medicinal potential of the analyzed species
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Plants serve as an indispensable constituent of human diet, supplying the body with mineral salts, vitamins and certain hormone precursors, in addition to protein and energy (Ibrahim and Fagbohun 2012). Thus, Kola nuts (Cola spp) and Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) which are traditional plants are often eaten as snacks especially among the elderly in Nigeria (Arogba, 1999).
Cola, a tropical African plant genus in the family Sterculiacea, comprises about one hundred and twenty five species. The genus Cola comprises trees and shrubs species (Adeyeye and Ayejuyo, 2009). Cola species are evergreen, mostly small or moderately sized trees, although, a few grow to 25 metres tall. A number of species are widely cultivated in tropical countries, especially in Africa. The leaves of Cola species are simple, entire and narrowed or rounded toward the base. The arrangement of the leaves on the stem is alternate in some species and reticulate in whorls of 3 or 4 in others. Cola acuminata and Cola nitida are the most commonly used species in the genus, with the latter having the greatest economic importance (Lovejoy, 1980).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the botanical background of the kola genus and Garcinia kola, emphasizing their cultural, medicinal, and nutritional significance in Nigeria.
2. Methodology: Details the systematic process of sample collection, treatment, and laboratory analysis methods, specifically utilizing the AOAC (1990) protocols for proximate analysis.
3. Results: Presents the empirical findings of the study, specifically the moisture, ash, crude protein, and caffeine content of the three analyzed kola varieties.
4. Discussion: Compares the obtained laboratory results with existing literature to validate the findings and interpret the nutritional and stimulant variations among the species.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the final results to confirm that the analyzed kola varieties are significant sources of protein and caffeine, suitable for use as stimulants.
Keywords
Caffein, Cola, Diarrhea, Pharmacological, proximate analysis, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, Garcinia kola, moisture content, ash, crude protein, nutritional composition, ethno medicine, stimulant, Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on performing a proximate analysis of three specific kola varieties found in Nigeria to understand their nutritional and chemical properties.
What are the primary plant species investigated?
The study investigates Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, and Garcinia kola.
What is the ultimate goal of the investigation?
The goal is to determine the levels of moisture, ash, crude protein, and caffeine to assess the potential of these nuts as substitutes for other caffeine-containing products.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The study employed the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990) with slight modifications.
What aspects of the plants are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, laboratory preparation methods, and the comparative results of the chemical analysis.
Which keywords define this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as proximate analysis, caffeine, Cola species, nutritional composition, and pharmacological benefits.
Which variety showed the highest caffeine content?
Based on the analysis, Garcinia kola showed the highest caffeine content at 2.96%.
How were the samples treated prior to the analysis?
The samples were cured using the traditional method of wrapping them in fresh banana leaves for two weeks before being processed in the laboratory.
Are these kola varieties considered safe for consumption?
The research notes that while they contain caffeine, excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent potential health risks, although toxic levels are generally not reached through normal use.
- Quote paper
- Adekunle Jelili Olaoye (Author), Isa M. O. (Author), Fakorede O. K. (Author), Adedokun A. K. (Author), Adeosun N. O. (Author), 2017, Proximate Analysis of Three Common Kola Varieties In Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/355417
