Comparative Proximate, Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Analysis of Cola rostrata K. Schum. and Cola parchycarpa K. Schum

Cola rostrata and Cola parchycarpa are under-utilized indigenous kola plants, known as achicha by the Igbo natives in Nigeria, whose fruit pulps are edible and tasty. The proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals constituent of the fruit epicarp, fruit pulp and seed of C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa were evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The results revealed that C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa fruit pulps contained high moisture contents (56.56 % and 58.83 %) and carbohydrates (31.30 % and 55.39 %) respectively. They also contained vitamins and minerals that are required for nutrition in humans and animals. However, C. rostrata fruit pulp had higher concentrations of magnesium (80.36 mg/100g), calcium (170.31 mg/100g), vitamin A (54.53 mg/100g), vitamin C (21.41 mg/100g) and vitamin E (4.25 mg/100g), while C. parchycarpa had higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals screened. These phytochemicals, if explored further, can be implored in the treatment of certain ailments. The fruit pulp can be recommended for individuals who suffer from calcium deficiency while the seed and fruit epicarp could be used in the formulation and fortification of animal feeds due to the substantial nutrient deposits in them as revealed by this study.