Nutritional, Minerals and Phytochemicals composition of Garcinia cola [Bitter cola] and Aframomum melegueta [Alligator pepper]

Abstract

Abstract : Samples of Garcinia cola and Aframomum melegueta were analyzed for their nutritional composition, minerals constituents and phytochemical composition. The result revealed presence of bioactive constituents comprising: Aframomum melegueta which has the highest protein and ash content of 7.18 % and 2.47% respectively. Garc inia cola, has the least content of all nutrients considered but highest in moisture. The plants are good sources of minerals such as Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Sodium and Copper. Phytochemical analysis revealed are flavonoids (1.88 – 6.10mg/100g), saponins (12.00 – 1.23mg/100g), tannins (0.31 - 0.41 mg /100g), Alkaloids (0.40 – 0.30/100) and phenols (0.1 - 0.09mg/100g). The presence of these phytochemicals supports the use of these plants as antimicrobial agent. These c omponents are responsible for their antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, anti - inflammatory and anti - allergic activities and supports the popular use of Garcinia cola and Aframomum melegueta in herbal medicine in Nigeria. Keywords: Garcinia cola, Aframomum melegueta, bioactive compounds, Anti - inflammatory, herbal medicine, phytochemical