Phytochemical screening and proximate composition of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) and oil palm (Elaeis guinensis) syrup

Abstract

The rising cases of diet-related diseases such as obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancer have stimulated interest in the use of plant-based food as an alternative to synthetic food. G. kola and palm syrup are plant-based food with proven nutritional and health benefits. In the present study, phytochemical and proximate analysis of (Elaies guineensis) syrup, bitter kola Garcinia kola). Preliminary phytochemical screening, proximate analysis and mineral analysis were conducted. The aqueous extracts of palm syrup, cola seeds and their infusion were further subjected to highperformance liquid chromatography analysis to determine the phenolic compounds, organic acids and sugar composition of the extracts. Result of preliminary phytochemical screening, mineral composition, as well as phenolic compound and organic acid indicate that Garcinia kola, and palm syrup are nutritionally suitable. Results show that the proximate analysis of oil palm syrup and bitter kola shows high concentrations of crude protein (9.52), ash (4.02), crude fibre (12.23), and fat (15.01) compare to palm syrup (P< 0.05). While palm syrup showed high concentrations of Moisture content (34.50) and Carbohydrates (61.67). while The Oil palm syrup contained saponins, glycoside and flavonoids. While Bitter kola had a wider range of phytochemicals including the above-mentioned alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids.