DETERMINATION OF ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN BITTER KOLA POD (GARCINIA KOLA)

This study investigated the anti-nutritional factors present in the pods of (Garcinia kola) bitter kola, a plant widely used in African ethnomedicine and cultural practices, the factors covered are phytates, oxalates, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phlobatannins, and cardiac glycosides. The results obtained are: phytates (30.33 ± 0.15 g/100 g), oxalates (22.36 ± 0.00 g/100 g), tannins (28.89 ± 0.06 g/100 g), and saponins (26.40 ± 0.00 g/100 g), (4.34 ± 0.02 g/100 g), phlobatannins (4.55 ± 0.03 g/100 g), and cardiac glycosides (1.94 ± 0.02 g/100 g).The values show significant concentrations for phytates, oxalates, tannins, and saponins; relatively lower levels for alkaloid and phlobatannins and least value for cardiac glycosides. These findings indicate that bitter kola pods contain considerable amounts of phytates oxalates, tannins and saponins which can impair protein digestibility, mineral absorption, and overall nutrient bioavailability when consumed excessively or unprocessed. However, the compounds also possess beneficial pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. The findings of this research work show that Garcinia kola pods are not entirely detrimental but require proper processing such as soaking, boiling or fermentation to reduce anti-nutrient levels while retaining their bioactive potential. However, toxicological and clinical studies are recommended to establish safe dosage levels for dietary and medicinal applications.