Caffeine and Phenolic Compounds in Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott and Endl and Garcinia kola Heckel Grown in Côte d’Ivoire | Chapter 02 | Emerging Issues in Science and Technology Vol. 2
Kola nuts are usually eaten fresh and represent a substantial source of income for many households and certain public authorities. Their importance lies in their content of some secondary metabolites of interest used in industries for the production of energy drinks and pharmaceuticals. The aim of this study is to reveal and determine the content of polyphenols (flavonoids in particular) and caffeine in Côte d’Ivoire kola nuts. According to their phenotypical characteristics, four lots of nuts were collected (Red Cola nitida (RCN); White Cola nitida (WCN); Purple Cola nitida (PCN) and Garcinia kola (WGK)). After drying, different extractions were carried out using several solvents: water, acidified water (0.01N citric acid), methanol, ethanol, acetone 60% and methanol/acetic acid 1% solution. Phytochemical screening showed that kola nuts contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids in varying proportions according to the species. Spectrophotometric analysis reveale...