Evaluation of Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Cola cordifolia Seeds

Abstract

Cola cordifolia is a natural substance rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. It is important to incorporate it into the diet to prevent certain metabolic diseases and to improve the nutritional and health status of populations. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant properties of C. cordifolia seeds for their potential use in the dietary field. The seeds were fermented for 6 days and then sun-dried for 15 days. Nutritional and antioxidant properties were determined using referenced methods. Nutritional analysis showed that the seeds are rich in calcium (880 mg/100g), magnesium (600 mg/100g), iron (50 mg/100g), proteins (17.93%), and lipids (10.85%). Seeds exhibited significant levels of polyphenols (705.15 mg/100g), tannins (267.52 mg/100g), and flavonoids (20.17 mg/100g), with an antioxidant activity of 62.45% inhibition of DPPH. This study suggests that C. cordifolia seeds could be used as a dietary supplement to prevent metabolic diseases.