Evaluation of the nutraceutical potential of Garcinia kola Seed Oil

Abstract

This study investigated antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, mineral and phytochemical compositions of Garcinia kola seed oil. Results of the antimicrobial activity showed that the order of susceptibility of the test microbes to the oil was Salmonella typhi > Enterobacter cloacae > Staphylococcus aureus > Candida albicans > Escherichia coli. The oil showed flavonoid content of 59.42 mg/g, phenolic content of 41.27 mg/g and DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 of ˂1 mg/mL. The mineral analysis revealed that Calcium (210.90 mg/100 g) and Manganese (0.63 mg/100 g) had the highest and lowest concentrations respectively. Meanwhile, toxic minerals; Pb, Hg, Cd, Co and Ni were not detected. The GC-MS analysis of the oil showed eighteen phytochemicals seven of which have been reported as having antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, antiproliferative, antiandrogenic and anticoronary activities. Decane (14.68 %) and Tridecanoic acid methyl ester (0.48 %) had the highest and lowest concentrations respectively. Based on the results of this study, Garcinia kola seed oil could find useful applications in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.