Proximate and Phytochemical Composition of Cola lateritia Seeds and its Effect on Lipid Profile Levels in Wistar AlbinoRats

Cola lateritia is an indigenous edible tropical fruit species also utilized for health purposes. This study was aimed at determining the proximate, phytochemical composition of Cola lateritia seeds and its effect on serum lipid profile levels. Proximate composition and phytochemical analysis were done using standard methods. Crude extraction protocol was done using standard methods. Sixteen albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of four animals each. Group A was the control group fed on food and water only, Group B, C and D received 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg respectively per body weight of Cola lateritia seeds extract orally for fourteen days. Serum levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol were determined spectrophotometrically. Results showed that Cola lateritia seeds contained 9.44% moisture, 0.64% ash, 0.20% fat, 1.31% fiber, 6.02% protein and 82.39%carbohydrate. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoid (8.35%), saponin (6.59%), terpenoid (5.59%), phenol (2.53%) and tannin (0.098 mg/g). There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the serum levels of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides in the test groups compared to the control. These findings thereby suggest the hypolipidemic activity of Cola lateritia which can be attributed to some of its phytochemical constituents.