Kola Nuts

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Mojisola O. Adegunwa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The quality of Nigerian Kola Nuts
    2011
    Co-Authors: A. Olutayo, F.c. Mokwunye, Ao Oyebanji, Mojisola O. Adegunwa
    Abstract:

    Dried mature red variety Nuts of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata were purchased from three major markets noted for their wholesales with a view to ascertaining the quality of the Nuts and generating a baseline data towards elaborating standards for the Nuts. Dirt’s and other extraneous materials were removed from the sampled Nuts and oven dried at 80°C for 16 h. The Nuts were physically characterised and pulverised to powder. The proximate, chemical and mineral composition of the Nuts was determined in addition to the microbal load and aflatoxin content. The shape of the two species of Kola nut varied from flat to oval to spherical. In addition C. nitida had two big cotyledons while C. acuminata had on the average, 3 to 6 cotyledons. The mean length, breadth and thickness of C. nitida were 3.0, 2.0 and 1.8 cm, while that of C. acuminata were 3.4, 2.73 and 2.31cm respectively. The colour of the two species of Kola Nuts was found to vary between white, red and pink while the proximate, chemical and mineral contents of C. nitida were higher than C. acuminata thus justifying its description as the true Kola of commerce. The study further showed that Kola Nuts contain some active principles found in coffee and cocoa that have important pharmacological properties. The microbial load of the Nuts were also within the permissible limit specified by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for foods and only two moulds species; Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus wer

  • The quality of Nigerian Kola Nuts
    African Journal of Food Science, 2007
    Co-Authors: A. Olutayo, F.c. Mokwunye, Ao Oyebanji, Mojisola O. Adegunwa
    Abstract:

    Dried mature red variety Nuts of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata were purchased from three major markets noted for their wholesales with a view to ascertaining the quality of the Nuts and generating a baseline data towards elaborating standards for the Nuts. Dirt’s and other extraneous materials were removed from the sampled Nuts and oven dried at 80°C for 16 h. The Nuts were physically characterised and pulverised to powder. The proximate, chemical and mineral composition of the Nuts was determined in addition to the microbal load and aflatoxin content. The shape of the two species of Kola nut varied from flat to oval to spherical. In addition C. nitida had two big cotyledons while C. acuminata had on the average, 3 to 6 cotyledons. The mean length, breadth and thickness of C. nitida were 3.0, 2.0 and 1.8 cm, while that of C. acuminata were 3.4, 2.73 and 2.31cm respectively . The colour of the two species of Kola Nuts was found to vary between white, red and pink while the proximate, chemical and mineral contents of C. nitida were higher than C. acuminata thus justifying its description as the true Kola of commerce. The study further showed that Kola Nuts contain some active principles found in coffee and cocoa that have important pharmacological properties. The microbial load of the Nuts were also within the permissible limit specified by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for foods and only two moulds species; Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus were isolated from the Kola Nuts while the aflatoxin content was found to be less than 2 μg/kg. Key words: Kola nut, physical characterization, proximate, chemical and mineral composition, microbial load.

Odutola I. Odetunde - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Correlates for psycho-active substance use among boarding secondary school adolescents in Enugu, South East, Nigeria
    BMC Pediatrics, 2016
    Co-Authors: Pius C. Manyike, Josephat M. Chinawa, Awoere T. Chinawa, Herbert A. Obu, Ada R.c. Nwokocha, Odutola I. Odetunde
    Abstract:

    Background Psycho-active substance use among adolescents is a national and global problem and its attendant effects on adolescents cannot be overemphasized. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among adolescents; the substances involved and the extent of the problem in this locale. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that assesses the pattern of psychoactive substance use among secondary school adolescents in Enugu, south East, Nigeria. The study was carried out among adolescents attending six secondary boarding schools in Enugu metropolis of Enugu State of Nigeria. The WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire was adapted for this study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 17. Chi-square and multivariate regression were used as a test of significance for qualitative variables. A p -value less than 0.05 were accepted as significant for each statistical test. Results Out of 900, a total of 896 respondents, comprising 400 and 82 boys (482) (53.8 %) and 400 and 14 girls (414) (46.2 %) completed the questionnaires. This gave a response rate of 99.6 %. The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9 % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5 %. The least being cannabis and the most being Kola Nuts. Kola nut is the most widely used psychoactive substance both for current use, past year use and the respondents’ life time use. It shows a lifetime prevalence of 63.5 % and a current use prevalence of 34.9 %. More than half of the users of each of the psychoactive substances take it occasionally, using them on 1–5 days in a month. On the other hand, almost one-quarter of the users of each of the substances take it on 20 or more days in a month. Conclusion The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9 % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5 %. The least being cannabis and the most being Kola Nuts.

A. Olutayo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The quality of Nigerian Kola Nuts
    2011
    Co-Authors: A. Olutayo, F.c. Mokwunye, Ao Oyebanji, Mojisola O. Adegunwa
    Abstract:

    Dried mature red variety Nuts of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata were purchased from three major markets noted for their wholesales with a view to ascertaining the quality of the Nuts and generating a baseline data towards elaborating standards for the Nuts. Dirt’s and other extraneous materials were removed from the sampled Nuts and oven dried at 80°C for 16 h. The Nuts were physically characterised and pulverised to powder. The proximate, chemical and mineral composition of the Nuts was determined in addition to the microbal load and aflatoxin content. The shape of the two species of Kola nut varied from flat to oval to spherical. In addition C. nitida had two big cotyledons while C. acuminata had on the average, 3 to 6 cotyledons. The mean length, breadth and thickness of C. nitida were 3.0, 2.0 and 1.8 cm, while that of C. acuminata were 3.4, 2.73 and 2.31cm respectively. The colour of the two species of Kola Nuts was found to vary between white, red and pink while the proximate, chemical and mineral contents of C. nitida were higher than C. acuminata thus justifying its description as the true Kola of commerce. The study further showed that Kola Nuts contain some active principles found in coffee and cocoa that have important pharmacological properties. The microbial load of the Nuts were also within the permissible limit specified by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for foods and only two moulds species; Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus wer

  • The quality of Nigerian Kola Nuts
    African Journal of Food Science, 2007
    Co-Authors: A. Olutayo, F.c. Mokwunye, Ao Oyebanji, Mojisola O. Adegunwa
    Abstract:

    Dried mature red variety Nuts of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata were purchased from three major markets noted for their wholesales with a view to ascertaining the quality of the Nuts and generating a baseline data towards elaborating standards for the Nuts. Dirt’s and other extraneous materials were removed from the sampled Nuts and oven dried at 80°C for 16 h. The Nuts were physically characterised and pulverised to powder. The proximate, chemical and mineral composition of the Nuts was determined in addition to the microbal load and aflatoxin content. The shape of the two species of Kola nut varied from flat to oval to spherical. In addition C. nitida had two big cotyledons while C. acuminata had on the average, 3 to 6 cotyledons. The mean length, breadth and thickness of C. nitida were 3.0, 2.0 and 1.8 cm, while that of C. acuminata were 3.4, 2.73 and 2.31cm respectively . The colour of the two species of Kola Nuts was found to vary between white, red and pink while the proximate, chemical and mineral contents of C. nitida were higher than C. acuminata thus justifying its description as the true Kola of commerce. The study further showed that Kola Nuts contain some active principles found in coffee and cocoa that have important pharmacological properties. The microbial load of the Nuts were also within the permissible limit specified by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for foods and only two moulds species; Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus were isolated from the Kola Nuts while the aflatoxin content was found to be less than 2 μg/kg. Key words: Kola nut, physical characterization, proximate, chemical and mineral composition, microbial load.

Pascal James Imperato - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Beliefs and practices concerning twins, hermaphrodites, and albinos among the Bamana and Maninka of Mali
    Journal of Community Health, 2006
    Co-Authors: Gavin H. Imperato, Pascal James Imperato
    Abstract:

    The Bamana and Maninka of Mali greatly value twins, and have elaborated a range of cultural beliefs and practices to assure their survival. Rates of twinning among these two ethnic groups average from 15.2/1000 to 17.9/1000 births compared to 10.5/1000 births (without assisted reproduction) in the United States and Great Britain. Twins ( flaniw ) are regarded as extraordinary beings with unusual powers, and as a gift from the supreme deity. A small altar ( sinzin ) is maintained in the home of twins, and periodic sacrifices of chicken blood, Kola Nuts, millet paste and millet beer regularly made to assure their protection. Albinos ( yéfeguéw ) and true and pseudo-hermaphrodites ( tyétémousotéw ) are also considered twin beings. However, they are believed to be the result of aberrant parental social behavior. The Bamana and Maninka believe that all four groups (twins, albinos, hermaphrodites, and pseudo-harmaphrodites) are closely linked to Faro , an androgynous supernatural being who provides equilibrium in the world. Faro is the original albino and hermaphrodite who gave birth to the first pair of twins after self-impregnation. Whenever a twin dies, a small wooden statue is sculpted called a flanitokélé (twin that remains). This commemorative figure is kept close to the surviving twin, reflecting a belief in the inseparability of twins. Eventually, the surviving twin takes responsibility for the figure. When a surviving twin marries, another figure is often sculpted in the opposite sex from the deceased twin, and placed with the original sculpture. Such commemorative sculptures are not created upon the death of those who are albinos, hermaphrodites, or pseudo-hermaphrodites. In recent years, transformational belief patterns have evolved as increasing numbers of Bamana and Maninka embrace Islam. Traditional beliefs are often given Islamic myths of origin. However, even in this Islamic context, many practices that assure twin survival are maintained.

  • Beliefs and practices concerning twins, hermaphrodites, and albinos among the Bamana and Maninka of Mali
    Journal of community health, 2006
    Co-Authors: Gavin H. Imperato, Pascal James Imperato
    Abstract:

    The Bamana and Maninka of Mali greatly value twins, and have elaborated a range of cultural beliefs and practices to assure their survival. Rates of twinning among these two ethnic groups average from 15.2/1000 to 17.9/1000 births compared to 10.5/1000 births (without assisted reproduction) in the United States and Great Britain. Twins (flaniw) are regarded as extraordinary beings with unusual powers, and as a gift from the supreme deity. A small altar (sinzin) is maintained in the home of twins, and periodic sacrifices of chicken blood, Kola Nuts, millet paste and millet beer regularly made to assure their protection. Albinos (yefeguew) and true and pseudo-hermaphrodites (tyetenousotew) are also considered twin beings. However, they are believed to be the result of aberrant parental social behavior. The Bamana and Maninka believe that all four groups (twins, albinos, hermaphrodites, and pseudo-harmaphrodites) are closely linked to Faro, an androgynous supernatural being who provides equilibrium in the world. Faro is the original albino and hermaphrodite who gave birth to the first pair of twins after self-impregnation. Whenever a twin dies, a small wooden statue is sculpted called a flanitokele (twin that remains). This commemorative figure is kept close to the surviving twin, reflecting a belief in the inseparability of twins. Eventually, the surviving twin takes responsibility for the figure. When a surviving twin marries, another figure is often sculpted in the opposite sex from the deceased twin, and placed with the original sculpture. Such commemorative sculptures are not created upon the death of those who are albinos, hermaphrodites, or pseudo-hermaphrodites. In recent years, transformational belief patterns have evolved as increasing numbers of Bamana and Maninka embrace Islam. Traditional beliefs are often given Islamic myths of origin. However, even in this Islamic context, many practices that assure twin survival are maintained.

S E Atawodi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • content of polyphenolic compounds in the nigerian stimulants cola nitida ssp alba cola nitida ssp rubra a chev and cola acuminata schott endl and their antioxidant capacity
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007
    Co-Authors: S E Atawodi, B Pfundstein, Roswitha Haubner, B Spiegelhalder, H. Bartsch, Robert W Owen
    Abstract:

    Varieties of Kola Nuts (Cola nitida alba, Cola nitida rubra A. Chev, and Cola acuminata Schott & Endl), a group of popular Nigerian and West African stimulants, were analyzed for their content of secondary plant metabolites. The three varieties of the Kola Nuts contained appreciable levels of (+)-catechin (27–37 g/kg), caffeine (18–24 g/kg), (−)-epicatechin (20–21 g/kg), procyanidin B1 [epicatechin-(4β→8)-catechin] (15–19 g/kg), and procyanidin B2 [epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin] (7–10 g/kg). Antioxidant capacity of the extracts and purified metabolites was assessed by two HPLC-based and two colorimetric in vitro assays. Extracts of all varieties exhibited antioxidant capacity with IC50 values in the range 1.70–2.83 and 2.74–4.08 mg/mL in the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase and 2-deoxyguanosine HPLC-based assays, respectively. Utilization of HPLC-based assays designed to reflect in situ generation of free radicals (e.g., HO•), as opposed to general assays (DPPH, FRAP) in common use which do not, indicate th...

  • nitrosatable amines and nitrosamide formation in natural stimulants cola acuminata c nitida and garcinia cola
    Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1995
    Co-Authors: S E Atawodi, B Pfundstein, P Mende, R Preussmann, B Spiegelhalder
    Abstract:

    Abstract Three varieties of Kola nut, Cola acuminata, C. nitida and Garcinia cola , of Nigerian origin, were analysed for their content of primary and secondary amines, and assessed for their relative methylating potential due to nitrosamide formation. Primary and secondary amines were determined as benzene sulfonamides by gas chromatography/thermal energy analysis (GC/TEA). Dimethylamine, methylamine, ethylamine and isopentylamine were detected in all Kola nut varieties, while pyrrolidine, piperidine and isobutylamine were detected in one or more varieties. Estimated average total daily intake of aliphatic amines by a typical Kola nut chewer varied from 260 to 1040 μg/day for secondary amines and from 2430 to 9710μg/day for primary amines. Methylating activity of the nitrosated Kola Nuts, expressed as N -nitroso- N -methylurea equivalents, was also determined by GC/TEA. Methylating activity was significantly higher in Kola Nuts (170–490 μg/kg) than has ever been reported for a fresh plant product. These data suggest that the possible role of Kola nut chewing in human cancer aetiology should be explored in countries where Kola Nuts are widely consumed as stimulants.