Kola nuts (Cola nitida [Vent.] Schott and Endl.) are relevant to trade, and sustains livelihood as food, source of income, stimulatory and medical potentials. The phytochemical content is useful in several industrial processes. The duration and methods of storage may affect the phytochemical content of C. nitida. This study investigated the phytochemical effects of lining kola nuts with leaves of Moonseed (Triclisia dictyophylla [Diels], Menispermaceae) during storage. T. dictyophylla leaves were used to completely wrap freshly harvested C. nitida and held in plastic canisters for three months under room temperature. Results of phytochemical analyses suggest a decrease in mean weight during the storage period as 100.00 ± 8.71, 53.20 ± 15.52, 38.07 ± 8.71 and 25.89 ± 2.82 g was obtained before storage, after one, two and three months respectively. The decrease may be caused by the dehydrating properties of the lining material or metabolic activities of microorganisms. A significant decrease in the proximate content of the nuts was also recorded, except for protein, fibre and ash, which increased from 8.60 to 12.1, 4.4 to 14.9 and 1.5 to 12.8%, respectively. Phytochemical analyses revealed low concentrations in the following parameters: Flavonoids (0.03 ± 0.00), saponins (0.31 ± 0.09), phenolics (0.22 ± 0.06), tannins (0.81 ± 0.00) and alkaloids (0.98 ± 0.61). The study suggests that storage with moonseed plant leaves affect the proximate and phytochemical composition of C. nitida.

Keywords: Kola (Cola nitida), moonseed leaf (Triclisia dictyophylla), fuit and nut storage, phytochemicals, proximate composition.