Physico-chemical quality of some commonly consumed stimulants and spices in Nigeria

摘要

Commonly consumed parts ofTetracarpidium conophorium,Garciniakola,Cola acuminata,Cola nitidaandAfromomum melenguetawere investigated for their trace metals, pH, conductivity and total dissolved solid values. Trace metal levels ranged between 42.24 ± 6.23 to 541.51 ± 189.37 µg/g Co and 36500.23 ± 367.01 to 115280.25 ± 397.33 µg/g K. The pH fell within 6.10 ± 0.12 inTetracarpidium conophoriumand 9.25 ± 0.22 inA. melenguetawhile conductivity values lied between 0.21 ± 0.05 inA. melenguetaand 1.92 ± 0.22 inG. kola.Total dissolved solid values ranged from 0.14 ± 0.03 inA. melenguetato 0.99 ± 0.13 µg/g inT. conophorium,G. cola,C. nitidaandA. melengueta, and might not constitute much risk since alkaline foods are considered healthy for consumption. A sustained consumption of these stimulants might constitute serious health inharmonies to the consumers because of bioaccumulation of heavy metals.