Cola Rostrata: Phytochemical and Toxicity Studies

Cola species are used in folk medicine as stimulant, to prevent vomiting, dysentery and suppress sleep. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening were evaluated using standard methods while acute toxicity study of the crude extract of Cola rostrata on swiss albino mice was evaluated by administration of the crude extract. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoid, phenols, saponin, steroid, tannins, triterpenoid and reducing sugar. The proximate analysis gave moisture content (10.23 ± 0.55 %), total ash value (13.39 ± 0.048 %), acid insoluble ash (2.50 ± 0.18%), water insoluble ash (11.26 ± 0.40%), alcohol soluble extractive (0.86 ± 0.11%) and water soluble extractive (1.44 ± 0.05%). Result of acute toxicity study did not show mortality at 8 g/kg p.o after 24 hours of administration and there was no sign of toxicity or mortality after 14 days of observation. In conclusion, the root bark of C. rostrata contains phytochemicals and safe on the basis of acute toxicity testing of the crude extract.