Abstract

Commonly consumed parts of Tetracarpidium conophorium, Garcinia kola, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida and Afromomum melengueta were 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 in Tetracarpidium conophorium and 9.25 ± 0.22 in A. melengueta while conductivity values lied between 0.21 ± 0.05 in A. melengueta and 1.92 ± 0.22 in G. kola. Total dissolved solid values ranged from 0.14 ± 0.03 in A. melengueta to 0.99 ± 0.13 µg/g in T. conophorium, G. cola, C. nitida and A. 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.

Key words: Nigeria, stimulants, mineral content, pH, heavy metals, health risk.