Effects of Secondary Metabolites of <em>Garcinia Kola</em> on the Microbial Spoilage of <em>Cajanus Cajan</em> Extract

Abstract

The effects of acidic, basic and neutral metabolites of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) on microbial spoilage of Cajanus cajan extract were evaluated. The results showed that the fungi Aspergilus orizone and Saccharmyces Sp attacked the basic metabolites after only one week. The neutral metabolite possessed antimicrobial potential and inhibited microbial growth and showed rancidity but lacked antioxidant properties. The acidic metabolite completely inhibited microbial attack on C. cajan extract and was not attacked by the microorganisms throughout the study period of one year, suggesting that the acidic metabolite of G. kola probably possesses antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant potentials. Data analysis of antimicrobial screening of the acidic metabolite on some selected human pathogens, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Coliform sp., Salmonella and Pseudomonas sp. showed that this metabolite was effective against all the human pathogens tested.

Keywords: Microbial spoilage, Cajanus cajan, secondary metabolites, Garcinia kola, antioxidant