Cola nitida / Kolanut / Sterculiaceae (Cacao family)

Information

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Other Names

Kola Seeds. Gurru Nuts. Bissy Nuts. Cola Seeds. Guru Nut.

Contents

Key constituents are caffeine (2.0-3.5%), theobromine (1.0-2.5%), tannins and phenolics, including d-catechin, l-epicatechin, kolatin, and kolanin. Also contains phlobaphens, the antocyanin pigment kola red, betaine, protein and starch.

Historical

Cola is the botanical name of a genus of plants. Members of the Cola genus are more commonly referred to as either kola nut plants or kola nut trees. There are over 120 species in the Cola genus. The kola nut is actually the seed pod that is produced by plants in the Cola genus. When the pod is broken open, it reveals the seeds it contains. For thousands of years, kola nut seeds have been ingested by humans for the euphoria and physical stimulation they produce, as well as for medical purposes. The two most potent species are Cola acuminata and Cola nitida. (2)

The kola nut is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a group setting. It is often used ceremonially, presented to tribal chiefs or presented to guests. It is preferred among African Muslims, who are forbidden to drink alcohol. Chewing kola nut can ease hunger pangs. Frequent chewing of the kola nut can also lead to stained teeth. Among the urban youth of West Africa, kola nut is becoming less popular. (3)

Traditionally, the nut is used as a masticatory in a manner similar to that of betel-nut. Its popularity is due to the large amounts of caffeine and smaller amounts of theobromine, kolatin and glucose it contains, all of which act as stimulants and may be mildly addictive (Lovejoy, 1980). Its stimulant effect also makes it useful as an appetite suppressant, and it was often used as "iron rations" for armies on the march, allowing large distances to be traveled while carrying a minimum of food (Sundstrom, 1966). Other uses include refreshing the mouth, due to its unique bitter taste, alleviating thirsts, and use of the twigs of the cola tree as "chewing sticks" to clean the teeth and gums (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, 1985). (4)

"The Journal of the American Medical Association advocates the use of kola over other stimulants, because it is not addictive and does not lead to depression. Because kola nut is also a diuretic, its use has been suggested for those with renal diseases, cardiac or renal edema and rheumatic and rheumatoid conditions. Most people around the world are familiar with kola; many have tasted it and do not even know it. In the 1800s, a pharmacist in Georgia took extracts of kola, sugar and coca and mixed them with carbonated water. His accountant tasted it and called it "Coca Cola." Today, Coca-Cola still uses kola in its original recipe." (5)

Health Warnings

Pregnant women should not consume kola nut. Do not consume kola nut if you have a heart disorder, high blood pressure, insomnia, or ulcers. People that are sensitive to caffeine or stimulants in general should also refrain from ingesting kola nut. Kola nuts contain compounds that are thought to be carcinogenic, when consumed on a daily basis over a long period of time.

Plant Description

The kola nut is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. This evergreen tree grows to approximately 40 ft (12 m) in height, and has white to yellow flowers with spots that range from red to purple. The kola tree's leaves are 6-8 in long (15-20 cm) and the tree bears fruit that is shaped like a star. Inside the fruit, about a dozen round or square seeds can be found in a white seed shell.

References

(1) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF (Cola acuminata/nitida (vera) and Invigoration of the body), Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(2) - Kola Nut Information, a1b2c3.com
(3) - Kola nut, Wikipedia
(4) - The Culture of Cola: Social and Economic Aspects of a West African Domesticate, by Randy Tindall. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
(5) - Kola Nut, by Katherine Kim, Rebecca J. Frey, PhD. Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine