Background

• Kola nut is available as several different species from trees growing in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species Cola vera is often preferred for its medicinal uses.
• Kola nut is traditionally used as a caffeine stimulant and is a common additive to American and European soft drinks. It is thought to enhance alertness and physical energy, elevate mood, increase tactile sensitivity, and suppress appetite. It may also increase body temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
• Preliminary results suggest that kola nut may encourage weight loss. However, the available clinical information on kola nut is limited.

References

1. Banjoko SO, Ogunleye AO, and Babalola OO. Assessment of probable anorectic effect of kolanut (Cola nitida) in Albino rats. THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING 2007;29(4):138.
2. Benie T, Duval J, and Thieulant ML. Effects of some traditional plant extracts on rat oestrous cycle compared with Clomid. Phytother.Res 2003;17(7):748-755. View Abstract
3. Burdock G A, Carabin IG, and Crincoli CM. Safety assessment of kola nut extract as a food ingredient. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009;47(8):1725-1732. View Abstract
4. Douglas JS. Masticatories: their origin, purpose and derivation. Flavour Ind 1971;2:152-154.
5. Druckerbrown S. The Court and the Kola Nut - Wooing and Witnessing in Northern Ghana. Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. 1995;1(1):129-143.
6. Holcombe C, Kaluba J, and Lucas SB. Non-ulcer dyspepsia in Nigeria: a case-control study. Trans.R.Soc Trop.Med Hyg. 1991;85(4):553-555. View Abstract
7. Kamatenesi-Mugisha M. and Oryem-Origa H. Traditional herbal remedies used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction in western Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2005;5(1):40-49. View Abstract
8. Kola-Nut for Seasickness. Science 1890;16(389):38. View Abstract
9. Lans CA. Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus. J Ethnobiol.Ethnomed. 2006;2:45. View Abstract
10. Lans C. Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for reproductive problems. J Ethnobiol.Ethnomed. 2007;3:13. View Abstract
11. Lans C, Harper T, Georges K, et al. Medicinal and ethnoveterinary remedies of hunters in Trinidad. BMC.Complement Altern Med 2001;1:10. View Abstract
12. Mitani H, Ryu A., Suzuki T, et al. Topical application of plant extracts containing xanthine derivatives can prevent UV-induced wrinkle formation in hairless mice. Photodermatol.Photoimmunol.Photomed. 2007;23(2-3):86-94. View Abstract
13. Morton JF. Widespread tannin intake via stimulants and masticatories, especially guarana, kola nut, betel vine, and accessories. Basic Life Sci 1992;59:739-765. View Abstract
14. Nickalls RWD. W. F. Daniell (1817-1865) and the discovery that cola nuts contain caffeine. Pharmaceutical Journal (England) 1986;236:401-402.
15. Oludemokun AA, Mcdonald D. Effects of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Mold Deterioration of Stored Kola Nuts, Cola-Nitida. Plant Disease Reporter.1976;60(12):1008-1010.