Kola nut

Related Terms

Alba, alkaloids, amic acid, amine, amino acid, antioxidant, ash, bitter kola, bizzy nut, boron, caffeine, catechin, caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), chlorogenic acid, Cola acuminata, Cola acuminate, Cola anomala, Cola nitida, cola seeds, Cola vera, crude fat, cystine dimethylamine, epicatechin, ethylamine, Garcinia kolanut extracts, glut piperidine, glutamic acid, gooroo nut, gurru nuts, isobutylamine, isopentylamine, Kola acuminate, kola mixture, kola nut, kola seeds, kolanin, manganese carbohydrate, methylamine, multicotyledonous phosphorus, phenols, phosphorus, polyphenol, potassium, procyanidin B-1, procyanidin B-2, pyrrolidine, quinic acid, tannic acid, tannin, theobromine, ubra, valine.
Combination products: FastOne? (containing kola nut, grape, green tea, and Ginkgo biloba).

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.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary research has looked into the weight loss effects of kola nut with ma huang. This herbal combination was found to reduce weight, body fat, and cholesterol. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Preliminary research has looked into the weight loss effects of kola nut with ma huang. This herbal combination was found to reduce weight, body fat, and cholesterol. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
According to anecdotal information, the recommended daily dose for kola nut is 1-3 grams in the form of a decoction, liquid extract, or tincture.
A liquid extract containing 2-6 grams of kola nut has been given by mouth daily.
A tincture containing 10-30 grams kola nut has been given by mouth daily.
Powdered kola nut leaves, given in the form of a decoction made from boiling 1-2 teaspoons in 1 cup of water, have been taken by mouth three times daily. A liquid extract in a 1:1 solution of 60% alcohol has been taken by mouth three times daily. A tincture in a 1:5 solution of 60% alcohol containing 1-4 milliliters of powdered leaves has been taken by mouth three times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Tyramine- or tryptophan-containing foods may cause dangerously high blood pressure when taken at the same time as agents that have properties similar to monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs (MAOIs). These include protein foods that have been aged or preserved. Specific examples of such foods are anchovies, avocados, bananas, bean curd, beer (alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol), caffeine (large amounts), caviar, champagne, cheeses (particularly aged, processed, or strong varieties), chocolate, dry sausage or salami or bologna, fava beans, figs, herring (pickled), liver (particularly chicken), meat tenderizers, papaya, protein extracts or powder, raisins, shrimp paste, sour cream, soy sauce, wine (particularly chianti), yeast extracts, and yogurt.
Kola nut may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood and reduce the intended effects. People taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Kola nut may also interact with alcohol, antacids, anticancer drugs, antidepressants, antiobesity drugs, antipyrine (a pain and fever reducer), blood pressure-lowering drugs, calcium channel blockers, carbamazepine, central nervous system (CNS) depressants or stimulants, corticosteroids, diuretics (drugs that increase urination), fertility drugs, glaucoma drugs, heart health drugs, hormonal agents, nitrates, phosphorus-containing drugs, potassium salts, salicylates, and skeletal muscle relaxants.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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