Kola nut is the seed of the kola tree. Among other things, it contains caffeine and is suitable for medicinal applications.
Occurrence and cultivation of the kola nut
The kola nut is the seed of the kola tree. Among other things, it contains caffeine and is suitable for medicinal applications. The kola nut forms the seed of the kola tree (Cola acuminata), which is native to the tropics and belongs to the subfamily of the stink tree family (Sterculioideae). This in turn is part of the mallow family (Malvaceae). The cola tree is similar to the horse chestnut and reaches a size of up to 20 meters. Its leaves have a length of about 25 centimeters. The flowering period of the kola tree lasts throughout the year, so it can also bear fruit all the time. The kola nut ripens inside a collective bellows fruit, which resembles a star. The fruit sometimes contains up to 16 nuts. The shape of the nut is elongated-oval. It reaches a length of up to 14 centimeters and has a wavy surface. The kola tree originated in West African countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone and Togo. Today, however, it is cultivated in all tropical regions of West and Central Africa. Among them, it is mainly found in Nigeria.
Effect and application
Kola nut contains several ingredients. These include caffeine, theobromine, starch, tannins, fats, minerals and polyphenols. Of primary interest to medicine and pharmaceuticals are caffeine and theobromine, which are purine alkaloids that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Depending on how high the caffeine is dosed, it affects the autonomic nervous system, the renal system, respiration, and the heart and circulation. In contrast, theobromine mainly affects the human muscular system. Thus, it ensures the relaxation of smooth muscles, which are found on most organs. Furthermore, it stimulates the functions of the kidneys and the heart muscle. Furthermore, theobromine has a slight diuretic effect. The kola nut seeds contain about 2.5 percent caffeine. The seed preparations are mainly used for making cola drinks, which in turn have a stimulating effect. In earlier years, extracts of kola nut and cola shrub were mainly used for the production of beverages such as cola. Later, however, most producers preferred to use caffeine because it was much cheaper. However, some sodas still have extracts of the natural kola nut. On the African continent, the kola nut has been used for centuries as a popular stimulant. The process involves breaking open the walnut-sized seeds, which have a slightly earthy and bitter taste. After breaking them into several smaller pieces, they can be chewed for about an hour. The user then spits them back out. For many African cultures, the kola nut is also of cultural significance. For example, it is often used as a gift to guests and is considered a symbol of hospitality. In addition, the consumption of kola nut can be compared to the smoking of the peace pipe among North American Indians. The composition of caffeine in the kola nut is different from that in coffee, so that the effect is different from that of coffee drinks. Kola nut is used in caffeinated soft drinks. The dosage depends on the caffeine content. Thus, cola drinks usually contain less caffeine than coffee. Standardized finished medicines made from kola seed extracts do not yet exist. However, kola nuts can be pounded into powder and then brewed as tea or ingested on a wafer.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
The kola nut is also of interest for medicine. For example, it has a stimulating effect due to its high caffeine content. While the consumption of coffee not infrequently leads to palpitations and nervousness, this is not the case when using the kola nut. Folk medicine in Africa also used kola seeds against fatigue, thirst and hunger. In addition, they are suitable for people who are in the convalescence phase after a long illness. Kola nut is also used in some medicines to improve their taste. It can also be used to produce a pleasant smell. Kola nut also has a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis and fat burning.Other properties are the quenching of pain and stimulation of the heart rate. Homeopathy also uses the positive effects of cola seeds. Thus, they are used there against physical and mental fatigue. However, the treatment with kola nut should not be carried out for a long time. It is also recommended to refrain from taking it together with beverages containing caffeine. In principle, kola nut increases the ability to concentrate and alertness. The same applies to the body’s performance capacity. There are also reports about aphrodisiac effects of kola seeds. This is attributed to the increased concentration of serotonin and adrenaline due to the caffeine and theobromine. If a daily dose of between two and six grams of kola seeds is not exceeded, no complications are to be feared. However, some people may experience various side effects in case of overdose. These are nervous restlessness, greater irritability and problems falling asleep. Sometimes stomach problems are also within the realm of possibility.
