Cola nut's therapeutic uses
Cola nut, derived from the seeds of the cola tree, primarily found in Western Africa and various tropical regions, has been utilized for its therapeutic properties for centuries. Traditionally, it is consumed in various forms, including raw chewing, pulverized powder, or liquid extract, and is known for its stimulant effects due to its caffeine content. Cola nut is commonly used to combat fatigue, suppress appetite, and assist with digestive issues, asthma, and respiratory concerns.
In folk medicine, it has been valued as an aphrodisiac and a remedy for morning sickness, migraines, and indigestion, as well as for topical applications on wounds and inflammation. The recommended therapeutic dosages vary, with guidelines suggesting 2 to 6 grams of whole nut or equivalent amounts of extracts. Although many people consume cola nuts through soft drinks and energy products, scientific research on their health benefits remains limited, predominantly relying on anecdotal evidence.
While considered generally safe in moderate amounts, cola nut's caffeine content may lead to side effects like nervousness and insomnia, and it is advised against for pregnant women and individuals with specific health conditions such as ulcers. Further studies are needed to explore its effects beyond caffeine.
Cola nut's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: A natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Fatigue, appetite suppressant, digestive issues, asthma and respiratory problems
Overview
Indigenous to Western Africa, the cola tree is cultivated in many tropical climates, including Central America and South America, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Cola nuts are actually seeds removed from their seed coats. Traditionally, they are chewed raw or taken in pulverized or liquid extract form. Of the various species of cola nuts, the two most commonly edible kinds are Cola acuminata and C. nitida. This plant is also commonly referred to as the Kola nut.
Cola contains caffeine and related chemicals, making it a stimulant. For thousands of years, people in Africa have chewed the seeds to enhance mental alertness and fight fatigue. Centuries ago, people of Arab descent traded gold dust for cola nuts before starting out on long treks across the Sahara.
Cola nut has been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac and an appetite suppressant and to treat morning sickness, migraine headaches, and indigestion. It has also been applied directly to the skin to treat wounds and inflammation. The tree’s bitter twig has been used as well to clean the teeth and gums. Other uses have included indigestion and its bronchodilatory effects.
Therapeutic Dosages
Germany’s Commission E recommends the following daily dosage of cola: 2 to 6 grams (g) of cola nut, 0.25 to 0.75 g of cola extract, 2.5 to 7.5 g of cola liquid extract, 10 to 30 g of cola tincture, or 60 to 180 g of cola wine.
Therapeutic Uses
Based on the cola nut’s caffeine content, Germany’s Commission E has approved its use for the treatment of fatigue. Cola is ingested daily by millions as one of the main ingredients in cola soft drinks. It is also used in diet and high-energy products such as food bars and as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and puddings. However, the caffeine-containing cola nut, used in original recipes for Coca-Cola, should not be confused with gotu kola. Because of its caffeine content, cola nut would be expected to increase urination, stimulate the heart and lungs, and help analgesics such as aspirin to function more effectively.
Scientific research on the health benefits of cola nuts is limited. Its traditional uses as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, digestive aid, and bronchodilator are based on observational and anecdotal evidence, with scientific studies only beginning to emerge in the twenty-first century. Even more limited evidence supports its use for migraine headaches. Cola nuts may also help conditions, aided by their inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additional double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of cola nut that focus on its properties beyond caffeine are necessary.
Safety Issues
Although comprehensive safety studies have not been performed, moderate amounts of cola nut are generally regarded as safe. The Council of Europe and the US Food and Drug Administration have approved it as a food additive. The typical side effects associated with cola nut are those of caffeine, including nervousness, heart irregularities, headaches, and sleeplessness. Because the cola nut contains caffeine, the American Herbal Products Association has listed cola nut as a supplement that should be avoided by pregnant women and children.
Cola is not advised for individuals with stomach ulcers because of both its caffeine and its tannin content. Tannins, found in many plants, are substances that can irritate the stomach.
Bibliography
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O'Keefe Osborn, Corinne. "What is Kola Nut?" Healthline, 18 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/kola-nut. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
Wilson, Debra Rose. "Kola Nut: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects." Medical News Today, 6 Oct. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319626. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.