Kola nut
Cola nitida
Other names: cola nut, goora nut, bissy nut, Cola acuminata
Edible plantPhoto credit: Michael Hermann / Wikimedia Commons
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: dose-dependent caffeine effects - insomnia, anxiety, palpitations/tachycardia, GI upset; chronic high intake/chewing associated with oral-mucosal effects and (debated) oral-cancer risk; possible mutagenicity signals at high exposure.
Contraindications: cardiac arrhythmia/uncontrolled hypertension, anxiety/insomnia disorders, peptic ulcer (tannins/acid), pregnancy/breastfeeding, children/adolescents.
Interactions: additive with other caffeine sources/stimulants (coffee, guarana, ephedra-type) and with MAO inhibitors; CYP1A2 (as for caffeine) - fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin; may affect theophylline; reduces iron absorption (tannins).
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding (caffeine)
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
traditional preparation · seed
Part used: seed
Traditional use: stimulant/anti-fatigue, appetite suppressant, digestive aid
Proposed mechanism: caffeine, theobromine, theophylline - CNS adenosine-receptor antagonists
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: seed (nut) is chewed/consumed as a traditional masticatory and food-flavoring; bitter, caffeine-rich; use in moderation (caffeine load)
Nutritional notes
caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, tannins, starch, small protein - primarily a stimulant rather than nutrient food
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Cola acuminata phytochemistry/pharmacology/safety chapter (Springer)
- Kola Nut - Drugs.com (NPP monograph)
- Safety assessment of kola nut extract as a food ingredient (PubMed 19394393, 2009)