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Abata kola

Cola acuminata

Also calledKola nut · Colae semen (pharmacopoeial name) · Kolasamen (German) · Kola, noix de (French)

In older monographsSterculia acuminata P. Beauv., Cola pseudoacuminata Engl.

A West and Central African rainforest tree, native from Nigeria to Gabon, whose caffeine-rich seeds are chewed as a stimulant and shared at ceremonies; without kola, hospitality and social ceremonies in Nigeria and much of West Africa are considered incomplete. In Europe the dried seed is a traditional herbal medicine for temporary fatigue. Its effects are essentially those of its caffeine (about 1.5–3.2%), and no clinical trials of the seed itself exist.

What it is used for

Fatigue and convalescence
Traditional
EMA registers traditional use for symptoms of temporary fatigue and sensation of weakness, and Commission E approved it for mental and physical fatigue. EMA found no clinical trials of kola seed itself, but judged the effect plausible because the maximum daily dose (9 g) contains at least 135 mg caffeine.^1,2
Low mood and depression
Traditional
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1974) and British Herbal Compendium (1992) listed kola for 'depressive states' and melancholia, especially with muscular weakness. There is no trial evidence, and EMA did not adopt this indication.²
Nausea in pregnancy
Traditional
In Nigeria the seed is commonly used against nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (emesis gravidarum), as reported in the EMA assessment. EMA nevertheless does not recommend kola in pregnancy because safety is not established and caffeine crosses the placenta.^1,2
Migraine
Traditional
Recorded for migraine in Nigeria and in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1974; not tested in trials.²
Diarrhoea
Traditional
The dried seed is used in African folk medicine as a remedy for dysentery, and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia listed dysentery and atonic diarrhoea.²
Sexual function and libido
Traditional
In Western Uganda the seeds are used, roasted, pounded or chewed and taken in tea, porridge or milk, for impotence and erectile dysfunction; in Benin the fruits are mixed with other plants for sterility. No clinical evidence.²

How it is prepared

decoction

Powdered seed simmered in water as a herbal tea.

EMA monograph (2011): 1–3 g powdered seed in 150 ml water as a decoction, 3 times daily (adults).

Fatigue and convalescence

powder

Powdered dried seed in solid oral dosage forms.

EMA monograph (2011): 1–3 g, 3 times daily; Commission E: 2–6 g daily.

Fatigue and convalescence

tincture

Tincture 1:5 in 60% ethanol, or liquid extract 1:1 in 60% ethanol.

EMA monograph (2011): tincture 1–4 ml, or liquid extract 0.6–1.2 ml, 3 times daily.

Fatigue and convalescence

Amounts are as recorded by the named source, not a recommendation.

Safety

Pregnancy: Avoid
Breastfeeding: Avoid
Children: EMA: not recommended under 18 years (lack of adequate data).

Interactions with medicines

MAO inhibitorsMajorEMA: use with caution; large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs (including furazolidone, procarbazine, selegiline) may cause dangerous arrhythmias or severe hypertension.
sedativesModerateLike other caffeine sources, reduces the action of sedative drugs (EMA).
sympathomimeticsModerateIncreases side effects of sympathomimetic drugs such as ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine (EMA).
other caffeine sourcesMinorAdditive caffeine effects with coffee, tea, cola drinks and other stimulants.
clozapine, benzodiazepines, propranolol, metoprolol, adenosine, quinolone antibioticsModeratePotential pharmacological interactions noted in the literature reviewed by EMA.

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Do not use if

Gastric and duodenal ulcers
Cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and arrhythmia
Hyperthyroidism

Side effects

Sleep disturbance (EMA advises against use before bedtime)
Over-excitability and nervous restlessness
Gastric irritation

Toxicity

Toxicity is essentially that of caffeine; EMA notes 3–10 g of caffeine can be lethal (roughly 667 g of seed at 1.5% caffeine). An excess of oral and gastrointestinal cancers has been reported in Northern Nigeria, where kola chewing is most common, though a causal link was not established.

In the healing traditions

African traditional medicine
Kola, Abata kola
Fresh seeds chewed as a masticatory for their stimulating effect; consumers say they suppress hunger, thirst and sleep and strengthen the gums. The dried seed is used as a tonic, mild stimulant, antiemetic, appetite suppressant and for dysentery; powdered seeds are put on cuts to stop bleeding. Central to hospitality and ceremonies in Nigeria and much of West Africa.
Western herbalism
Cola, Colae semen
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1974): depressive states, melancholia, atony, exhaustion, dysentery, atonic diarrhoea, anorexia and migraine; British Herbal Compendium (1992): short-term mental and physical fatigue.
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1974; British Herbal Compendium vol. 1 (1992)
European folk medicine
Kolasamen
German Commission E (1991) approved powdered nut, extracts, tincture and 'cola wine' for mental and physical fatigue.
Commission E monograph (1991)
Caribbean folk medicine
Kola
In Trinidad and Tobago used for childbirth, fertility and unspecified female problems, and for diabetes and hypertension.

Active compounds

caffeine: 1.5–3.2% of the dried seed (about 2.5% on average); partly bound to catechins, which may slow its release
theobromine: traces (about 0.02–0.08%)
catechins and 'kola red': polyphenols; in fresh seeds an unstable caffeine–catechin complex oxidises to 'kola red' and free caffeine on drying

History

Early records did not distinguish C. acuminata from C. nitida. C. acuminata's original range runs from Nigeria to Gabon, and it was widely planted elsewhere in West Africa. The dried seeds were shipped worldwide for caffeine extraction and as flavouring for cola-type soft drinks, which Americans have drunk since at least the late 19th century. In Europe the seed has been used medicinally for at least 150 years.

Sources

Reference, not prescription. Nothing here is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and be dangerous in pregnancy; tell your doctor or pharmacist about anything you take.