Cola nitida. C. acuminata, Sterculia acuminata   Kola nut , Cola seeds   Family: Malvaceae    
The caffeine-containing fruit of the tree is used as a flavoring ingredient in beverages, and is the origin of the term "cola". It is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a group setting. It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or presented to guests.
PART USED: Dried cotyledons
TASTE: Slightly bitter and astringent ODOR: Not marked
ACTIONS
1. Stimulant,[2] to higher centres of central nervous system.[1]
2. Thymoleptic.[1]
3. Antidepressive.[1,2]
4. Diuretic.[1,2]
5. Cardioactive.[1] Cardiac tonic.[2]
6. Anti-diarrheal.[1] Astringent.[2]
INDICATIONS
1. Kola extracts are an ingredient of many tonics for depression,[1,2] tiredness and to stimulate the appetite.[2] Melancholia.[1]
2. Atony.[1] Exhaustion.[1]
3. Dysentery.[1] Atonic diarrhea.[1] Diarrhea.[2]
4. Anorexia.[1]
5. Migraine.[1]
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Depressive states associated with general muscular weakness.[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Depression and exhaustion, use with Damiana, Scutellaria or Avena.
PREPARATIONS- The seeds contain caffeine and are chewed as a stimulant and or can be boiled to extract the cola used in the manufacture of soft drinks.
Powdered/infused  cotyledons  1-3 g,[1,2] or by decoction.[1]
Liquid extract (BPC1949) 1:1 in 60% alcohol  0.6-1.2 ml.[1,2]
Tincture (BPC1934) 1:5 in 60% alcohol  1-4 ml.[1,2]

         


ORIGIN: The kola tree, a genus (Cola) of trees that are native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. Cola nitida is native to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria. It is a lowland tree but can be found up to altitudes of about 300 metres in areas with deep, rich soils and evenly distributed rainfall. It has been cultivated in other parts of tropical Africa as well as India, Jamaica, Brazil, and Hawaii. It can grow where there is around 1,200 millimetres of rain but does better where the annual rainfall exceeds 1,700 millimetres.
DESCRIPTION: Large trees indigenous to Sierra Leone, North Asthanti and the Niger estuary. Seed; is found in commerse as the dried, fleshy cotyledons with the testa removed. They are red-brown, often irregular in shape, usually oblong, convex on one side and flattened o nthe other, up to 5 cm long and about 2.5 cm in diameter.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents