The kola nut is a bitter brown seed containing caffeine, and is used in many West African cultures.

It is often chewed at ceremonies, offered to tribal chiefs or guests. Kola was initially used to make cola soft drinks, though today most use artificial flavorings. It is also used in dietary supplements, alcoholic beverages, and candy. Kola extract is a popular ingredient in weight-loss supplements due to its power to stimulate the brain, thus increasing focus, suppressing hunger, aiding in digestion, and acting as a diuretic.

It sells for approximately $35 for a 4 oz bottle. Recommended use is 6-12 drops in water, juice, or under tongue up to 3 times daily. You can also buy in capsule form for about $30 for a bottle of 60 capsules.

How It Works

Kola nuts are used primarily for their stimulant and euphoriant properties, lasting up to six hours. They have a similar effect on the central nervous system and heart comparable to that of other herbs like, tea, coffee, cocoa, yerba mate, and guarana. However, the effects are identifiably different, because it produces a stronger state of elation and pleasure. Kola nuts are also often used to treat whooping cough and asthma because the caffeine relaxes the airway muscles.

Scientific Evidence

Animal experiments indicate that kola nuts have fat-burning properties and stimulate the secretion of gastric juices. A study found in the Journal of Applied Toxicology states, "Kola-nut extract induced a number of overt [nerve toxicity] signs in [animals.} A decrease in the total body weight and an increase in the absolute weights of the liver, kidney, brain and testis were observed after 18 weeks of oral administration."

Human studies have shown that kola nuts increase the heart rate and sense of touch, suppresses appetite, acts as a diuretic, boosts alertness and physical energy, and improves mood.

Side Effects

Kola nuts have excessive amounts of N-nitroso compounds which are capable of causing cancer. In Nigeria, where the chewing of kola nuts is very common, there is a high occurrence of oral and gastrointestinal cancers which may be due to this practice. A Food Chemical Toxicology report states, “These data suggest that the possible role of kola nut chewing in human cancer [disease] should be explored in countries where kola nuts are widely consumed as stimulants."

It is also important to note when supplementing with kola nut, other products that contain caffeine should not be consumed. Side effects of kola nut can include nervousness, sleep disorders, stomach irritations and ulcers. By sensibly limiting supplementation, these symptoms can be prevented or reduced.

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/k/kolanu10.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kola_nut

http://www.thegeneralnutritioncenter.com/kola.html

http://www.healthbulletin.org/drug_herb_dangers/harmful10.htm