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Note - the monographs are provided for informational purposes only, and are not to be used for self-medication.

Cola nitida (Cola)

Botanic Name

Cola nitida, (Cola vera)

Common Name

Cola, Kola, Kola Seeds, Gurru Nuts, Bissy Nuts, Cola Seeds, Guru Nut 1

Family

Sterculiaceae

Parts Used

Seed

Habitat

Sierra Leone, North Ashanti, and around the Niger delta. Cultivated in the West Indies, Brazil, and Java. 2

Constituents

Caffeine 3

Polyphenolic compounds (including catechin, epicatechin, tannins, and ‘Kola red’) 3

Choline and betaine 3

Starch, sugars, minerals (especially potassium) 3

Actions

Central nervous stimulant 3, 2, 4

CNS Tonic 2

Astringent 2, 4

Diuretic 2, 4

Anti-depressive 4

Applications

Depression 5, 4, 3, 2

Chronic Neuralgia 5

Convalescence 5, 2

To sustain mental and physical exertions 5

Nervous debility 4, 2

Atony and weakness 4

Short term fatigue mental and physical 3

Nervous diarrhoea 4, 2

Migraine 4

Anorexia 4

Dosage

MEDIUM DOSE HERB

LE (1:1, 60%) 0.6 – 1.2 ml tds 3

Use small doses for cumulative influence as restorative 5

Combinations

Adjunctive to Betonica off. 5

Avena sativa, Turnera diffusa, Scutelaria lateriflora 4

C/I Cautions

Not to be used during pregnancy 6

C/I in hypertension and gastric and duodenal ulcers 6

Not recommended for excessive or long term use 6

BHP S/I

Depressive states associated with general muscular weakness 7

References
  1. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Tiger, Great Britain, 1994.
  2. Mills, S., The Complete Guide to Modern Herbalism, Thorsons, Great Britain, 1994.
  3. Bradley, P.R.(Ed.), British Herbal Compendium Volume I, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
  4. Hoffmann, D., The New Holistic Herbal, Element, Dorset, 1990.
  5. Priest, A.W. and Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication. A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook. London: L.N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.
  6. McGuffin, M., Hobbs, C., Upton, R., Goldberg, A., American Herbal Products Association - Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, 1997.
  7. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983. British Herbal Medical Association. 1989.

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Revised: May 18, 2002 .