Kola Tree: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Updated on 19 March 2025

The kola tree or Kola is a tropical tree of the Sterculiaceae family, like the cacao tree, originating from the tropical regions of Africa, although it also grows in South America and the Caribbean. It can reach over 20 meters and live for several centuries. Its fruits are pods containing several seeds called kola nuts. The kola nut holds cultural and symbolic importance in West Africa where it is used in divination and sacred rites, as it is believed to possess spiritual properties and the ability to enhance intuition. In African medicine, the kola nut is still used for its tonic and astringent properties, notably against migraines, diarrhea, and fatigue. The reddish-colored, chestnut-sized kola seed or nut is the therapeutically used part. These seeds contain active compounds such as alkaloids, particularly xanthines like caffeine (2%), theobromine, and theophylline which contribute to its stimulating properties, as well as tannins, flavonoids like catechin, and other phenolic compounds. In therapeutics, Kola is used as a stimulant to combat fatigue, increase energy levels, and as an aphrodisiac. Its high caffeine content contributes to its use as a natural energizer and mood enhancer. Kola nuts are also consumed for their appetite suppressant effect, which may aid in weight control.

Other name(s)

Kola Tree, Cola, Kola Nuts

Scientific name(s)

Cola nitida, Cola acuminata

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Caffeine

Flavonoids

Alkaloids

Catechins

Theophylline

Theobromine

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Obesity
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The combination of Kola, Ephedra, and white willow extracts can lead to an approximate 2 kg weight loss in overweight or obese patients, according to a study. Another study indicates that a supplement containing plant extract based on ephedra (90 mg) and kola nuts (192 mg) evaluated over 6 months in obese individuals may promote weight loss and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) without notable negative effects.

Posologie

Oral: nuts

192 - 1500 mg

6 - months

Synergies

Ephedra, White Willow

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing ephedrine, caffeine, and other ingredients from herbal sources for treatment of overweight and obesity in the absence of lifestyle treatment.
Multinutrient Supplement Containing Ephedra and Caffeine Causes Weight Loss and Improves Metabolic Risk Factors in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Herbal ephedra/caffeine for Weight Loss: A 6-month Randomized Safety and Efficacy Trial

Fatigue
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Kola nut is used as a stimulant in cases of physical and mental asthenia after illness or in preparation for physical exertion. The EMA indicates the use of kola to combat fatigue and feelings of weakness, while the ESCOP recommends it for the treatment of short-term physical and/or mental exhaustion. In these indications, the efficacy is plausible based on human experience and long-term usage.

Posologie

Oral: nuts

3 - 6 g

1 - weeks

powder

Community herbal monograph on Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott et Endl. and its varieties and Cola acuminata (P.Beauv.) Schott et Endl., semen
E/S/C/O/P Colae semen

Properties

Neurological

Caffeine in kola nuts has been associated with potential cognitive benefits. It can improve attention, concentration, and cognitive performance. In the laboratory, kola nut extracts inhibit enzymes like acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, which could slow neuron degradation. Additionally, caffeine present in kola nuts appears to protect dopamine-related neurons, which may be beneficial in diseases like Parkinson's.

Usages associés

Fatigue

Effect of three caffeine doses on plasma catecholamines and alertness during prolonged wakefulness
Neuroprotection by caffeine and A(2A) adenosine receptor inactivation in a model of Parkinson's disease
Anticholinesterase and Antioxidative Properties of Aqueous Extract of Cola acuminata Seed In Vitro

Metabolic

Kola nut has an appetite-suppressing and metabolism-boosting effect. Indeed, caffeine in kola nuts increases resting energy expenditure and cellular thermogenesis. Furthermore, caffeine and theobromine have been linked to improved metabolism and fat oxidation in a diabetic rat model, which can additionally aid in weight management.

Usages associés

Obesity

Inhibitory effect of polyphenolic-rich extract from Cola nitida (Kolanut) seed on key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes and Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro
Cola Nitida (Kola Nuts) Attenuates Hepatic Injury in Type 2 Diabetes by Improving Antioxidant and Cholinergic Dysfunctions and Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism
Assessment of probable anorectic effect of kolanut (Cola nitida) in Albino rats
Metabolic effects of caffeine in humans: lipid oxidation or futile cycling?
The antidiabetic properties of the hot water extract of kola nut (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.) in type 2 diabetic rats

Antioxidant

Polyphenols (tannins and flavonoids) present in kola nuts provide antioxidant properties. Its components can trap free radicals, chelate transition metals, and enhance the body's antioxidant defense system.

IN-VITRO NUTRITIONAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ANALYSES INDICATED DISPARITY IN Cola nitida L. and Garcinia kola Heckel USED IN NIGERIA
In vitro anticholinesterase, antimonoamine oxidase and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extracts from kola nuts (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida)

Cardiovascular

The antioxidant properties of Kola, thanks to polyphenols, can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have suggested that Kola has potential cardioprotective effects by improving blood lipid profiles and oxidation markers. Also, the vasodilatory properties of alkaloids, including theobromine and theophylline in kola nuts, may help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, thereby enhancing cardiovascular function.

Cola nitida infusion modulates cardiometabolic activities linked to cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats
Determination of the structural, electronic, optoelectronic and thermodynamic properties of the methylxanthine molecules theophylline and theobromine
Effects of chronic administration of ethanolic extract of kolanut (Cola nitida) and caffeine on vascular function

Digestive Effect

Kola may contribute to gastrointestinal health thanks to tannins which are gastroprotective. However, studies have reported Kola's stimulating properties on gastric and salivary secretion. Increased gastric secretions may damage mucous membranes in individuals with ulcers. Kola also inhibits amylase activity, an enzyme responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, which may slow glucose absorption.

Cola Nitida (Kola-Nut) Enhances Gastric Ulceration and Secretion Via Ileum Motility Increase
Amylase Activity in the Gut Homogenate of the Kola Weevil, Sophrorhinus Insperatus Faust and Its Response to Inhibitors from Kola Nuts
Tannic acid is a gastroprotective that regulates inflammation and oxidative stress
Effects of Sub-chronic Administration of Crude Ethanol Extract of Cola nitida on Stomach Mucosa Epithelial Lining and Liver Function Enzymes in Albino Rats
The effect of cola acuminata and cola nitida on gastric acid secretion

Safety dosage

Adult from 18 years: 3 g - 9 g (powder)

- Plant substance in powder: 1-3 g, 3 times a day. - Herbal tea: 1-3 g of plant powder in 150 ml of water in decoction, 3 times a day. - Tincture: 1-4 ml, 3 times a day.

Interactions

Médicaments

Adenosine: moderate interaction

Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine and can reduce its vasodilator effect in humans.

Amphetamines: strong interaction

Kola and amphetamines could have additive effects on the central nervous system.

Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: weak interaction

Caffeine appears to have antiplatelet aggregating properties. Its concurrent use with such medications could increase the risk of bleeding.

Antidiabetic: weak interaction

Caffeine may have blood sugar modulating properties and interfere with antidiabetic medications' effects.

Selective Beta-blockers: moderate interaction

Theoretically, caffeine could increase the inotropic effects of beta-blockers. This combination should be monitored.

Cimetidine: moderate interaction

Cimetidine reduces the elimination of caffeine and could promote its accumulation in the blood.

Cytochrome P450 substrates: weak interaction

Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450. Concurrent use with their substrates could increase concentrations and undesirable effects.

Oral contraceptives: moderate interaction

Contraceptives slow down caffeine elimination and increase its undesirable effects.

Dipyridamole: moderate interaction

Caffeine in Kola nuts inhibits the effects of Dipyridamole.

Ephedrine: moderate interaction

Combining Kola nuts and ephedrine induces serious risks of hypertension, seizures, and cardiac arrests.

Antibiotics: moderate interaction

Quinolones (antibiotics) reduce caffeine elimination and can thus promote its accumulation in the blood, generating side effects.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): weak interaction

Patients taking MAOI medications should use Kola nuts cautiously. Theoretically, the concurrent consumption of large quantities of Kola with MAOIs could trigger a hypertensive crisis due to the caffeine content in Kola nuts. Some MAOIs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Theophylline: weak interaction

Large amounts of caffeine could inhibit the metabolism of theophylline. Kola nuts contain caffeine. Theoretically, concurrent use could increase serum concentrations of theophylline and the risk of adverse effects.

Plantes ou autres actifs

Cola tree: weak interaction

Alcohol slows down caffeine elimination and can increase its serum concentration.

Cola tree: weak interaction

Kola enhances the effects of salicylic acid.