Kola tree: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Kola tree, Cola, Kola nut
Scientific name(s)
Cola nitida, Cola acuminata
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Caffeine
Flavonoids
Alkaloids
Catechins
Theophylline
Theobromine
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
The combination of Kola, Ephedra and white willow extracts allows a weight loss of about 2 kg in overweight or obese patients according to one study. According to another study, a plant extract supplement containing ephedra (90 mg) and kola nut (192 mg) evaluated over 6 months in obese individuals would result in weight loss, an increase in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) without notable adverse effects.
Posologie
Oral: nuts
192 - 1500 mg
6 - months
Synergies
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 ✪✪✪✪✪
The 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 the sensation of weakness, while ESCOP recommends it for the short-term treatment of physical and/or mental exhaustion. For these indications, efficacy is plausible based on human experience and long-standing use.
Posologie
Oral use: nut
3 - 6 g
1 - weeks
powder
Properties
Neurological
The caffeine contained in the kola nut has been associated with potential cognitive benefits. It can improve attention, concentration, and cognitive performance. In laboratory studies, kola nut extracts inhibit enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, which could slow neuronal degradation. Furthermore, the caffeine present in the kola nut appears to protect dopamine-related neurons, which could be useful in diseases like Parkinson's.
Usages associés
Metabolic
The kola nut exerts an appetite-suppressing effect and boosts metabolism. Indeed, the caffeine contained in the kola nut increases resting energy expenditure and cellular thermogenesis. Moreover, caffeine and theobromine have been associated with improved metabolism and fat oxidation in a diabetic rat model, which may further contribute to weight management.
Usages associés
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
The polyphenols (tannins and flavonoids) present in the kola nut give it antioxidant properties. Its components can trap free radicals, chelate transition metals, and strengthen the body's antioxidant defense system.
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, due to polyphenols, may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have suggested that kola may have potential cardioprotective effects by improving blood lipid profiles and markers of oxidation. Also, the vasodilatory properties of the alkaloids, including theobromine and theophylline present in the kola nut, may help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, thereby supporting cardiovascular function.
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 that are gastroprotective. However, studies have reported stimulant properties of Kola on gastric and salivary secretion. The increase in gastric secretions can cause mucosal lesions in people suffering from ulcers. Kola also inhibits amylase activity, an enzyme responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, which could help slow glucose absorption.
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
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 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 as a 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 may reduce its vasodilatory effect in humans.
Amphetamines: strong interaction
Kola and amphetamines may have additive effects on the central nervous system.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: weak interaction
Caffeine appears to have antiplatelet properties. Its concurrent use with medications of this type could increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidiabetic: weak interaction
Caffeine may have blood glucose-modulating properties and interfere with the effects of antidiabetic medications.
Selective beta-blocker: 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 may promote its accumulation in the blood.
Cytochrome P450 substrate: weak interaction
Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Concurrent use with substrates of these enzymes could increase concentrations and adverse effects.
Oral contraceptives: moderate interaction
Oral contraceptives slow the elimination of caffeine and increase its adverse effects.
Dipyridamole: moderate interaction
Caffeine in kola nuts inhibits the effects of dipyridamole.
Ephedrine: moderate interaction
The combination of kola nut and ephedrine poses serious risks of hypertension, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
Antibiotics: moderate interaction
Quinolones (antibiotics) reduce the elimination of caffeine and may thus promote its accumulation in the blood and cause side effects.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): weak interaction
Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should use kola nut with caution. Theoretically, concurrent consumption of large amounts of kola nut with MAOIs could precipitate a hypertensive crisis due to the caffeine contained in the kola nut. Some MAOIs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine and others.
Theophylline: weak interaction
Large amounts of caffeine may inhibit the metabolism of theophylline. Kola nut contains caffeine. Theoretically, concomitant use could increase serum theophylline concentrations and the risk of adverse effects.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Kola tree: low interaction
Alcohol slows the elimination of caffeine and can increase its serum concentration.
Kola tree: low interaction
Kola enhances the effects of salicylic acid.
Precautions
Gastric ulcer: avoid
Caffeine is generally not recommended for people who have heart disease, insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastric or duodenal ulcers, or high blood pressure.
High blood pressure: avoid
Caffeine is generally not recommended for people who have heart disease, insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastric or duodenal ulcers, or high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. In the absence of sufficient data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Heart disorders: avoid
Caffeine is generally not recommended for people who suffer from heart disease, insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastric or duodenal ulcers, or high blood pressure.
Anxiety: avoid
Caffeine is generally not recommended for people who suffer from heart disease, insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastric or duodenal ulcers, or high blood pressure.
Sleep disorders: avoid
Caffeine is generally not recommended for people who suffer from heart disease, insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastric or duodenal ulcers, or high blood pressure.
Hyperthyroidism: avoid
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
WHO recommends that pregnant women do not drink more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. However, according to some studies, the ideal for a pregnant woman would be to avoid caffeine entirely or consume as little as possible during pregnancy.
Children up to 18 years: prohibited
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is not recommended
