Botanical Name: Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott et Endl. and its varieties - Cola acuminata (P. Beauv.) Schott et Endl.
Part used: cola seeds
Therapeutic properties: tonic, stimulating, bronchodilating, antiastenic, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, ergogenic (increased sports performance), anorectics, slimming, antioxidants
Therapeutic use:
- weakness, asthenia, intellectual fatigue, hypersomnia, obesity, decreased concentration, depression; anti-cellulite (topical application in phytocosmetics)
Examples of medical specialties containing cola extracts: -
NOTES: when cola seeds are taken for curative purposes, it is essential to use pharmaceutical forms defined and standardized in active ingredients (caffeine), the only ones that allow us to know how many pharmacologically active molecules are being administered to the patient. Traditional herbal preparations such as infusions, juices and decoctions, do not allow to establish exactly the quantity of active ingredients administered to the patient, which increases the risk of therapeutic failure.
Cola: traditional herbalist indications
Treatment of asthenic symptoms, such as physical and mental fatigue, and feelings of weakness
Indicative dosage in adults and the elderly (oral)
- If the cola is taken in the form of a decoction prepared by slow boiling, for 10 minutes, 1-3 grams of dried seeds - reduced in herbal tea - every 150 ml of water:
- take 150 ml of decoction three times a day
- If the cola is taken as a liquid extract (extraction ratio 1: 1; ethanol extraction solvent at 60% V / V):
- take 0.6 - 1.2 ml, three times a day
- If the cola is taken in the form of a tincture (ratio Drug / Solvent 1: 5; ethanol extraction solvent at 60% V / V):
- take 1-4 ml, three times a day
NOTES: if symptoms persist for more than a week, or are aggravated while using the product, consult your doctor. As a precautionary measure, do not take during pregnancy and lactation.
The cola extracts are contraindicated in the presence of hypersensitivity towards the active substances that characterize them. The presence of insomnia, gastric or duodenal ulcers, hyperthyroidism or cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease and hypertension, also makes the use of cola contraindicated.
The intake of the product a short distance from the night rest, can favor the appearance of insomnia and difficulty in falling asleep.
Caution in the joint use of Cola and MAO inhibitor drugs, due to the increased risk of hypertensive crisis. Interaction with hypnotic-sedative drugs could reduce the effect; on the other hand, the association of cola with sympathomimetic drugs could exacerbate its side effects. Caffeine * also reduces the absorption of lithium and increases that of aspirin.
* contained in cola seeds in percentages normally variable between 1.0 and 2.5%
The use of products containing cola and ephedra ( Ma Huang ) for anorectic and slimming purposes is strongly discouraged; this recommendation is based on the frequent side effects at the cardiovascular level and on the numerous drug interactions.
For more information on the correct use of a specific cola-based product, and for the complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet that accompanies the product. This information must always be read carefully before starting treatment.
