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Kola Nut
Kola Nut — pod and seeds
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Subfamily:	Sterculioideae
Genus:	Cola Schott & Endl.
Species
Selected species Cola acuminata Cola nitida Cola octoloboides Cola pachycarpa Cola philipi-jonesii Cola porphyrantha Cola praeacuta Cola reticulata Cola scheffleri Cola semecarpophylla Cola suboppositifolia Cola umbratilis Cola usambarensis Cola vera Cola verticillata

Kola nut (Cola) is a genus of about 125 species of trees native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, classified in the family Malvaceae, subfamily Sterculioideae (or treated in the separate family Sterculiaceae). It is related to the South American genus 'Theobroma cacao. They are evergreen trees, growing to 20 m tall, with glossy ovoid leaves up to 30 cm long.

Contents 1 Uses 2 Pharmacological effects 3 Chemical composition 4 Safety issues 5 History 6 Literary, Music and Film references 7 References

[edit] Uses

The kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine. It is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a group setting. It is often used ceremonially, presented to tribal chiefs or presented to guests. It is preferred among African Muslims, who are forbidden to drink alcohol. Chewing kola nut can ease hunger pangs. Frequent chewing of the kola nut can also lead to stained teeth. Among the urban youth of West Africa, kola nut is becoming less popular.

Outside mainland Africa, some species are cultivated for their nuts in Madagascar, Brazil, Jamaica and elsewhere in the humid tropics.

Kola nuts are often used to treat whooping cough and asthma. The caffeine present acts as a bronchodilator, expanding the bronchial air passages.

[edit] Pharmacological effects

Kola nuts are used mainly for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities. They have effects similar to other xanthine-containing herbs like cocoa, tea, coffee, guarana and yerba mate. However, the effects are distinctively different, producing a stronger state of euphoria and well being. They have stimulant effects on the central nervous system and heart. Animal experiments indicate that kola nuts have analeptic and lipolytic (fat-burning) properties, and stimulate the secretion of gastric juices. Human studies show kola nuts have positive chronotropic and weak diuretic effects. In humans it enhances alertness and physical energy, elevates mood, increases tactile sensitivity and suppresses the appetite. Autonomic changes include increased body temperature, increased blood pressure and increased respiratory rate. Effects may last up to 6 hours after ingestion.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Chemical composition

• caffeine (2- 3.5 %)
• theobromine (1.0-2.5%)
• theophylline
• catechine
• epicatechine
• D-catechine
• phenolics
• phlobaphens
• betaine
• protein
• starch
• fat
• thiamine
• riboflavin
• niacin
• ascorbic acid
• sugar
• gum
• cellulose
• water
• calcium
• potassium
• iron
• beta-carotene
• tannic acid

[edit] Safety issues

Kola nuts contain high amounts of N-nitroso compounds which are carcinogenic. In Nigeria, where the chewing of Kola nuts is a common practice, there is a high incidence of oral and gastrointestinal cancer which may be related to this habit.^[1]

[edit] History

The use of the kola nut, like the coffee berry and tea leaf, appears to have ancient origins. It is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a social setting, to restore vitality and ease hunger pangs.

[edit] Literary, Music and Film references

Ceremonial sharing of the kola nut plays an important role in Chinua Achebe's 1958 novel Things Fall Apart.

In Chris Abani's novel Grace Land, the motif of kola nuts provide an important symbolic message preceding several chapters.

Fans of Southern California oldies radio station KOLA are affectionately known as "Kola Nuts."

The band At the Drive-In makes reference to Kola Nuts in Enfilade, from the Relationship of Command album.

[edit] References

• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Cola
• Kola Nut Tradition in Igboland (South-East Nigeria): Kola Nut Tradition
• Benjamin, LT Jr; Rogers AM, Rosenbaum A (1991 Jan). "Coca-Cola, caffeine, and mental deficiency: Harry Hollingworth and the Chattanooga trial of 1911". J Hist Behav Sci 27 (1): 42–55. PMID 2010614.
• Jarvis, Gail (May 21, 2002). The Rise and Fall of Cocaine Cola. Retrieved on 2006-08-19.
• James A. Duke (2001). Handbook of Nuts.
• Katherine Kim (2001). Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
• Mariama Bâ, "So Long a Letter"

1. ^ Atawodi SE, Mende P, Pfundstein B, Preussmann R, Spiegelhalder B (1995). "Nitrosatable amines and nitrosamide formation in natural stimulants: Cola acuminata, C. nitida and Garcinia cola". Food Chem Toxicol 33 (8): 625–630. doi:10.1016/0278-6915(95)00035-Z. PMID 7672735. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6P-3YKM33Y-1F&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=4eb7f91ecb431fb877040f9317d2fef9. 

• Cola in West African plants - A Photo Guide.