Garcinia kola
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Garcinia kola
Common Names: Bitter
Kola, False Kola, Male Kola Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Clusiaceae Genus: Garcinia Species: G. kola Synonyms: Garcinia
akawaensis Spirl., Garcinia
bergheana Spirl., Garcinia
conrauana Engl., Garcinia
dinklagei Engl., Garcinia
giadidi De Wild. Morphological Description Garcinia kola is a medium-sized, evergreen tree
typically growing to 10–30 meters in height, with a straight, cylindrical trunk
and a dense, spreading crown. Its key morphological features include: · Bark: Smooth,
greyish to greenish-brown when young, becoming fissured with age; exudes a
yellow latex when cut. · Leaves: Simple,
opposite, elliptic to obovate (10–30 cm long, 5–15 cm wide), glossy dark green,
leathery, with entire margins and short petioles (1–2 cm). · Flowers: Small,
dioecious, greenish-yellow to creamy-white, borne in axillary or terminal
clusters; petals 4–5, with a faint fragrance. · Fruit: Round
to ovoid drupe (5–10 cm in diameter), orange-yellow when ripe, with a hard,
woody pericarp containing 2–4 brown, nut-like seeds (bitter kola nuts). The seeds are encased in a fibrous, juicy pulp, and the tree often
develops buttress roots in mature specimens, enhancing stability in rainforest
soils (Přibyl & Lojka, 2019). Distribution and Habitat Garcinia kola is indigenous to the tropical
rainforests of West and Central Africa, ranging from 15°N to 10°S latitude. It
is documented in: · West Africa: Sierra
Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin (annual rainfall 1,200–2,500 mm). · Central Africa: Cameroon,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon (altitude 0–1,200 m). It predominantly inhabits lowland humid forests, thriving in
well-drained, loamy or sandy soils (pH 4.5–6.5). The species is shade-tolerant
in its early stages and often occurs in secondary forests or agroforestry
systems (Tauchen et al., 2023). Ethnopharmacology Garcinia kola, commonly known as bitter kola, is a
plant native to West and Central Africa, widely used in traditional medicine
for its numerous health benefits. It is known for its antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Traditionally, the
seeds are chewed to relieve coughs, sore throats, chest colds, and bronchitis,
and are also believed to support lung function. Extracts from the seeds, bark,
and roots are used to treat liver disorders, malaria, diabetes, and
gastrointestinal issues. Bitter kola is also thought to enhance male libido and
improve mental alertness. Its active compounds, including kolaviron,
biflavonoids, and garcinol, contribute to its pharmacological activities.
Scientific studies support its potential in managing inflammation, oxidative
stress, and infections, though further research is needed to fully understand
its mechanisms and therapeutic applications. · Respiratory Health: Seeds
are chewed to relieve coughs, hoarseness, and bronchitis. A study by Indabawa
and Arzai (2011) found that ethanol seed extracts inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (MIC
0.25 mg/ml), supporting its antitussive use. · Antimicrobial Activity: Bark
and seed extracts exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. Okunji et al.
(2012) reported that kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from seeds,
inhibits Escherichia
coli and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (MIC 0.04–1.25 mg/ml). · Liver Protection: Root
and seed extracts show anti-hepatotoxic properties. Wegwu et al. (2000)
demonstrated that kolaviron reduces carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage
in rats by 60%, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. · Aphrodisiac and
Reproductive Health: Bark decoctions are used as
aphrodisiacs and to treat sterility. Sewani-Rusike et al. (2015) found that
seed extracts (200 mg/kg) increase testosterone levels by 35% in male rats,
supporting libido enhancement. · Gastrointestinal
Relief: Seeds and bark are consumed for stomach pains and dysentery.
Research
indicates that Garcinia kola seeds
can inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect against ulcer formation,
suggesting potential benefits in managing gastric disorders. It was observed
that G. kola produced a dose-dependent inhibition of gastric acid secretion and
indomethacin-induced ulceration this might be due to its acid-lowering effect
and increased mucus production among other factors yet to be determined,
Ibironke
et al. (1997) ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Garcinia kola, or bitter kola, is generally
considered safe, especially when used traditionally, with studies showing no
significant toxicity in animals and in vitro. However, some studies suggest
that high doses or prolonged consumption may lead to fertility issues (Tauchen
et al., 2023). Additional Information · Cultural Significance: Bitter
kola nuts are offered in ceremonies (e.g., Nigerian weddings) and chewed to
suppress hunger or stay alert (Maňourová et al., 2019). · Food and Beverage: Seeds
are used as a bitter flavoring in local beers and soft drinks; fruit pulp
provides vitamin C (20–30 mg/100g) (Dosunmu & Johnson, 1995). · Economic Value: Seeds
are a major non-timber forest product, traded widely in West African markets
(Awono et al., 2016). References Awono, A., Eba'a Atyi, R., Foundjem-Tita, D., & Levang, P.
(2016). Vegetal non-timber forest products in Cameroon, contribution to the
national economy. International Forestry Review, 18(1), 66-77. Burkill, H. M. (1985). The
useful plants of West Tropical Africa (Vol. 1). Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew. Dosunmu, M. I., & Johnson, E. C. (1995). Chemical evaluation
of the nutritive value and changes in ascorbic acid content during storage of
the fruit of ‘bitter kola’(Garcinia kola). Food chemistry, 54(1), 67-71.. Farombi, E. O., Tahnteng, J. G., Agboola, A. O., Nwankwo, J. O., & Emerole, G. O. (2000). Chemoprevention of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats by kolaviron—a Garcinia kola seed extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 38(6), 535-541. Ibironke, G. F., Olaleye, S. B., Balogun, O., & Aremu, A.
(1997). Effects of diets containing seeds of Garcinia kola (Heckel) on gastric
acidity and experimental ulceration in rats. Phytotherapy Research: An
International Journal Devoted to Medical and Scientific Research on Plants and
Plant Products, 11(4), 312-313. Indabawa, I., & Arzai, A. (2011). Antibacterial activity
of Garcinia kola and Cola nitida seed
extracts. Bayero
Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 4(1), 52–55. https://doi.org/10.4314/bajopas.v4i1.11 Okunji, C. O., Ware, T. A., Hicks, R. P., & Iwu, M. M. (2012).
Antimicrobial activity of Garcinia
kola biflavonones. Planta
Medica, 68(5),
440–444. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-32091 Maňourová, A., Leuner, O., Tchoundjeu, Z., Van Damme, P., Verner,
V., Přibyl, O., & Lojka, B. (2019). Medicinal Potential, Utilization and
Domestication Status of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola Heckel) in West and Central
Africa. Forests, 10(2), 124. https://doi.org/10.3390/f10020124 Sewani‐Rusike, C. R., Ralebona, N., & Nkeh‐Chungag, B. N.
(2016). Dose‐and time‐dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual
behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats. Andrologia, 48(3),
300-307. Tauchen, J., Frankova, A., Manourova, A., & Lojka, B.
(2023). Garcinia
kola: A critical review on chemistry and pharmacology of an
important West African medicinal plant. Phytochemistry
Reviews, 22(5),
1305–1351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-023-09869-w External Links IITA Forest Center -
Garcinia kola Green Institute -
Garcinia kola More Pictures
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| Compounds of Garcinia kola |
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| References | 2.Omeje, E. O., Nworu, S. C., Osadebe, P. O., Onugwu, L., Maurya, R., Okafor, S. N., & Proksch, P. (2017). In-vitro anti-inflammatory activities of 3-methoxy quercetin isolated from Nigerian mistletoe parasitic on Garcinia kola Heckel, Clusiaceae. Tropical journal of pharmaceutical research, 16(5), 1059-1067. |
