Abstract

Garcinia kola Heckel (family, Guttifereae), known in commerce as ‘bitter cola’, is a highly valued
ingredient in African traditional medicine. The plant is cultivated throughout West Africa for its
edible fruit and seeds. Seeds of G. kola have been employed in folk medicine as rejuvenating
agents and general antidotes. Bitter cola seeds have been shown to contain a complex mixture of
biflavonoids, prenylated benzophenones and xanthones. Many pharmacological effects have
been demonstrated for Garcinia biflavonoids, among them antiviral, anti-inflammatory,
antidiabetic, bronchodilator, and antihepatotoxic properties. Other studies show that its
antimicrobial activity is due to polyisoprenylated benzophenone. Some proprietary dietary
supplements containing G. kola extractives already exist in US and African markets. This chapter
focuses on G. kola, its constituents and application in medicine. The ethnobotany, clinical uses,
chemistry, pharmacology and commercialization of Garcinia extracts and compounds, as well as
analytical methods for quantification of marker compounds in these preparations will be
discussed. Additionally, the proprietary products are discussed and evaluated as they relate to
efficacy and human safety.

Introduction

Bitter kola, also known as bitter cola or Garcinia Kola, is a plant found in Central and Western
Africa that has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Although traditional African
medicine uses all parts of the Bitter Kola plant, the seeds are mostly commonly eaten.
Bitter kola seeds have a sharp, bitter flavor that eases into a slight sweetness as you chew, and
they’re typically eaten raw.

Garcinia kola is an evergreen tree that grows wild in the wet and moist zones of Nigeria, Ghana,
and the Republic of Congo. The tree is now planted in farms to serve as a shade tree in cocoa
plantations; however, it has been difficult to obtain information regarding the history of GK
cultivation, and this may be because the GK seed is a lesser known plant food in western parts of
Nigeria despite having local commercial importance. It is traditionally used during ceremonial
displays and as a gift to nobles, because it is believed to influence longevity, and has been used in
the treatment of ailments since ancient times.

Chapter 1

Health Benefits
Although bitter kola has been eaten in Africa for years, scientists are just beginning to study the
health benefits of this flowering plant.
According to these early studies, bitter kola may be able to help with health problems including:

Infections
Bitter kola has been used over the years to fight infections from the common cold to hepatitis. A
2018 study showed that bitter kola can help combat coughs, bacterial infections, and viral
infections. Eating bitter kola when an infection starts may help fight the infection and make you
feel better more quickly.

Inflammation

Bitter kola seeds have commonly been chewed on in Africa to fight against inflammatory
conditions like arthritis. One 2008 study showed that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees
showed significantly reduced inflammation when eating bitter kola compared to a placebo. The
high levels of potassium in bitter kola may be a contributing factor in reducing inflammation.

Diabetes

Early studies suggest that a chemical called kolaviron, which is found in bitter kola, may protect
against hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Although this first study was done on rats
and has not yet been reproduced on humans, these early findings are promising.

Chapter 2

Health benefits of bitter kola nut:

1. The aphrodisiac credentials

Traditional medicine considers bitter kola to be an aphrodisiac, so it’s believed to increase sexual
desire, pleasure and performance. With these qualities in mind, why not try some bitter kola to
help turbo-charge your sex life!
2. The nuts may be a remedy for osteoarthritis
With symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating, osteoarthritis is a common form of
arthritis. It’s characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, causing
pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints. The causes of osteoarthritis can
include joint injury, obesity, aging as well as hereditary factors.
Researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested bitter kola on the symptoms of
osteoarthritis, and concluded that bitter kola may significantly reduce the inflammation and pain
associated with the condition. The plant also increased joint movement in patients.
3. Bitter kola has antibacterial qualities
A study published in the Science Journal of Microbiology has shown that both the bitter kola
seeds and leafs have antibacterial properties. Bitter kola was tested against Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, and the plant was able to
inhibit these microorganisms. The antibacterial activity was found to be due to the presence of
bioactive components in the extract such as tannin, and saponins.
4. The nuts may improve the function of the lungs
Results from research conducted in conjunction with several Nigerian universities showed that
bitter kola has a positive effect on the lungs and can improve ventilation levels. Extracts of the
plant have also been studied in relation to asthma, and there is the suggestion that bitter kola
may have some protective effects against the respiratory disorder.
5. Bitter kola nut may improve the immune system
Bitter kola has a high concentration of antioxidants, which is a term for any compound that
counteracts free radicals. While environmental stressors such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays
and air pollution cause free radical production, they are also produced by many normal processes
in the body including exercise and our immune response. Free radicals damage DNA, cell
membranes, and other parts of cells. So, as well as being essential assistance for important
functions in the body, antioxidants also support the immune system. With a strong immune
system we are better able to fight disease and stay healthy.

6. It may be an antimalarial agent

Bitter kola contains the antioxidant kolaviron, which according to research published in the Asian
Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, shows positive results for antimalarial properties. Traditional
healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections, and
now, scientific studies are starting to support their beliefs.
7. Bitter kola may help to fight glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight,
and can result in permanent blindness if left untreated. A study in the Middle East African Journal
of Ophthalmology, showed that bitter kola is useful for reducing the pressure in the eye for newly
diagnosed patients, and was as effective as more conventional treatments. It is important to note
that you must follow professional medical advice and treatment if you have glaucoma, even if the
condition is newly diagnosed.