Bitter Kola

Garcinia kola

Physical Characteristics

Garcinia kola is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to S Nigeria and on into Zaire and Angola.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Gum Seed - raw[301 ]. They have a bitter, astringent, aromatic flavour; somewhat resembling that of a raw coffee bean[301 , 332 ]. This is followed by a slight sweetness (or lingering pepperiness)[332 ]. The seeds are chewed along with the seeds of the true cola (Cola spp.). They are thought to enhance a person's enjoyment of the cola as well as allowing for consumption of larger quantities without indisposition[301 , 332 ]. The extremely sour fruits are sometimes eaten[301 ]. They are orange-sized, and contain a yellow pulp surrounding four seeds[332 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidote Antitussive Aphrodisiac Astringent Bitter Cancer Cytostatic Diuretic Dysentery Purgative Stomachic Tonic Urinary Vermifuge Bitter kola is widely used in traditional medicine in Africa with most parts of the plant being used and a wide range of ailments being treated[332 ]. Several medically active compounds have been identified. Tannins, a reducing sugar and traces of an alkaloid have been detected in the bark; flavonins are also present, the whole being extremely bitter, resinous and astringent[332 ]. A number of pharmocological actions have also been demonstrated. Extracts of stems, roots and seeds have been shown to have strong anti-hepatotoxic and hepatotropic activity[332 ]. Petroleum ether and acetone extracts were found to be markedly anti-microbial[332 ]. The bark contains an abundant sticky resinous gum[332 ]. This is taken internally in the treatment of gonorrhoea[332 ]. Externally, the gum is applied to skin-infections and used to seal new wounds[332 ]. The bark is said to be aphrodisiac, galactagogue[332 ]. A decoction is used to treat female sterility and to ease child-birth, the intake being daily until conception is certain and then at half quantity throughout the term[332 ]. It is also used to induce the expulsion of a dead foetus[332 ]. The powdered bark is applied externally to malignant tumours, cancers, etc.[332 ]. A tea of the bark, combined with the bark of Sarcocephalus latifolius, has a strong reputation as a diuretic, urinary decongestant and treatment for chronic urethral discharge[332 ]. The bark, combined with Piper guineense and sap from a plantain stalk (Musa sp.) is used to embrocate the breast for mastitis[332 ]. The seed and bark are taken to treat stomach-pains[332 ]. The leaves and bark are used in the treatment of pulmonary and gastro-intestinal troubles[332 ]. The root and bark are used as a tonic for men 'to make their organs work well'[332 ]. The leaves have a bitter taste. A leaf-infusion is purgative[332 ] The fruits are eaten in Nigeria as a cure for general aches in the head, back, etc., and as a vermifuge[332 ]. The seeds are said to be antidote, antitussive, aphrodisiac, astringent and vermifuge[332 ]. Mastication of the seeds is said to relieve coughs, hoarseness, and bronchial and throat troubles. They are taken dry as a remedy for dysentery. They are said to provide an antidote against Strophanthus poisoning[332 ]. The active principle, or principles, in the nut remain enigmatic. Caffeine, which is present in the true kola, is absent. A trace of alkaloid has been reported in Nigerian materials, but absent in other samples. Tannins are present which may contain the anti-bacterial compounds morellin and guttiferin[332 ]. Activity may also lie in resins which are as yet unidentified[332 ].

Known Hazards

None known