Cola Species (Family) it is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As (G41) Safe). (i) Cola nitid4 A . Chev . (Sterculiaceae) (ii) Cola acuminata Schott & Endl . and related species Herbal Use Cola is stated to possess CNS stimulant, thymoleptic, Synonym(s) antidepressant, diuretic, cardioactive and antidiar- rhoeal properties . It has been used for depressive Cola Seed, Guru Nut, Kola Nut states, melancholy, atony, exhaustion, dysentery, (ii) Sterculia acuminata Beauv. atonic diarrhoea, anorexia, migraine and specifically for depressive states associated with general muscular weakness . (G6,G7,G8,G64 ) Part(s) Used Cotyledon Dosage Powdered cotyledons 1-3 g or by decoction three Pharmacopoeial and Other (G6,G7) times daily . Monographs (G6) BHC 1992 liquid Extract of Kola (BPC 1949) 0.6-1 .2 mL (1 :1 (G9) BHP 1996 in 60% alcohol). (G15) BP 2001 Complete German Commission E (G3) Tincture of Kola (BPC 1934) 1--4mL (1 :5 in 60% Martindale 32nd edition (G43) alcohol) . PDR for Herbal Medicines 2nd edition (G36) (G28) Ph Eur 2002 Pharmacological Actions Legal Category (Licensed Products) The xanthine constituents, caffeine and theobromine, are the active principles in cola . The pharmacological (G37) GSL properties of caffeine are well documented and include stimulation of the CNS, respiratory system and skeletal muscle, cardiac stimulation, coronary (G6,G22,G4 1,G48,G62,G64) Constituents dilatation, smooth muscle relaxation and diur- (G41) esis . Cola-containing beverages are stated to Alkaloids Xanthine-types . Caffeine (0 .6-3.0%), (G45) theobromine (up to 0 .1%) . provide active doses of caffeine . Tannins Condensed type, catechins. Side-effects, Toxicity Other constituents Betaine, cellulose, enzyme, fats, a Side-effects commonly associated with xanthine- glucoside, protein, red pigment and sugars. containing beverages include sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, palpitations and withdrawal headache . (G54) Food Use Contra-indications, Warnings Cola is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (cola and cola nut extract : Consumption of cola should be restricted in indivi- category 4, with limits on caffeine) (see Appendix duals with hypertension or cardiac disorders, because 23) 1 Cola is commonly used in foods . In the USA, of the caffeine content . 149 Pregnancy and lactation It is generally recom- Pharmaceutical Comment mended that caffeine consumption should be The principal active constituent in cola is caffeine. restricted during pregnancy, although conflicting The reputed herbal uses of cola can be attributed to reports have been documented regarding the associa- the actions pf caffeine, and precautions associated tion between birth defects and caffeine consumption . with other xanthine-containing beverages are applic- In view of this, excessive consumption of cola during able to cola . pregnancy should be avoided . Caffeine is excreted in breast milk, but at concentrations too low to repre- References sent a hazard to breastfed infants. IG45I As with all xanthine-containing beverages, excessive consump- See also General References G3, G6, G9, Gl l, G16, tion of cola by lactating mothers should be avoided . G22, G31, G36, G37, G41, G43, G48, G62 and G64 ..