KOLA
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Identity & Description
Scientific name: Garcinia kola
Also called “African Wonder Nut.” Native to West and Central Africa.
Seeds are bitter, aromatic, and medicinal, chewed raw or infused
Traditional & Current Uses
Medicinal: Used traditionally as an antimicrobial, for coughs, and to improve digestion.
Chewing stimulant: Similar to kola nut but more bitter; used socially and medicinally.
Beverages: Extracts used in some local tonics and herbal teas.
Pharmacology: Contains bioactive compounds like kolaviron (flavonoids) with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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Traditional & Current Uses
Medicinal: Used traditionally as an antimicrobial, for coughs, and to improve digestion.
Chewing stimulant: Similar to kola nut but more bitter; used socially and medicinally.
Beverages: Extracts used in some local tonics and herbal teas.
Pharmacology: Contains bioactive compounds like kolaviron (flavonoids) with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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Small-scale production of bitter kola capsules or teas for diaspora health markets.
Development of natural herbal bitters and energy tonics (similar to ginseng or maca marketing).
Collaboration with researchers for further validation of medicinal uses.
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NAICS Codes
311942 – Spice and Extract Manufacturing (for powdered/kola extracts)
311999 – All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing (for functional foods, capsules, supplements)
325411 – Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical extraction)