The fruits of the kola nut tree, known as kola nuts, naturally contain caffeine. They are traditionally used, particularly in West Africa, as a stimulant and are employed in folk medicine to treat, amongst other things, migraines, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
A caffeine-containing extract from the kola nut was one of the original ingredients in Coca-Cola when the drink was developed at the end of the 19th century. Today, kola nuts are generally no longer used in Coca-Cola. However, the name ‘Cola’ still serves as a reminder of this original ingredient.
Distribution
Central Africa, the West Indies, South America and East Asia
Use
an extract with a stimulating effect, used in folk medicine to treat migraines, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea