Garcinia kola, commonly known as small kola, is a tropical flowering plant found in West and Central Africa that produces nut-like brown seeds.
It is bitter when eaten, but this bitter taste disappears gradually. For centuries, bitter kola has been used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases.
Here are 7 benefits of the small kola on health:
1. Malaria
Many studies have revealed that the chemical constituents of Garcinia kola have antimalarial properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed this fruit for the treatment of malaria infections.
According to the researchers, this kola contains quinones that fight against malaria. The kolaviron, an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory photochemical, contained in the seeds of Garcinia helps in the treatment of malaria.
In women, for example, ‘small kola’ can treat ovarian cysts, fibroids, salpingitis (buccal tubes), painful periods…
2. Pulmonary functions
For centuries, traditional medicine has used Garcinia kola to treat chest colds. And according to a study by Simon Adekunle of Ekiti State University in Nigeria, this kola expands the alveolar canals and sacs in the lungs and improves fiber resistance in lung tissue. The benefits of this fruit on the lungs are attributed to its high content of antioxidants.
3. Eye pressure
An increase in eye pressure can cause glaucoma, according to a New York Times Health Guide report. Researchers at Lagos University Hospital in Nigeria tested the effectiveness of eye drops containing 0.5% Garcinia kola extract. The results of their study revealed that the ophthalmic solution in Garcinia Kola significantly reduces eye pressure when used twice a day.
4. Weight loss
Garcinia Kola is a natural appetite suppressant that is important for people who want to lose a few pounds. When is taken with Tumeric, it helps manage excess fats.
5. HIV/AIDS
Bitter kola is a potent antibiotic that could be effective in treating HIV and AIDS. A researcher from the Natural Medicine Development Agency of Nigeria (NNMDA), Chinyere Nwokeke, said that bitter kola could be used to treat opportunistic infections associated with HIV.
According to the latter, it is highly recommended in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its antibacterial, detoxifying and cleansing properties. She claims that saponins, a compound contained in this bitter kola is responsible for its cleaning effect. Saponins are mainly used as a tonic for the liver, they improve the functions of the liver and gallbladder.
6. Male fertility
According to traditional doctors, bitter kola can cure impotence in humans. It is also an aphrodisiac that increases sexual desire and makes the man perform better in bed.
7. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation, and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. The causes of osteoarthritis can include joint damage, obesity, and aging. As many people with arthritis prefer natural medicinal plants to other painkillers and drugs, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria have tested the effects of bitter kola in the treatment of arthritis.
The results demonstrate that Garcinia Kola significantly reduces inflammation and pain and increases joint movement in people with osteoarthritis symptoms.
