Some preliminary observations on the effects of kola nut on the cardiovascular system

The prevalence of kola nut chewing and the effects attributed to it are briefly reviewed. Except for a generalisation that its effects are probably due to its caffeine content, no attempts have been made to quantify its specific actions. Preliminary observations on the cardiovascular system of the cat show that aqueous extracts of the nut evoke a dose dependent differential response - the 8 - 9% hypertensive effect of 0.01 ug - 1mg/ml doses contrasting with the 18--71% hypotensive response of 10--1000mgs/ml doses. Adrenergic receptor blockade showed no significant alteration of the response. With larger doses a bradycardia developed and cardiac arrythmias were observed as a terminal event. These results are compatible with the action of xanthines on the heart and peripheral vasculature. The possible role of the habitually chewed kola nut in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and its implications have been briefly discussed.