Evidence supporting the use of: Kola Nut
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Kola nut is traditionally consumed in West Africa and is known for its stimulating properties, largely due to its caffeine content. Scientifically, the primary basis for using kola nut to support concentration lies in its caffeine content, which has been widely studied for its effects on alertness, attention, and cognitive performance. Caffeine is a well-established central nervous system stimulant that can temporarily improve focus and reduce the perception of fatigue. Several clinical studies on caffeine (not specifically kola nut) demonstrate modest improvements in reaction time, vigilance, and concentration after consumption.
However, while kola nut itself contains other compounds such as theobromine and small amounts of tannins, most of the concentration-enhancing effects are attributed to caffeine. There is limited direct clinical research specifically examining kola nut’s impact on concentration, so the evidence is extrapolated from studies on caffeine. The level of scientific support is therefore moderate but not robust, earning a rating of 2/5. Its use for poor concentration is thus supported more by the general understanding of caffeine’s effects rather than by direct clinical trials of kola nut preparations.
In summary, kola nut may support improved concentration primarily because of its caffeine content, but the evidence is indirect, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy specifically for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Concentration (poor)
Acetyl L-carnitineamino acids
ashwagandha
black tea
blueberry
caffeine
citicoline
coffee fruit
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fish oil
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
lion's mane
mackerel
matcha
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
Peppermint
polygala root
rhodiola
vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin D
zinc
gastrodia
yerba mate
cocoa
DMPX
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Alpha glyceryl
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Brahmi
bacoside
Coca
Chocolate
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Fish
Ginsenosides
gum
glucose
Glycine
Hericium mushroom
Kola Nut
Methylxanthine
Methylliberine
Paraxanthine
Polygala
Robusta Coffee
Schizochytrium Oil
Sulbutiamine
Salidroside
Shankhpushpi
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
Theacrine
Teacrine
Uncaria
Withanolides
White Tea
Xanthine
Other health conditions supported by Kola Nut
Appetite (deficient)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Mental Illness
Nausea and Vomiting
Stress