Cola Acuminata Seed Extract is a naturally occurring compound made from the seeds of the kola plant belonging to the Sterculiaceae family.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Cola Acuminata is the scientific name for the kola tree, also known as kola or cola nut, native to the tropical forests of Africa. The seeds of this plant are commonly used for their stimulating properties (1).
• Seed Extract indicates that the product is a concentrated form obtained from processing the seeds of Cola Acuminata.

Industrial Production Process

• Harvesting of Cola acuminata seeds. The seeds are collected once the kola nut fruits are mature.
• Cleaning and preparation of seeds. The seeds are cleaned to remove debris and other external impurities.
• Drying of seeds. The seeds are sun-dried or dried using industrial dryers to reduce moisture content and facilitate extraction.
• Maceration. The dried seeds are ground into a fine powder to increase the exposed surface area to the solvent.
• Solvent extraction. The powder is treated with an appropriate solvent, such as ethanol or water, to extract active compounds like caffeine and tannins.
• Filtration. The extracted solution is filtered to remove solid particles and impurities.
• Evaporation. The solvent is evaporated, usually under vacuum conditions, to concentrate the extract.
• Quality control. The concentrated extract is tested to ensure it meets quality and food safety standards.

What it is used for and where

Cola Acuminata Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of the kola tree. This extract is rich in caffeine and theobromine, two natural stimulants known for their energizing and tonic properties (2). It is often used in cosmetic products and dietary supplements to promote mental and physical well-being, enhance concentration, and reduce fatigue. In cosmetics, cola seed extract can be used for its antioxidant properties and to improve blood circulation, helping to revitalize and tone the skin. It is also used in hair care products to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   89997-82-0

EC number   289-720-6

Cosmetic Applications

Stimulating Properties. Rich in caffeine and theobromine, the extract stimulates blood circulation in the skin, contributing to a more toned and revitalized appearance.

Antioxidant Effects. Helps combat free radical damage and protects the skin from premature aging.

Reduction of Swelling. Useful in eye contour products, it helps reduce swelling and improves skin tone.

Energizing. Enhances skin vitality, making it brighter and more vigorous.

Collagen Production Support. Caffeine can support collagen production, keeping the skin elastic and youthful.

Non-Cosmetic Applications

Food Industry. Kola nut extract is traditionally used in energy drinks and soft drinks for its stimulating properties and as a natural flavoring.

Pharmaceutical. Used for its central nervous system stimulating properties, it can be employed in medicines for managing fatigue and sleepiness.

Dietary Supplements. As a supplement, it is used to improve concentration and energy due to its active components like caffeine.

Herbal Products. In herbal medicine, the extract is used to improve metabolism and as a digestive aid due to its stimulating properties.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Lowe, H. I., Watson, C. T., Badal, S., Peart, P., Toyang, N. J., & Bryant, J. (2014). Promising efficacy of the Cola acuminata plant: a mini review. Advances in biological chemistry, 4(04), 240.

Abstract. Cola acuminata also known as the bissy nut extract was originally endemic to Africa but is now present in a number of tropical countries including Jamaica. Despite its rich history of ethnomedicinal use and promising bioactivity, there still exists limited research on this plant. Exploring and compiling the ethnomedicinal usage, identified bioactivities and isolates of C. acuminata will prove useful in steering future directional research with the hope of reaping the plant’s full beneficial properties. The plant’s traditional use encompass; cancer treatment, an antidote for poisoning, suppressing one’s appetite, increasing alertness, treating migraine and motion sickness, obtaining a state of euphoria in addition to being used in certain traditional practices. Because of the plant’s copious ethnomedicinal use, researchers were led to believe that the low incidence of pro- state cancer evidenced amongst Asians could be as a result of phytochemicals present in the bissy nut. Research conducted in our lab confirmed the anti-cancer potential of the plant and recent research has identified a number of secondary metabolites present in C. acuminata which could be responsible for the observed bioactivities. The plant has also shown promise as an anti-microbial agent. This paper confirms the efficacy of the bissy nut plant both as an ethnomedicine as well as warranting further research that may prove useful both in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

(2) Adediwura, F. J., Bernard, N., & Omotola, A. (2011). Biochemical Effects of Chronic Administration of Cola acuminata (P. Beauv.) Schott & Endl Extracts in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Research (AJPBR), 1(3).

Abstract. Objective: the objective of the study is to investigate the antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of the pet. ether, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of C. acuminata stem bark in diabetic rats. Methods: The effect of chronic administration of the methanol extract, pet. ether and dichloromethane fractions of the stem bark of C. acuminata were evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rats for 28 days. The glucose oxides and other standard methods were adopted for the determination of the blood glucose and other biochemical parameters. Results: The methanol extract, pet. ether and dichloromethane fractions significantly (P<0.05) lowered the blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats. The peak effect was exerted by the methanol extract with 41.1% decrease in cholesterol level of the diabetic rats after 28 days when compared with value on day 10 and 61.3% decrease in blood glucose level on day 21 when compared with the untreated group. Conclusion: The study further confirms the glucose lowering effect of C. acuminata. In addition, it revels that the compound(s) responsible for the cholesterol and glucose lowering effects re diverse in nature.