The Role of Kola Nut (Cola Nitida) in the Etiology of Malaria Morbidity

Abstract

The contribution of kola nut in mimicking malaria-like morbidity in apparently healthy volunteers was evaluated. Thirty-five grams of Cola nitida was given to each of the 48 volunteers who were known not to have taken kola nut or coffee in the previous one month for three consecutive days. The blood samples of these volunteers were enumerated for malaria parasites before serving them the kola nut. The sampling of blood was repeated on the 2nd and 3rd days for the presence of malaria parasites. Blood samples were also taken from known kola nut addicts (those that eat kola nut on daily basis). It was found that 16 (33.3%) of the volunteers had malaria parasites in their blood at the inception of the study while 32 (66.7%) had no detectable parasites. Four days after, 10 (20.8%) of the volunteers that did not show detectable parasites on the first day now had parasites. Those that showed detectable parasite before taking the kola had significant increase in parasite density. Statistical analysis showed a strong relationship between parasite increase and eating of the kola nut (Chi-squared, X 2 = 14.83, p > 0.0001 at 95% confidence limit). The volunteers reported clinical symptoms of sleeplessness, lack of concentration, dizziness, and weakness observable in malaria patients. There was no association between malaria parasite presence and clinical complaints (X 2 = 3.75, df = 1, p = 0.05). It was found that 11 people without the malaria parasite in their blood before and after taking the kola nut complained of various malaria symptoms confirming that kola nut can mimic malaria-like symptoms. In conclusion, it can be said that kola nut taken at a high concentration (about 35 g/day) will mimic malaria-like symptoms. This quantity will leave a high level of caffeine and cyanide in the circulation so that people with a low level of malaria parasite in them will notice active infection which otherwise may have been controlled by the host immune system. Lastly, the observed phenomenon can affect drug pressure and induce resistance to antimalarial drugs. The mechanism of kola nut action that influences malaria-like morbidity is discussed.