- Kola nut is available as several different species from trees growing in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species Cola vera is often preferred for its medicinal uses.
- Kola nut is traditionally used as a caffeine stimulant and is a common additive to American and European soft drinks. It is thought to enhance alertness and physical energy, elevate mood, increase tactile sensitivity, and suppress appetite. It may also increase body temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
- Preliminary results suggest that kola nut may encourage weight loss. However, the available clinical information on kola nut is limited.