Colae semen

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 18.04.2025

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Synonym(s)

Cola seeds

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Colae semen, also known as cola seeds, is a drug used in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of mental and physical exhaustion.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: States of exhaustion and weakness.
ESCOP monograph: Short-term, physical, mental exhaustion
Commission e-monograph: Mental and physical fatigue

Empirical medicine: Stimulants for fatigue

Food industry: Soft drinks (e.g. Coca Cola® or Pepsi Cola) generally no longer contain cola seed extract, but synthetic caffeine.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Cola seeds contain at least 1,5 % methylxanthines (1,5 to 3 % caffeine, approximately 0,1 % theobromine) and up to 0,4 % catechin tannins.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

In animal experiments a stimulation of the stomach acid production and an analeptic as well as a lipolytic effect was proven. In addition, the drug has diuretic, positive chronotrophic and motility enhancing effects.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Cola seeds are used to treat mental and physical exhaustion.

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

The daily dose for cola seeds is between 2 and 6 g., 0,25 to 0,75 g of cola extract, 2,5 to 7,5 g of cola fluid extract, 10 to 30 g of cola tincture and 60 to 180 g of cola wine.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Occasionally, it can lead to sleep disturbances, nervous restlessness, stomach problems or excitability.

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Ulcus ventriculi et duodeni

InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.

The effect of psychoanaleptically effective drugs and caffeinated beverages is intensified.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Literature: Schilcher H (ed.) in, Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag (2016) Munich, p. 191 f.
  2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/kolabaum.php

  3. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl-Teedrogens and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practitioners. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 188-189

Authors

Last updated on: 18.04.2025

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles