Nigerian Bitter Kola vs Allium tuberosum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Nigerian Bitter Kola

Garcinia kola

Mens Health

Mens Health

Nigerian Bitter Kola

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Allium tuberosum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Seeds from West African tree used by Yoruba and Igbo peoples for respiratory conditions, digestive health, and as male tonic.

East Asian chive with warm yang tonifying properties; used in TCM for kidney yang and erectile dysfunction.

Active Compounds

biflavonoids, kolaflavanone, garcinol, benzophenones

allicin, methyl disulfide, sulfur compounds, quercetin, kaempferol

Traditional Uses

treatment of coughs in Nigerian folk medicine, digestive stimulant, male vitality tonic

erectile dysfunction, kidney yang, cold conditions, digestive warmth

Modern Uses

antiviral, antimicrobial, male health

warming, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

2-3 seeds chewed daily or 500mg extract

30-60g fresh plant daily

Contraindications

heart conditions - stimulant effect, pregnancy, insomnia

heat excess conditions, yin deficiency

Side Effects

insomnia, palpitations, stimulant effects

garlic breath, GI warming

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E