Abstract
Garcinia cola Heckel, an angiospermae belonging to the family Guttiferae, is known in commerce as bitter cola. It is a plant found in the West African subregion, mostly in moist conditions, and often in association with Cola acuminata. The seeds are highly valued ingredients in African ethonomedicine. The seeds have several social uses and applications in folk medicine. These seeds are ordinarily chewed by the local people without prescription or restriction. In an in vivo case control study, the effects of Garcinia cola on some visual functions: pupil diameter, near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA) and habitual phoria; following bolus ingestion of 20 g was undertaken using healthy visually active volunteers. Results showed that bolus ingestion of Garcinia cola constricted the pupil by 68%, reduced the NPC by 28%, increased the AA by 17.8% at peak effect and decreased the intraocular pressure by 31% without affecting the distance and near VA. The lateral phoria at far and near tended towards esophoria. Possibly the miotic effect and reduction in IOP could be of benefit to patients with raised IOP where conventional drugs may not be effective. Also it is possible that the effects on phoria could be exploited in oculomotor function in combination with visual training.
Highlights
Earlier reports have shown that edible plants and plant materials have nutritional and medicinal values as well as, adverse effects[1]
Results showed that bolus ingestion of Garcinia cola constricted the pupil by 68%, reduced the near point of convergence (NPC) by 28%, increased the AA by 17.8% at peak effect and decreased the intraocular pressure by 31% without affecting the distance and near visual acuity (VA)
One such plant is Gercinia cola Heckel, family Guttiferae commonly known in commerce as bitter cola and found in the West African sub-region mostly, in moist conditions, and often in association with
Summary
Earlier reports have shown that edible plants and plant materials have nutritional and medicinal values as well as, adverse effects[1] One such plant is Gercinia cola Heckel, family Guttiferae commonly known in commerce as bitter cola and found in the West African sub-region mostly, in moist conditions, and often in association with. G. cola seeds have a bitter astringent and resinous taste, somewhat resembling that of raw coffee, followed by a slight sweetness. They are appreciated rather as an adjuvant than a substitute for true cola thereby increasing the users enjoyment of larger quantities without disposition. Garcinia cola (bitter cola) increases the flavour of native liquor and the residue after chewing is white
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