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BESE

Bitter Kola

Garcinia kola

MEDICINAL BENEFITS

Multiple parts 

  • Stems, roots, and seeds have a strong anti-hepatotoxic and hepatotropic activity

Bark

  • The bark contains resinous gum, taken internally for gonorrhea

  • Gum is applied to skin infections and used to seal new wounds

  • Bark decoction treats female sterility to ease childbirth, daily intake used to the expulsion of a dead fetus

  • Powdered bark is applied externally to malignant tumors, cancers 

  • Tea of the bark is diuretic

  • Bark combined with Piper guineense of scalp from plantain stalk is used for breast mastitis

Seed

  • Seed and bark are taken to treat stomach pains

  • Seeds are antidote, astringent, vermifuge

  • Seed relieves coughs, throat, and bronchial trouble

Leaves

  • Leaves and bark used to treat pulmonary and gastro-intestinal troubles

  • Leave infusion is purgative

Fruit

  • Fruits are eaten for general aches in the head and back

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

  • Tree is used for shade in cocoa plantations

OTHER USES

  • Seed can be eaten raw, bitter, astringent, aromatic flavour

  • Extremely sour fruit 

  • The bark contains resin gum used for waterproofing properties, protect powder in the priming pans of flintlock guns from ran

  • Bark is used in tanning

  • Extract of seed used in cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner

  • Leaves have a bitter taste and used as deterrent to fleas

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