Sterculia accuminata
It is also known as Kola nut. It is a tree that grows up to 12m in height. The leaves are oblong, 5 to 20 cm long, pointed at both ends. Flowers are bisexual. Its fruits are yellowish-brown consisting of 5 woody follicles, each containing 1 to 3 white or red, albuminous seed.
It is naturalized in Trinidad, cultivated in Jamaica, Western and Central tropical Africa, West Indies, Brazil and Congo.
It contains 2.5 % of caffeine, theobromine, tannins, phlobaphene and anthocyanin.
It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India as well as Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States. The nut is used to prepare mother tincture.
Due to presence of caffeine, it is being used to stimulate central nervous system and whole body. It has property to increase the alertness and muscular strength. In western Africa it is reported to be used as antidepressant drug. It is also useful in headache, migraine, dysentery, diarrhoea, and as a diuretic. It is also a valuable nervine, heart tonic, and a good general tonic.
Recommended dose: 1x/Q.
References:
- Andrew Chevallier, TheEncyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1st Edition, 1996, Dorling Kindersley, London.
- P. N. Varma, InduVaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
- A. L. Blackwood, A Manual of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacology, Reprint Edition 1995, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
- W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica& Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
- Mrs. Margaret Grieve, A Modern Herb, ISBN: 0486227987 & 0486227995. Source: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/corkw100.html