Garcinia kola has been successfully applied to treat patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is used to prevent infections and viruses, especially of the immune system. Garcinia kola is used as a substitute for hops in brewing lager beer, and is especially useful in preventing beer spoilage. Laboratory brewing trials with Garcinia kola and with hops gave beers with similar chemical properties. Organoleptically, Garcinia kola beer was as acceptable to tasters as hopped beer, except that it had a greater bitterness. Garcinia kola and hop extracts exerted similar antimicrobial effects on two beer spoilage micro-organisms (Lactobacillus delbruckii and Candida vini).
Bitter kola seeds have been formulated into tablet form, and are also added to many herbal preparations, either singly or in combination with other plants. For instance, Hepa-Vital Tea, a blend of Garcinia kola and Combretum micranttum, and Hangover Tonic, comprising kolaviron and Cola nitida, are manufactured and marketed as phytomedicines. Hangover tonic is used traditionally in Africa, and is known for its anti-stress and refreshing activities. Owing to the presence of potent antioxidative biflavonoids in the seed, kolaviron is currently being considered as a candidate for clinical trials in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
