Kola nut

Kola nut is the caffeine-containing seed of kola trees native to tropical Africa. It is traditionally chewed and has been used to flavor beverages, including early colas.

Cola: Cola is a genus of flowering trees in the mallow family, native to tropical Africa. Kola nuts are the seeds of several species in this genus.
Traditional African hospitality: Traditional African hospitality encompasses social customs for welcoming guests and sharing food, drink, and gifts. Offering kola nut marks welcome and respect in some West African communities.
Methylxanthine: Methylxanthines are naturally occurring compounds that include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Kola nut’s stimulant alkaloids belong to this chemical family.
Guarana: Guarana is a South American plant whose seeds contain substantial caffeine. It is another plant seed consumed for stimulation, but comes from a different continent and tradition.
Cola acuminata: Cola acuminata is a tropical African tree species that produces kola nuts. Its seeds are among the kola nuts traditionally traded and chewed.
Yoruba culture: Yoruba culture is the diverse cultural heritage of the Yoruba people of West Africa. Kola nut ceremonies and offerings have a place in Yoruba social and ritual life.
Adenosine receptor antagonist: An adenosine receptor antagonist is a substance that blocks adenosine signaling at its receptors. Caffeine in kola nut acts this way, reducing a pathway associated with sleep pressure.
Coffee: Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted seeds of Coffea plants. Coffee is a globally prominent caffeine source, usually prepared as a drink rather than chewed as a seed.
Cola nitida: Cola nitida is a tropical African tree species cultivated for its caffeine-containing seeds. It is a major commercial source of kola nuts.
Igbo culture: Igbo culture is the diverse cultural heritage of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. Breaking and sharing kola nut is a customary act of greeting and fellowship in many Igbo settings.

Linked from 2 pages