Ergogenic controversies of socio-cultural African herbs: A review study on khat (CATHA EDULIS) and kolanut (Cola Spp)
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
U. P.
Abstract
Khat and kola nut, are highly controversial ergogenic herbs indigenous to Africa and in the countries around the Red Sea. The spectrum of khat actions has been postulated to lie between amphetamines and caffeine while kola nut active chemical is caffeine. Therefore, khat and kola nuts and their principal active constituents (cathinone, cathine and caffeine respectively) are categorized as stimulants. The chewing of khat leaves and kola nuts has a deep rooted religious and socio- cultural tradition in Africa. Ironically, the World Antidoping Agency and the International Olympic Committee have placed a limit to cathine usage in sports. Caffeine, though not presently in the list of banned substances, but was previously banned, unbanned and restricted before 2004. Reasons for the partial ban and unban of cathine and caffeine respectively seem unclear and ambiguous. It is also confusing and worrisome if, the ethical line of cheating in sport is being scrutinized more carefully, or weather a cultural incident of khat and kola nut chewing is being handled appropriately. Before a conclusive statement could be made on the ergogenic status of both herbs, there is a need for joint extensive studies and international conference of stakeholders.
Description
The article has figures
Keywords
Africa herbs, cathine, caffeine, cathinone, ergogenic, Biomedical technology, Khat, kolanut, Department of Biomedical Technology
Citation
Lamina, S., Azeez, T. O., Subramanian, M. & Ayana, A. M. (2010). Ergogenic controversies of socio-cultural African herbs: A review study on khat (CATHA EDULIS) and kolanut (Cola Spp). Journal of Health Sciences and Technology, 1, 68 - 78