Each fruit contains between two and five kola nuts. About the size of a chestnut, this little fruit is packed with caffeine. Kola nuts have a bitter taste when chewed fresh.

How much caffeine is in a kola nut?

The kola nut contains about 2 to 3 percent caffeine and 1 to 2 percent theobromine, both of which act as stimulants when consumed. Caffeine is the stimulant often found in coffee and cola soft drinks. Theobromine is also found in green tea and chocolate.

What are the side effects of kola nut?

The caffeine in cola nut can cause insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and respiration, and other side effects. When cola nut is used medicinally in larger amounts or for a long period of time, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.