Kola Nut (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.) Use in Diabetes: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects

This chapter focuses the effects of Cola nitida, which has shown promise as an antioxidant and as an antidiabetic property. These characteristics are attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant, most notably alkaloids, which are the plant’s primary phytochemicals and are responsible for these properties. According to the findings, C. nitida reduced the proportion of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated while simultaneously increasing ROS scavenging enzymes. Additionally, treatment of C. nitida extracts resulted in a significant depletion of diabetes-derived lipid metabolites, the generation of fatty esters and steroids, and the deactivation of diabetes-related pathways. As a result, the plant may have therapeutic effects in diabetes by increasing insulin production and lowering apoptosis, increasing pancreatic b-cell proliferation, modulating glucose metabolism, and decreasing muscle inflammation. Furthermore, C. nitida has the potential to be employed as a functional food and nutraceutical in the treatment and management of diabetes and its related complications.