Horsetail (Equisetum species).Plant Part Used: Leaf-stem.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaves and stems: decoction, orally, for bladder, urinary tract or kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney ailments (general), infections (general), vaginal infections, menstrual cramps, to cleanse the blood and as a diuretic.Safety: Considered safe when used appropriately; must be taken with plenty of water due to diuretic effect; high silica content may be toxic if plant is ingested.Contraindications: Children, case of heart or kidney disorders.Drug Interactions: Cardiac glycosides, digitalis (may enhance toxicity); thiamine (breaks down vitamin).Clinical Data: Human clinical trials: diuretic (aqueous plant extract), metabolism effects and renal excretion (standardized extract).Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: diuretic, anti-ulcer, gastroprotective, hypoglycemic (organic plant extracts).In vitro: anti-platelet-aggregant, antimicrobial, contractile response enhancement, cytogenic, hepatoprotective, radical scavenging (plant extracts and constituents).* See entry for Cola de caballo in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
Kola seeds. Cola nitida. Cola acuminata. German: Kolabaum. French: Cafe? du Soudan. Spanish: Kola. Italian: Noci del sudan. Malayan: Kelapong. Part used: dried powdered seeds. Constituents: Caffeine, theobromine, kolanin, gum, tannic acid, phenols.
Keynote: cerebro-spinal stimulant.
Action: Nerve tonic, anti-depressant, diuretic, astringent, anti-diarrhoeal. Thymoleptic BHP (1983). Strengthens action of the heart by increasing its muscular power. Antidepressant. Stimulates the central nervous system and strengthens the heart by increasing its muscular power.
Uses: Physical and mental exhaustion (jet-lag), brain fatigue, neurasthenia, convalescence, muscle weakness, headache, depression. Diarrhoea, dysentery. Contains caffeine which increases mental alertness, heart rate and passage of urine. Low blood pressure. Not given in presence of high blood pressure.
Traditional combinations: (1) with Damiana and Saw Palmetto for sexual weakness. (2) with Skullcap and Oatstraw for depression and nerve debility.
Burroughs and Wellcome (1900) issued a tabloid “Forced March” (Kola compound 5g) used during the South African war and continued until 1937. Today similar preparations exist for jet-travel and tired business-men.
Side-effects: over-excitability.
Preparations: Average dose: 1 to 3 grams. Thrice daily.
Decoction (powder). Half a teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose 1 cup. Powder/tablets: 1 to 3g.
Liquid Extract, BHC Vol 1. 1:1, 60 per cent ethanol. Dose: 0.6 to 1.2ml.
Tincture BPC (1934). 1:5 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose: 1-4ml. ... cola
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