Reports emanating from the Nigerian capital, Abuja revealed that bitter kola sellers in the city have increased the price of the commodity. This is sequel to the publication findings of research study conducted by the former chairman of the country’s electoral body, Professor Maurice Iwu,in 1999, which found bitter kola as ‘possible cure’ for the deadly diseases ravaging West African countries.
A local newspaper in Lagos, commercial nerve of the country reported that prior to the reported cases of the virus in the country, a piece of bitter kola sold for N10 and three for N20, but due to high demand, one now goes for between N20 and N30, while in many parts of Abuja metropolis, bitter kola has become a scarce commodity.
Some traders, who sell the fruit, told the newspaper that the high demand had shut the price up, while in many instances, the fruit was not available.
One of the merchants of the fruit, who identified himself as Musa said: “Before now, we used to sell it for N5 or N10 for one, depending on the size. Then, we used to sell three for N20. Now, it has gone up. One now sells for N20. The products are not even available even with the high demands.
Some residents, who spoke to the newspaper, argued that they did not want to take chances, hence would rather eat the fruit than become victims of the virus.
Austin Elemue said: “My brother, I do not want to be used as an experiment. Everyday I eat three bitter kolas. I will continue to eat it until they find a cure.”
Probed further on whether the fruit had the potential to stop the spread of the virus, Elemue said: “I don’t want to be told. I know that bitter kola cures a lot of things. It cures cold, cough and high blood pressure. It is even used by juju priests to make concoctions. So, I believe it will work too.”
Another resident, who preferred to be addressed as Akin, said bitter kola consumption was now compulsory in his house. He added that his kids go to school with the fruit, while his wife goes to the office with it.
“We do not know when this virus will spread in the country. Since there is no cure, we want to take some precautionary measures to ensure that we do not fall victims. That is why I have made it compulsory for everyone in my house to consume it. I even carry some inside my car,” Akin said.
In his study, Professor Iwu said: “The same forest that yields the dreaded Ebola virus could be a source of the cure. The discovery of these important properties in simple compound flavonoids was very surprising.
The structure of this compound lends itself to modification, so it provides a template for future work. Even if this particular drug does not succeed through the whole drug approval process, we can use it to construct a new drug for this deadly disease.”
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