Cola Nut - Actos (Pioglitazone) Interaction
Herbal: Cola Nut
Also Known As: Cola acuminata, Bissey Nut, Bissy Nut, Bitter Kola, Guru Nut, Gworo, Kola Nut, Kolatier, Noix de Cola, Noix de Kola, Noix du Soudan, Nuez de Cola, Soudan Coffee
Drug: Pioglitazone
Brand names:
Actos
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Pioglitazone is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking cola nut with antidiabetes drugs might interfere with blood glucose control.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Some conflicting reports claim that caffeine might increase or decrease blood sugar.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
References
- Watson JM, Jenkins EJ, Hamilton P, et al. Influence of caffeine on the frequency and perception of hypoglycemia in free-living patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000;23:455-9.
- Bell DG, Jacobs I, Ellerington K. Effect of caffeine and ephedrine ingestion on anaerobic exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001;33:1399-403.
Interaction Details
Pioglitazone is classified as belonging to the following category: Pioglitazone (Actos)
Theoretically, cola nut might increase the levels and clinical effects of pioglitazone.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can modestly increase the maximum concentration, area under the curve, and half-life of pioglitazone, and also reduce its clearance. This increased the antidiabetic effects of pioglitazone. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Alshabi AM, Alkahtani SA, Shaikh IA, Habeeb MS. Caffeine modulates pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of pioglitazone in diabetic rats: Impact on therapeutics. Saudi Med J 2021;42(2):151-160.
Cola Nut Overview
Cola nut (Cola acuminata) is a plant native to West Africa and a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant has dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The seeds of the cola nut plant have been used in traditional medicine for their purported effects, such as stimulating the central nervous system, improving physical performance, and increasing energy and alertness. It is sometimes added to energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and other products. Caffeine is one of the compounds found in Cola nut seeds.
Pioglitazone Overview
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Pioglitazone is used with a diet and exercise program and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Pioglitazone is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones. It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated).
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Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems.Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Cola Nut - More Interactions
Cola Nut interacts with 647 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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