Nanyah: Is There Scientific Proof That Bitter Kola Is Effective Antivenom? Expert Reacts
- Bitter kola may repel snakes, but lacks evidence as an effective antivenom for snake bites
- Tragic death of musician Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene highlights dangers of snake bites in Nigeria
- Experts confirm bitter kola's eco-friendly properties, yet caution against reliance for venom neutralization
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - A WhatsApp user claimed that bitter kola can neutralize snake venom, urging Nigerians to drink and eat bitter kola to neutralize snake venom.
Legit.ng reports that an upcoming musician, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, died of snake bites in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the weekend.
Source: Twitter
The WhatsApp user wrote:
“If the snake bite or scorpion bite, just eat one bitter kola, and the snake poison and scorpion poison will neutralize within a few minutes of eating it. You use bitter cola to keep snakes away from your home. Get dried bitter kola, grind it into powder, and apply the powder to the floor of your house. If any snake crosses it, it will die instantly. Children at home can accidentally eat poisonous things, like eating bar soap or powdered soap.”
Verification:
Dubawa said some antivenoms treat bites from a specific type of snake (monospecific antivenoms).
While some antivenoms treat bites from a number of snakes found in a particular geographic region (polyspecific antivenoms).
According to the Fact-Check platform, antivenoms are created by immunizing horses or sheep with the venom of a particular snake.
Their blood serum (the watery part of the blood) is then processed, as it will contain antibodies capable of neutralizing the effects of the venom.
A conservation biologist/ ornithologist, Mrs. Nanchin Winifred Kazeh, said science has proven that bitter kola is an effective snake repellent, but it doesn’t kill them.
“Sure, the remedy is very effective, as proven by scientific research. The use of bitter kola as a snake repellent has proven to be an effective, eco-friendly method. Is a win-win for conservation as none of the snakes are killed in the process. The smell from the kola repels snakes from a radius of a mile away.”
Kazeh, however, said there is no scientific proof that the smell of the bitter kola can repel all snake species.
Conclusion
Bitter kola is only an effective snake repellent within a radius of a mile away.
There is, however, no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of bitter kola as an antivenom.
Snakebite victims are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Source: Instagram
Nanyah: Hospital reacts after singer died from snake bite
Recall that the FMC Abuja denied claims of anti-venom shortage in the treatment of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene.
The hospital management confirms immediate care and rapid response upon Nwangene's admission following a snake bite.
Tragic deterioration led to unsuccessful resuscitation efforts despite advanced medical interventions.
Snake bite: Neighbour shares observation about singer
Legit.ng also reported that a neighbour shared what she noticed about late Nanyah’s residence after she reportedly died from a snake bite.
The woman, who lived in the same neighbourhood as Nanyah, also shared details about the late singer’s family.
What she said got people talking, as they took to the comments to mourn the young singer whose life was tragically cut short.
Source: Legit.ng
