Ignore video claiming that jatropha leaves and bitter kola mixture can cure cholera

As Nigeria battles a cholera outbreak, a video posted on social media claims that a combination of jatropha leaves and bitter kola can cure the disease. 

The man speaking in the video recommends washing your hands with clean water and soap, washing your food before cooking, and keeping your surroundings clean to keep cholera at bay. 

He then advises viewers to mix jatropha leaves, bitter kola and a few other herbs to cure cholera.

The video has been viewed over 7,800 times, with 41 comments and over 500 comments on Facebook. It has over 3,500 views on TikTok.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is usually contracted by ingesting contaminated water or food. Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and even death if not treated.

In June 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) declared cholera a public health emergency after its assessment showed that Nigeria was at an increased risk of cholera transmission and impact.

As of 2 July, Nigeria had recorded 2,102 suspected cases of cholera with 63 deaths in 33 states.

The video has been reposted here, here and here. (Note: See more instances listed at the end of this report.)

Jatropha curcas and bitter kola

Jatropha curcas, also known as Èwè Lápálàpá in Yoruba, is a plant known for its poisonous seeds. It is often grown for hedges and as an ornamental, making it accessible in gardens and public areas. It poses a significant risk of poisoning to children due to its attractive but poisonous seeds.

Garcinia kola, commonly known as bitter kola, is a versatile tree found in the subtropical and tropical forests of Nigeria, Cameroon and other sub-Saharan African countries.

Its seeds, valued for their stimulating effect and bitter taste, are used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments including liver disease, colds and as an aphrodisiac.

But can the mixture cure cholera? We checked.

‘Use antibiotics,’ says an expert

“Jatropha leaves have antimicrobial properties from laboratory studies. This has not, however, translated into clinical trials to confirm the efficacy in cholera cases.” Dr Tanimola Akande told Africa Check.

Akande is a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin in Kwara state, Nigeria. 

He said: “There are potential benefits, but this can not be ascertained until clinical trials are done. There are also safety concerns as the seed and leaves can be toxic if not well processed. Its use is better avoided.”

When asked about possible measures to cure cholera, he recommended sticking to “known” antibiotics rather than herbs.

If you suspect that you have cholera, see a doctor immediately.

• The same video can also be found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.