The Kargasok tea: no scientific basis for claimed medicinal wonders

ABSTRACT

An unusual yeast; the Kargasok yeast; allegedly originating from the Soviet Union; was introduced unanimously into Nigeria in 1988. It was attributed with unlimited and eccentric medicinal values which attracted the curiousity of many and it became a popular beverage; gaining regular press coverage. Laboratory investigations showed that the active yeast resembles the genus Saccharomyces and the tea is basically an alcoholic beverage. Biochemical and phytochemical studies of the tea revealed its high acid; low protein and electrolyte contents. It also contained alkaloids; saponins and reducing compounds; properties inconsistent with the ascribed medicinal wonders. The public is therefore warned