Erythroxylum coca
Erythroxylum coca
Erythroxylum coca is a plant species central to various South American traditions. It is traditionally utilized as a stimulant, anesthetic, and anodyne, with applications ranging from digestive complaints and dyspepsia to asthma and rheumatism. Scientific evidence regarding its neuropsychiatric effects is limited, though some studies suggest habitual chewing may be associated with lower cortisol levels in certain populations. Research also indicates the plant possesses significant fiber content and mild cytotoxic activity in specific cell lines. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- stimulant · anesthetic
- Traditions
- Ayurveda · Western phytotherapy · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- stimulant
- anesthetic
- hunger
- asthma
- rheumatism
- anodyne
- aperient
- astringent
- carminative
- deobstruent
- depression
- depurative
- digestive complaints
- diuretic
- dyspepsia
What the science says
- Erythroxylum coca was among several plant species traditionally used in Colombia for potential neuropsychiatric effects.
- Habitual coca chewing was associated with lower cortisol levels, particularly among night-shift workers, suggesting potential stress-reducing effects.
- AuNPs synthesized using Erythroxylum coca leaf extracts showed concentration-dependent changes in size and stability compared to CTAB-stabilized nanoparticles.
- The study characterized E. coca's nutritional, chemical, and cytotoxic properties, revealing significant fiber content and mild cytotoxic activity against L929 cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Erythroxylum coca?
Erythroxylum coca (Erythroxylum coca) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Erythroxylum coca traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Erythroxylum coca for: stimulant, anesthetic, hunger, asthma, rheumatism, anodyne. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Erythroxylum coca?
Erythroxylum coca appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, Western phytotherapy, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Erythroxylum coca?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Erythroxylum coca; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Erythroxylum coca was among several plant species traditionally used in Colombia for potential neuropsychiatric effects.
How strong is the evidence for Erythroxylum coca?
The strongest finding for Erythroxylum coca carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Erythroxylum coca safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Erythroxylum coca in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Erythroxylum coca interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Erythroxylum coca in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Erythroxylum coca?
Erythroxylum coca is also known as: кокаиновый куст, coca.
Is Erythroxylum coca a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 From Tradition to Science: Chemical, Nutritional, and Cytotoxic Characterization of Erythroxylum coca from Indigenous Colombian Communities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Traditional coca chewing and cortisol modulation in Andean miners: A pilot quasi-experimental repeated-measures study on stress physiology at high altitude. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring Colombian medicinal flora used in indigenous and campesino health systems for neuropsychiatric disorders and neuropharmacological potential: an ethnopharmacological review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Inorganic and Erythroxylum coca Leaf Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study of Size, Surface Chemistry, and Colloidal Stability. literature abstract metadata