Products
Coca leaves are considered narcotics in many countries and are subject to more stringent prescription requirements. However, unlike other psychotropic medicinal drugs, they are not banned. Old pharmacopoeias still mention the leaves and preparations made from them. The sweet drink Coca-Cola contains an extract of coca leaves, but today without cocaine.
Stem plant
The parent plants are and from the redwood family (Erythroxylaceae). The plants are native to South America, where they grow wild and are cultivated. The leaves look similar to bay leaves. A ribbon-like structure often runs parallel to the midrib of the leaf. This can also be seen in the photo:
Medicinal drug
Medicinal roe is the dried coca leaves (cocae folium).
Ingredients
The leaves contain the tropane alkaloid cocaine and related alkaloids. Other ingredients include essential oil containing methyl salicylate, minerals, and vitamins. Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 by the German chemist Albert Niemann, who gave it its name. The local anesthetic effect was discovered in 1884. The Viennese ophthalmologist Carl Koller performed the first eye operation with the local anesthetic. Starting with cocaine, other local anesthetics were developed.
Effects
Coca leaves have mild stimulant properties. Traditional coca chewing differs greatly from contemporary cocaine abuse because much less cocaine enters the body during chewing. The cocaine is also released from the leaves more slowly.
Indications for use
Coca leaves have been used in South America for thousands of years. They have been used as a stimulant, a tonic, and for medicinal purposes, among others. However, coca chewing also has multiple ceremonial/ritual, religious, and social functions. Coca leaves are also used to treat altitude sickness.
Abuse
The narcotic and stimulant cocaine is extracted from coca leaves. Illegally produced cocaine may be contaminated and stretched.
Dosage
Coca leaves are traditionally placed in the mouth between the cheek and teeth along with a basic substance such as lime or ash. They are also chewed or prepared as tea (mate de coca). The lime has an influence on the release of the alkaloids.
Adverse effects
According to the literature, moderate consumption is relatively well tolerated. It is problematic when the dose is increased or consumption occurs over a longer period of time. Adverse effects and pronounced dependence are then possible, as is known from cocaine.
