Coca Seeds (Erythroxylum novogranatense) Cocaine

Common Name: Colombian Coca
Family: Erythroxylaceae
 
Native Range: 
Tropical South America (primarily Colombia); also cultivated in parts of Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia)



Overview
Erythroxylum novogranatense, commonly known as Colombian Coca, is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows between 1 to 3 meters in height. It is characterized by smooth branches dotted with minute lenticels, and glossy green leaves that contain the same alkaloids found in Erythroxylum coca.Colombian coca has long been culturally significant in its native regions, where the leaves have traditionally been chewed or brewed as a tea to relieve hunger, fatigue, and altitude sickness.

Edible & Culinary Uses
Flavoring Agent: The leaves are rich in methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil), making them highly valued as a natural flavoring.

Soft Drinks:
In Peru, Trujillo coca (a variety of E. novogranatense) is used as an aromatic base in beverages, notably in the original flavor profile of Coca-Cola.

Traditional Beverages:
Coca leaves have been used to make herbal infusions for centuries, appreciated both for their taste and mild stimulant effects.

Medicinal Uses
The medicinal profile of E. novogranatense closely mirrors that of its cousin Erythroxylum coca:

Cocaine Alkaloids: 
The leaves contain small amounts of cocaine and other alkaloids, acting as a cerebral stimulant, local anesthetic, and mild narcotic when used traditionally.

Stimulant Properties: 
When chewed with lime or plant ash, the leaves help boost energy and reduce hunger, thirst, and fatigue.

Altitude Sickness Relief:
Commonly used to treat soroche (altitude sickness) via leaf infusions or chewing.
 

Pharmaceutical Use:
Alkaloids from the leaves have been used in clinical anesthetics and neurological medicines.

Cultivation Notes
Climate: Thrives in tropical lowland regions, requiring consistent warmth and humidity.

Regions of Cultivation: Once a significant plantation crop in Malesia (Southeast Asia), it is now mainly grown in Colombia and smaller parts of Asia.