Evidence supporting the use of: Coca
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coca leaves (Erythroxylum coca) have a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples in the Andes for a variety of purposes, including alleviating fatigue, suppressing hunger, and enhancing mental alertness and concentration. The practice of chewing coca leaves or brewing them into tea is believed to help improve cognitive performance and stave off tiredness, particularly in the context of high-altitude environments where oxygen levels are low. This traditional use is primarily attributed to the presence of alkaloids, including small amounts of cocaine, which have stimulant effects on the central nervous system. However, the amounts consumed through traditional coca use are far lower than those found in purified cocaine and are generally not considered addictive or harmful in this context.

Despite widespread traditional use for improving concentration and mental clarity, scientific research on coca leaf’s efficacy for enhancing cognitive function is limited. Most studies focus on the pharmacology and social aspects of coca rather than controlled trials measuring cognitive outcomes. Some observational evidence suggests that traditional users report subjective improvements in alertness and performance, but robust clinical evidence is lacking. As such, the use of coca for poor concentration is supported by tradition rather than by strong scientific validation.

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