Evidence supporting the use of: Coca
For the health condition: Indigestion

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Synopsis

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

Coca leaves (Erythroxylum coca), traditionally chewed or brewed as tea in Andean cultures, have a long history of use for a variety of ailments, including indigestion. The primary traditional justification comes from indigenous peoples in Peru, Bolivia, and surrounding regions, who have used coca for centuries to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, hunger, and altitude sickness. Historical ethnobotanical records and anthropological studies describe coca's role as a digestive aid, often consumed after meals to promote digestive comfort and reduce bloating.

The active compounds in coca leaves include alkaloids such as cocaine (in low concentrations), which have mild stimulant and anesthetic effects. While there is some pharmacological basis for its local anesthetic action (potentially reducing stomach discomfort), rigorous clinical studies specifically evaluating coca's efficacy for indigestion are lacking. Most modern scientific literature focuses on coca's psychoactive properties or the risks associated with cocaine extraction, rather than its traditional medicinal uses.

In summary, the use of coca for indigestion is primarily supported by traditional practices and historical accounts. There is a limited scientific rationale based on its pharmacology, but little direct scientific validation or clinical research on its effectiveness for this specific condition.

More about Coca
More about Indigestion

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Products containing Coca

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.