The therapeutic value of coca in contemporary medicine.
Coca appears to be a useful treatment for various gastrointestinal ailments, motion sickness, and laryngeal fatigue. It can be an adjunct in programs of weight reduction and physical fitness and may be a fast-acting antidepressant. It is of value in treating dependence on stronger stimulants. Coca regulates carbohydrate metabolism in a unique way and may provide a new therapeutic approach to hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus. With low-dose, chronic administration it appears to normalize body functions. In leaf form coca does not produce toxicity or dependence. Coca can be administered as a chewing gum or lozenge containing a whole extract of the leaf, including alkaloids, natural flavors, and nutrients.
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001067:Appetite Depressants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003041:Coca; D003069:Coffee; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000188:drug therapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001067:Appetite Depressants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003069:Coffee