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Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Cocaine dependenceCoca leaves have been suggested as possible treatments for cocaine and cocaine base abuse. Further study is needed before a conclusion may be drawn. | C |
Exercise performanceThe effects of coca use on hormonal and metabolic responses to exercise have been studied. Preliminary evidence shows that coca use may enhance exercise tolerance. Further study is needed before conclusions may be drawn. | C |
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Preliminary human studies show that chewing coca leaves may improve hypoglycemia. In animal study, nonalkaloid fractions of coca produced hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Further study is needed before a firm conclusion may be drawn. | C |
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Adaptogen, addiction (morphine), altitude sickness, anesthetic, antidepressant, appetite suppressant, asthma, bleeding, broken bones, bruises, cachexia (tissue wasting), colds, constipation, depression, diaphoresis (sweating), diarrhea, digestion, edema (feet), fatigue, food additive, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hemorrhoids, insecticide, joint pain, malaria, motion sickness, myalgia (muscle pain), nausea, nosebleeds, pain, rashes, rheumatism, sexual dysfunction, stimulant, thirst, tonic (nervous breakdown), ulcers, vomiting, wounds.
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
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