Page 18 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

COCA LEAVES

Coca leaf is the dried leaves of Erythroxylum coca known as
Bolivian coca family Erythroxylaceae. It yields not less than
0.70% of total alkaloids calculated as cocaine.

Constituents:
It contains alkaloids, of which cocaine, cinnamyl cocaine and
truxilline are the most important.

Uses:
It is used as local anesthetic, entirely confined to minor
ophthalmic, ear, nose and throat surgery, but its use is highly
restricted due to its toxicity and its strong addiction power.

Precautions:
-Chewing an excessively large quantity of the leaves can cause
psychic disturbances and hallucinations.
-The enhanced vulnerability to illness and the reduced life
expectancy are also conditioned by the immunosuppressive effect
of the drug.
- Dependence on the drug.
Pregnancy: Cocaine passes into the embryo or fetus and is
embryotoxic.
Nursing Mothers: Cocaine passes into the mother's milk.
Test for identity:
Shake 0.20 g of powdered coca leaf with 2 ml of dilute
hydrochloric acid, filter, add a drop of Mayer’s reagent; a white
creamy precipitate is immediately formed.

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