Can coca leaves contribute to improving the nutritional status of the Andean population?

Abstract

Coca leaves (Erythroxylum coca) have been promoted as a food that could address the dietary deficiencies of the Andean population but this is based on analyses of a small sample of leaves. We assessed the nutritional potential of 8 samples of coca leaves from different regions of Peru. We used AOAC to measure nutrients, nutrient inhibitors (phytate, polyphenols, oxalic acid and fiber) and alkaloid concentrations per 100gm dry weight of the ground leaves. Minerals were measured by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry in two independent laboratories. Leaves contained protein 20.28g/100g, lysine was the limiting amino acid; beta‐carotene 3509 mg/100g; vitamin E 16.72/100g; traces of Vitamin D; calcium 990.18 and1033.17 mg/100g, iron 29.16 and 29.16 mg/100g, zinc 2.71and 2.63 mg/100g and magnesium 225.19 and 196.69mg/100g, labs 1 and 2 respectively. Cocaine was the principal alkaloid, 0.56mg/100g, other alkaloids were also identified. Results were compared with other edible leaves and the nutrients in coca powder (5g) and bread made with coca were compared with normal portions of alternative foods. Two spoonfuls of coca leaf flour would satisfy less than 10% of dietary intakes for schoolchildren and adults for critical commonly deficient nutrients in the diet. Coca leaves do not provide significant nutritional benefits and the presence of absorbable cocaine and other alkaloids maybe potentially harmful.

Etnobotánica Y Fitoterapia en América

“…La planta de coca comparte su nombre con el compuesto químico cocaína. Todas las cocas cultivadas contienen el alcaloide cocaína y difieren considerablemente en el contenido de otros alcaloides menores (metil ester anhidroecgonina, metil ester ecgonina, trans-cinnamoylcocaina, cis-cinnamoylcocaina) y componentes químicos (Bohm et al, 1982;Penny et al, 2009). Las hojas de coca contienen proteínas (20.28 g/todos los valores en 100g de materia seca), cuyo aminoácido limitante es la lisina; también contiene β-caroteno (3.51mg), un carotenoide que puede ser convertido en vitamina A por el organismo; asimismo, vitamina E (16.72 mg), limitada cantidad de vitamina D; además de minerales como el calcio (990.18-1033.17 mg), hierro (29.16-29.16 mg), zinc (2.71-2.63 mg) y magnesio (225.19-196.69 mg).…”

“…La cocaína, principal alcaloide, se encuentra a una concentración aproximada de 0.56 g, aunque también se han identificado otros alcaloides. Según Penny et al (2009), la hoja de coca no proporciona beneficios y la presencia de cocaína absorbible y otros alcaloides puede ser potencialmente dañina; por lo tanto, el consumo como alimento no puede ser recomendado. 20 La coca es una planta de gran relevancia en tratamientos medicinales, especialmente para proteger y garantizar la salud.…”

Medicinal Plants in the Tropical Andean Region. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Coca (Erythroxylum sp.), millenary treasures for medicinal treatment

“…Cocaine is the principal alkaloid, with a concentration of (0.56 g); other alkaloids have also been identified. Coca leaves do not provide nutritional benefits when eaten in the recommended quantities, and the presence of absorbable cocaine and other alkaloids may be potentially harmful; hence leaves cannot be recommended as a food (Penny et al, 2009).…”