Abstract
The genus Erythroxylum contains species used by indigenous people of South America long before the domestication of plants. Two species, E. coca and E. novogranatense, have been utilized for thousands of years specifically for their tropane alkaloid content. While abuse of the narcotic cocaine has impacted society on many levels, these species and their wild relatives contain untapped resources for the benefit of mankind in the form of foods, pharmaceuticals, phytotherapeutic products, and other high-value plant-derived metabolites. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of members within the genus and the recent advances in the realm of molecular biology and biochemistry.
Highlights
Humanity has an enduring and intimate relationship with medicinal plants
After decades of seemingly fruitless eradication policies, it appears productive and prudent to explore the development of the beneficial uses of these plants, which is an approach that is already being implemented by communities, companies, and governments in South America, within the growing scope of legality provided by the current laws in the Andean region [5]
Species belonging to Archerythroxylum include Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Mart. which is located in clade I, Erythroxylum caatingae Plowman which is a sister species in clade
Summary
Humanity has an enduring and intimate relationship with medicinal plants. From prehistoric times through to the modern era, the use of plant specialized metabolites has helped treat diseases, steer religious ceremonies, and cosmetically augment the body. After decades of seemingly fruitless eradication policies, it appears productive and prudent to explore the development of the beneficial uses of these plants, which is an approach that is already being implemented by communities, companies, and governments in South America, within the growing scope of legality provided by the current laws in the Andean region [5]. This approach appears to carry significant potential, given the promising applications indicated by both traditional cultures and the scientific research available. We consolidate the most recent advances and knowledge in species found within the genus Erythroxylum
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