American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

It is especially valuable in chronic irritation and inflammation of the
mucous membranes; and on the urinary passages it has been shown to
possess specific powers, as in dysuria from stricture, and in gleet and
chronic gonorrhea.
It also acts as a tonic upon the reproductive function, and is a very
positive remedy in nymphomania and satyriasis.
It may be given as a tonic in cases of weak digestion, and to promote the
appetite in general debility, and in convalescence from fevers.
COCA. Erythroxylon coca.
CONSTITUENTS—
Cocaine, cinnamyl-cocaine, truxil-cocaine, hygrine.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Cocae Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Coca. Dose, from onehalf
to one dram.
Specific Medicine Coca. Dose, from one-half to one dram.
Physiological Action—The natives of South America and laborers in that
country use coca, chewing the leaves, much as tobacco is used in other
parts of the world. It abolishes the sensation of hunger for a time. This
may in part be accounted for by its producing anesthesia of the nerves of
the stomach. It does not take the place of food. It increases the powers of
endurance and confers a singular immunity from the suffering incident
to privation and excessive physical exertion. These effects are accounted
for, in part at least, by the anesthetic effect of cocaine, which is its
principal constituent. In large doses it increases the animal heat and
quickens the pulse and respiration. By increasing the dose the nervous
system is excited, with increase of desire for muscular exertion; while in
poisonous doses it causes delirium, hallucinations and congestion of the
brain. The general effect of coca is to stimulate the nervous system and
retard retrograde metamorphosis. The prolonged use of the drug causes a
degeneration of the nervous system characteristic of narcotics, though
when used in moderation this effect is not observed.
The influence of coca on the native habitue of the tropics, and its
influence upon the civilized inhabitants of the temperate zones are very
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 206