Botanical Overview
Erythroxylum hypericifolium is a species in the Erythroxylaceae family. The coca family (Erythroxylaceae) includes tropical shrubs and small trees with alternate leaves and small flowers. The plants produce alkaloids concentrated in the leaves, most notably cocaine and related tropane alkaloids. Species in this family have a long history of traditional stimulant and medicinal use in South America. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
Family Context
The Erythroxylaceae family is primarily neotropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Coca — 42 documented uses
- Amazonian Coca — 42 documented uses
- Guarda orvalho — 1 documented uses
- Arabillo — 1 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Erythroxylum hypericifolium has been recorded in 7 countries and territories worldwide, including Australia, France, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: 3alpha-phenylacetoxytropan-6beta-ol.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.