Botanical Overview
Bastard sandal (Erythroxylum monogynum) 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. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 30 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.
General Description
It is native to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. It is a small, evergreen bushy tree reaching 7 m (23 ft) (but sometimes higher). The leaves are simple and alternate. Small white flowers are bisexual with 5–6 sepals, borne March through June; Fruit is a one-seeded drupe. Flowering and fruiting occur throughout the year. The plant is known to have high medicinal value. It is taken to cure many diseases such as stomachache, dyspepsia, fever, and dropsy in Ayurvedic medicine.
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
Bastard sandal has been recorded in 8 countries and territories worldwide, including China, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
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.