Demystifying the World’s Most Misunderstood Plant: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Science

Transcript Abstract

Authors: Oscar A. Pérez-Escobar; Natalia Przelomska; Rudy Diaz; Federico Gonzalez; Fabio Avila; Rocio del Pilar Cortes Ballen; Alexandre Antonelli

South American coca (Erythroxylum coca and E. novogranatense) has been a cornerstone of Andean and Amazonian cultures for over 8,000 years. However, its association with cocaine production has largely overshadowed its cultural, medicinal, and economic significance, resulting in exploitation, conflict, and stringent global restrictions on its traditional use. Despite decades of monitoring and regulation, critical questions about the origin, evolution, and reliable identification of coca varieties remain unresolved. In this talk, I will present our comprehensive research programme, which integrates traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science to explore the evolutionary history and taxonomy of coca. I will also discuss how this knowledge could reshape the global narrative around coca, offer improved alternatives for current monitoring efforts, and emphasize its biocultural significance and potential for sustainable bioprospecting.