Peruvian society was already eating coca leaf since 8,000 years ago. The archaeologists found evidence through research at a house in northwest Peru. On the bottom floor of the house there are rocks rich in calcium and active compounds coca leaf. These rocks, according to predictions archaeologist, burned and used to spend more active compounds in the leaves. This discovery proves that the coca leaf has been used long before what has been predicted. Prior to this research, the archaeologists believe that coca leaves are used since 3,000 years ago.
Coca leaf can produce a variety of alkaloid compounds. One type of compound produced from the leaves is cocaine, extracted and purified for various purposes. Other alkaloids from the leaves can serve to provide stimulating effects, reduce hunger, aid digestion, and reduce side effects when humans are on the plateau or low-oxygen environment. The archaeologists said, the most interesting part of this research is not a long time use of coca leaves, but the purpose of its use. They say, coca leaf is not used for household purposes.
"We found that this can not be produced for the benefit of households, as was produced for the benefit of many people," said Tom Dillehay of Vanderbilt University, USA.
Besides enriching the archaeological treasures, is also highly contextual research related to the coca leaf production reduction program due to its association with cocaine in the Andes.
"Some people argue that the tradition of chewing coca leaves is a relatively new tradition. The evidence shows that chewing cocaine has been rooted in the Andean community, deals with the economic, social and trust," he explained. The results of this study published in the journal Antiquity.
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