Milan: Traces of cocaine have been discovered in the remains of two individuals who died 400 years ago in Italy, suggesting that the substance may have been used medicinally in Europe much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers from the University of Milan found residues of the drug in two skeletons from the 17th century discovered near Milan.
The study revealed that the brains of these individuals contained three key molecules—cocaine, hygrine, and benzoylecgonine—which were likely consumed as a form of medicine before their deaths.
Researcher Gaia Giordano explained that the drug may have been used by traditional healers (who were not formal medical practitioners) as a treatment.
The study, published in the *Journal of Archaeological Science*, indicated that the drug was likely ingested by chewing coca leaves.
Previously, it was believed that the coca plant arrived in Europe from South America in the 19th century, but this research reveals that the plant may have reached the continent two centuries earlier than originally thought.
