Plantas medicinais utilizadas na comunidade genipapono município de Remígio-PB: a fitoquímica como aliada do conhecimento popular

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants has existed since the most primitive tribes. Such usage emerged as attempts were made to meet basic needs of nutrition and health, through trials and observations, alongside factors constituting empiricism. Brazil harbors the planet's greatest biodiversity, which favors the use of medicinal plants. It also possesses a vast wealth of traditional knowledge due to the amalgamation of cultures from indigenous, African, and European peoples. The pharmacological properties derived from plants occur due to the production of specialized metabolites by this vegetation. The treatment of diseases with medicinal plants occurs due to several factors, such as economic and cultural issues, and the concept of “natural" contributing to the mistaken belief that plant species do not have adverse effects. The present study aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation to identify the most commonly used medicinal plants in the Genipapo community, Remígio (Paraíba), their active substances, and possible misuse. A structured questionnaire was administered in the community regarding the indications of medicinal plant use, preparation methods, plant parts used, and cultivation methods, in addition to obtaining the participants' signatures on Free and Informed Consent Forms. Consequently, a bibliographic survey was conducted in some databases, as a CAPES, scielo, google academic, on the most cited species, and through this, possible errors regarding this use were investigated. After the questionnaire application, 74 medicinal plants with therapeutic purposes used by the community were recorded, with the most cited being Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.), Elder (Sambucus nigra L.), Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), Boldo (Plectranthus barbatus), Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), Avocado (Persea americana Mill.), and Canela-de-velho (Miconia albicans (S.w.) Triana). From the analysis of the most cited species and the investigation of possible usage errors, it was possible to conclude that the popular use in the Genipapo community is generally well-scientifically grounded, with information found in the literature. Some possible misconceptions regarding the indications of use of species such as Morus nigra (bone pains), Miconia albicans (S.w.) Triana (menopause), Cymbopogon citratus (weight loss), and Sambucus nigra L. (high blood pressure) were detected, which were not found in the literature. Furthermore, the decoction preparation method was mentioned in some species in a manner inconsistent with literature reports, which could contribute to the loss of efficacy of the species due to degradation or volatilization of active substances. Through this work, it was possible to perceive that popular knowledge presents a wealth of insights that often align with scientific knowledge, even if done informally. It is important to highlight the recognition of popular knowledge; however, it is beneficial for there to always be sharing of information between the community and academia so that the use of medicinal plants is approached with caution and without risks to human health.