Utilização de plantas medicinais na Vila Produtiva Rural (VPR) Quixeramobim: uma relação do senso comum com a literatura.

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes is a very common experience for the population. Although many medicinal plants are recognized worldwide, there is still an immense biodiversity whose phytochemical characteristics and pharmacological action of the species need to be highlighted. Thus, the research is justified by the need for scientific investigation, which, based on popular knowledge about medicinal plants, can direct new research opportunities for the pharmacological/food study. The popular knowledge held by community groups is considerably valid for the progression of scientific studies, therefore, the objective of this research is to assess the common sense of the residents of VPR Quixeramobim about the use of medicinal plants and relate this knowledge with the literature. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and applied with 20 women living in the VPR Quixeramobim, in order to assess their experiences with the plants that are most used. The information collected refers to the method frequently used to prepare a certain medication, the part of the plant used, the popular and scientific indication of 11/47 plants mentioned. It was found that tea was the most common form of preparation of the plant and Mint (Mentha spicata L.) was the most cited species with 85% of mentions. Furthermore, it was possible to verify that 42.9% of the indications of plants, collected in the VPR Quixeramobim, are in accordance with scientific knowledge. The results of this research open space for more in-depth studies, especially in the field of pharmacology, which encourage and provide the use of these nature resources in an efficient and healthy way.