Journal of ethnopharmacology 07/2014
J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Sep 11;155(2):1332-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.07.036. Epub 2014 Jul 27.
An ethnopharmacological assessment of the use of plants against parasitic diseases in humans and animals.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Ethnobotanical
surveys are detecting an increasing frequency of exotic plant species
in pharmacopeias, which has led researchers to investigate the role of
such species in traditional medical systems. According to the
diversification hypothesis, exotic species are included to complete
pharmacopeias, i.e., to treat diseases for which no native species are
known, thus broadening the scope of the plant repertoire.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The
present study was conducted at two rural communities in northeastern
Brazil aiming at a survey of the plants known or used by the population
to treat endo- and ectoparasitic diseases in humans and animals. In
addition, plant extracts exhibiting acaricide activity were assessed
using the engorged female immersion and larval packet tests (LPT).
RESULTS:
The
results of the present study showed a tendency for native species to be
used against ectoparasites and exhibit a broader scope of use compared
to exotic species. In turn, exotic species were predominantly indicated
to treat diseases caused by endoparasites, although there was an overlap
of native and exotic species relative to some therapeutic purpose,
e.g., ticks. Only two of the plant species tested exhibited acaricide
activity (Nicotiana glauca Graham and Croton blanchetianus Baill.), and
in both cases, the activity was weak.
CONCLUSION:
The
ethnobotanical data do not fully support the suggested hypothesis.
Overall, the wide versatility of exotic species was not exclusively used
to treat parasitic diseases in humans and animals. In addition, the
selection of acaricide plants based on the ethnopharmacological study
generated uninteresting results.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Brazil; Ethnoveterinary; Insecticidal activity; Tick; Traditional botanical knowledge
|
