Traditional use of medicinal plants in older adults in the municipality of Arauca

Abstract

Introduction: The loss of traditional knowledge brings with it, among other things, a loss of cultural identity and a decrease in biodiversity. Objectives: To identify traditional knowledge about medicinal plants based on the knowledge of older adults in the municipality of Arauca. Materials and methods: A survey adapted from TRAMIL was applied to a convenience sample of 96 knowledgeable older adults. With the data, the Use Value Index (IVU) and the TRAMIL Significant Use Level (UST) of the medicinal plants traditionally used by this community were determined. Results: A total of 109 species with medicinal use were recognized, of which 38 (35%) are approved by the INVIMA; of these, the following had the highest IVU within the Araucanian community: Aloe (Aloe vera) (27%), peppermint (Mentha spicata) (14%), lemon mandarin (Citrus limonia) (13%), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (11%). The species with the highest UST corresponded to aloe (A. vera), with 50%, pericón (Capraria biflora) (45%), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) (28%), hierba buena (M. spicata) (27%) and hierba mora (Solanum americanum) (22%). Discussion: Although the elderly of Arauca have important knowledge about the use of medicinal plants that contribute to improve the quality of health in the Araucanian community, it is necessary to validate the pharmacological, phytochemical and toxicological properties of the plant species used, since most of them have not been approved by INVIMA and in the approved ones, their use does not coincide appropriately with the endorsement of the surveillance institute.