Medicinal plants and their popular use in Boa Esperança Settlement, Piracanjuba, Goiás, Brazil / Plantas medicinales y su uso popular en el asentamiento de Boa Esperança, Piracanjuba, Goiás, Brasil

Abstract: The present study showed medicinal plants and their popular use in the rural settlement Boa Esp erança, in Piracanjuba, GO, Brazil. Data were collected from November 2017 to February 2018. A total of 176 species (mostly native) were sampled with the predominance of use to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones and various types o f infections. The species with the highest number of informations were Dilodendron bipinnatum Radlk.; Morus sp.; Pterodon emarginatus Vogel; Qualea grandiflora Mart. and Cochlospermum regium (Mart. ex Schrank) Pilg. With the exception of C. regium , the oth ers species had the maximum use agreement value. The study showed a high richness of species used by settlers. The dissemination of this knowledge of medicinal plants, with an emphasis on native plants, can assist in strengthening the cultural knowledge of the local community, encouraging the environmental conservation of various medicinal species used in the region.

Resumen: El presente estudio mostró pla ntas medicinales y su uso popular en el asentamiento rural Boa Esperança, en Piracanjuba, GO, Brasil. Los datos se recolectaron desde noviembre de 2017 hasta febrero de 2018. Se muestrearon un total de 176 especies (en su mayoría nativas) con predominio de uso para tratar problemas respiratorios, gastrointestinales, cálculos renales y diversos tipos de infecciones. Las especies con mayor número de información fueron Dilodendron bipinnatum Radlk.; Morus sp.; Pterodon emarginatus Vogel; Qualea grandiflora Mar t. y Cochlospermum regium (Mart. ex Schrank) Pilg. Con la excepción de C. regium , las otras especies tuvieron el valor de acuerdo de uso máximo. El estudio mostró una gran riqueza de especies utilizadas por los colonos. La difusión de este conocimiento de las plantas medicinales, con énfasis en las plantas nativas, puede ayudar a fortalecer el conocimiento cultural de la comunidad local, fomentando la conservación ambiental de diversas especies medicinales utilizadas en la región.

UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Spondias tuberosa.

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of the Spondias tuberosa aqueous leaf and root extracts (EALST and EARST) and to evaluate their effect, comparatively, against opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to a Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF) was employed for chemical analysis. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis standard strains and clinical isolates were used (CA INCQS 40006, CT INCQS 40042, CA URM 5974, and CT URM 4262). The 50% Inhibitory Concentration for the fungal population (IC50) was determined for both the intrinsic action of the extracts and the extract/fluconazole (FCZ) associations. The determination of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the verification of effects over fungal morphological transitions were performed by subculture in Petri dishes and humid chambers, respectively, both based on micro-dilution. UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The association of the extracts with fluconazole, resulted in IC50 values from 2.62 µg/mL to 308.96 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts was ≥16,384 µg/mL for all tested strains, while fluconazole obtained an MFC of 8192 µg/mL against C. albicans strains. A reduction in MFC against CA URM 5974 (EALST: 2048 µg/mL and EARST: 1024 µg/mL) occurred in the extract/fluconazole association.

Informal and popular healthcare subsystems in a remote rural municipality in the Brazilian Amazon region.

INTRODUCTION: While Brazil has achieved a significantly higher coverage through primary care and improved health outcomes through the Family Health Strategy, rural areas still have worse indicators and several barriers to access primary healthcare units, which sometimes condition users to seek alternative answers outside the formal circuit. From the framework of medical anthropology, Arthur Kleinman indicates that the sociohistorical-cultural context also determines the search for health care, and not only by the conditions of access and availability of formal services. From this perspective, each health system would consist of three interrelated subsystems: the informal, the popular, and the professional subsystem, widely used in an overlapping and non-exclusive way, interacting according to an individual's needs. This study analyzes how informal and popular health subsystems are featured in a remote rural municipality in the Brazilian Amazon region. METHODS: This is a single, exploratory, qualitative case study conducted in the remote rural municipality of Assis Brasil, in the state of Acre, Brazil. Data were collected with onsite visits to the municipality through semi-structured interviews with users, managers, and health professionals. Data thematic analysis was guided by categories inspired by Arthur Kleinman's framework and emerging in the field, focusing on the dimensions of the informal and popular subsystems. RESULTS: In the informal system, family, friends, and community seem to have broader roles in the field of care, underpinning the social support network to allow using health services. Also included in the informal system are NGOs, armed forces, and the church, acting complementarily to the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde). Two patterns of relationship with the popular system were identified: in complementarity with the formal system, with the specific or longitudinal use of its resources, and replacing formal practices. In the popular system, secular healing agents such as shamans, healers, prayers, and midwives, and the use of medicinal herbs and other natural resources, are part of the care scenario, especially among the traditional populations of the territory. Popular resources are sometimes activated mainly due to geographic and economic barriers, which prevent timely access to health services and contribute to the deterioration of conditions. The level of resistance of health professionals varied according to the substitutive or complementary nature that such care assumes in users' therapeutic trajectories. CONCLUSION: Complex policies and processes such as health care have been implemented nationwide, in general, with a poor understanding of the context and culture of rural communities. In this sense, understanding the dynamics between the subsystems can help identify more appropriate and sensitive strategies for the organization of health services, which respond to the population's needs from a broader perspective, especially in the context of rurality.

Compilação de levantamentos de uso de plantas medicinais no Rio Grande do Sul / Compilation of surveys of medicinal plants used in Rio Grande do Sul

Resumo A valorização e o registro do conhecimento tradicional sobre plantas medicinais é objetivo de políticas públicas nacionais e estaduais. Nesse sentido, a Política Intersetorial de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos no Rio Grande do Sul preconiza, dentre outros aspectos, estimular a pesquisa sobre plantas medicinais, priorizando as espécies nativas. Verifica-se a redução da ocorrência das espécies medicinais levando à perda do conhecimento tradicional devido à redução das áreas naturais e à desvalorização dos saberes tradicionais pelas novas gerações. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho visou realizar pesquisas bibliográfica e documental sobre o uso de plantas medicinais no Rio Grande do Sul e consolidar esses estudos compondo material para a compilação de uma listagem única das espécies mais utilizadas com fins medicinais no estado. Utilizou-se metodologia quanti-qualitativa com pesquisa bibliográfica e análise documental. A compilação de dados resultou em uma lista de mais de 280 espécies vegetais distribuídas em mais de 80 famílias botânicas. Verificou-se que das 20 espécies vegetais mais usadas, menos de 50% são nativas, fato muito relacionado à diversidade cultural do estado. Esse trabalho culminou na publicação da Relação Estadual de Plantas Medicinais de interesse do Sistema Único de Saúde no Rio Grande do Sul (REPLAME/RS).

Abstract The appreciation and recording of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants is the aim of state and national public policies. The Intersectoral Policy of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines in Rio Grande do Sul recommends the stimulation of research on medicinal plants, giving priority to native species. There is a reduction in the occurrence of medicinal species leading to the loss of traditional knowledge due to the reduction of natural areas and the devaluation of traditional knowledge by the new generations. This study aimed to perform bibliographical and documentary research on the use of medicinal plants in Rio Grande do Sul and to consolidate these studies in order to compose material for the compilation of a single list of the most commonly used plant species for medicinal purposes in the state. It was used a quanti-qualitative methodology with bibliographical research and document analysis. Data collection resulted in a list of more than 280 plant species distributed in more than 80 botanical families. It was found that of the 20 species most commonly used, less than 50% are native, a fact closely related to the cultural diversity of the state. This work culminated in the publication of the State Relation of Medicinal Plants of interest to the Brazilian Unified Health System in the Rio Grande do Sul (REPLAME/RS).

Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants used in communities of the Soure Marine Extractive Reserve, Pará State, Brazil / Etnobotánica y etnofarmacología de plantas medicinales utilizadas en las comunidades de la Reserva Extractiva Marina de Soure-Pará, Brasil

The study of the relationship between man and nature can reveal the potential of plant resources. In the present study we used non-probabilistic sampling and snowball technique in communities of the Soure Marine Extractive Reserve-Pará, namely, Caju-Úna Community, Céu Settlement, and Pesqueiro Village, in order to analyze the medicinal plants used by these peoples, focusing on the diversity, consensual use and cultural importance of species, and providing ethnopharmacological information available in the scientific literature. To this end, participant observation, semi-structured interviews and free lists were used, as well as ethnobotanical indices and scientific studies retrieved from databases. We identified 90 species, among which Ruta graveolens, Maytenus obtusifolia and Libidibia ferrea stood out. The species were distributed in 50 families, mainly Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae. The most frequent diseases treated with these plants, mainly with preparations in the form of teas, were flu, inflammations and stomach problems. The Caju-Úna Community had the highest indices of total species diversity and evenness. Nine species stood out in the consensus factor and importance value and pharmacological studies corroborated 35% of the popular indications.

El estudio de la relación entre el hombre y la naturaleza puede revelar el potencial de los recursos vegetales. En el presente estudio utilizamos técnicas de muestreo no probabilístico y de bola de nieve en las comunidades de la Reserva Extractiva Marina de SourePará, que incluyeron a la Comunidad Caju-Úna, el Establecimiento de Céu y el Pueblo de Pesqueiro, ello con el propósito de analizar las plantas medicinales utilizadas por estos pueblos. El estudio se centró en la diversidad, el uso consensual y la importancia cultural de las especies, sobre la base de información etnofarmacológica disponible en la literatura científica. Con este fin, se utilizaron observaciones de los participantes, entrevistas semiestructuradas y información de acceso libre, así como índices etnobotánicos y estudios científicos obtenidos de bases de datos. Se identificaron 90 especies, entre las que destacan Ruta graveolens, Maytenus obtusifolia y Libidibia ferrea. Las especies se distribuyeron en 50 familias, principalmente Lamiaceae, Asteraceae y Fabaceae. Las enfermedades más frecuentes tratadas con estas plantas, principalmente mediante infusiones fueron gripe, inflamaciones y problemas estomacales. La comunidad de Caju-Úna tuvo los índices más altos de diversidad y uniformidad total de especies. Se destacaron 9 en el factor consenso y valor de importancia, y los estudios farmacológicos corroboraron el 35% de las indicaciones populares.

Desarrollo de un sistema biomédico para monitoreo local y remoto de signos vitales de pacientes, utilizando tecnología de Internet de las Cosas, IoT / Development of a biomedical system for local and remote monitoring of vital signs of patients, using Internet of Things technology, IoT

Se desarrolló el prototipo y pruebas de verificación del funcionamiento necesarias en un equipo médico, con el fin de obtener información confiable de dicho dispositivo. Se enfocó la investigación en el área de la tecnología aplicada en el sector de la salud, desarrollando un sistema de monitoreo local y remoto de signos vitales de pacientes utilizando como base la tecnología IoT y dispositivos inteligentes Smartphone. Para ello se diseñó una App Android, un dispositivo electrónico biomédico a partir de la tarjeta electrónica MySignals HW, así como la integración y programación de sensores biométricos con el controlador y periféricos de visualización de la información. El sistema cuenta con la capacidad necesaria de comunicación para que, a través de la red se envíen los datos obtenidos como resultado del proceso de lectura de los sensores a la base de datos en el servidor IoT, lo que permite saber desde cualquier lugar, las lecturas medicas tomadas del paciente por medio de dispositivos inteligentes a través de la App o portal web. Los sensores utilizados y probados en esta investigación son: Oximetría (SpO2 y Pulso), Temperatura corporal, frecuencia respiratoria y tensión o presión arterial.

The prototype and verification tests of the necessary operation in a medical equipment were developed, in order to obtain reliable information from said device. Research was focused on the area of ​​applied technology in the health sector, developing a local and remote monitoring system of vital signs of patients using IoT technology and Smartphone smart devices as a basis. For this, an Android App was designed, a biomedical electronic device based on the MySignals HW electronic card, as well as the integration and programming of biometric sensors with the controller and information display peripherals. The system has the necessary communication capacity so that, through the network, the data obtained as a result of the sensor reading process are sent to the database on the IoT server, which allows to know from anywhere, the Medical readings taken from the patient through smart devices through the App or web portal. The sensors used and tested in this investigation are: Oximetry (SpO2 and Pulse), Body temperature, respiratory rate and blood pressure or pressure.

Curando dentro, cuidando fuera: mujeres latinoamericanas y prácticas terapéuticas en el contexto migratorio transnacional / Healing inside, caring outside: Latin American women and therapeutic practices in the transnational migration context / Curando dentro, cuidando fora: mulheres latino-americanas e práticas terapêuticas no contexto migratório transnacional

Resumen El siguiente artículo intenta reflexionar acerca de la relación que se construye entre las mujeres latinas migrantes y las prácticas terapéuticas, atendiendo a los roles designados o asumidos por ellas en los procesos de salud/enfermedad/atención. Se realizó una investigación etnográfica con mujeres caribeñas establecidas en España, con el fin de indagar acerca de determinadas actividades curativas y de cuidado ejercidas por ellas, tanto al interior del hogar como hacia afuera. Además del componente descriptivo, se trabajó con las narrativas y significados específicos elaborados en torno a dichas ocupaciones. Su análisis permitió identificar facetas contradictorias y conflictivas en el desarrollo de la identidad y la experiencia migratoria femenina. Por un lado, las actividades de cuidado como principal alternativa laboral evidencian la desigualdad de oportunidades y ámbitos de incidencia social accesibles a las latinoamericanas. Al mismo tiempo reflejan mecanismos de reproducción de esquemas esencialistas, que naturalizan la división del trabajo en función de "cualidades" étnicas y de género. Por otro lado, el manejo de conocimientos específicos sobre curación, tratamiento y asistencia supone para las mujeres la posesión de un papel distintivo y potencialmente empoderador al interior de la comunidad como continuadoras de determinados saberes tradicionales.

Abstract The article attempts to reflect on the relationship between Latin American immigrant women and therapeutic practices, according to the roles designated or assumed by them in healthcare processes. An ethnographic research was carried out with Caribbean women settled in Spain, in order to inquire about certain curative and care activities exercised by them, both inside and outside their homes. In addition to the descriptive component, we worked specifically with the narratives and meanings elaborated around these occupations. Their analysis allowed us to identify conflicting facets in the development of female identity and migratory experience. Being a caregiver as their main job alternative evidence the inequality of opportunities and social impact areas accessible to Latin women; at the same time, they reproduce essentialist schemes, which naturalize the division of labour according to ethnic and gender "qualities". On the other hand, the management of specific knowledge about healing, treatment and assistance allow women to possess a distinctive and potentially empowering role within the community as continuators of certain traditional knowledge.

Resumo O presente trabalho procura refletir sobre a relação que se constrói entre as mulheres latinas migrantes e as práticas terapêuticas, de acordo com os papéis designados ou assumidos por elas nos processos de saúde/doença/cuidado. Uma pesquisa etnográfica foi realizada com mulheres caribenhas instaladas na Espanha, a fim de indagar sobre certas atividades curativas e cuidados exercidos por elas, tanto dentro como fora de casa. Além do componente descritivo, trabalhamos com narrativas e significados específicos elaborados em torno dessas ocupações. Sua análise permitiu identificar facetas conflitantes no desenvolvimento da identidade feminina e da experiência de migração. As atividades de cuidado como principal alternativa de trabalho evidenciam a desigualdade de oportunidades e áreas de impacto social acessíveis aos latino-americanos; ao mesmo tempo, refletem mecanismos de reprodução de esquemas essencialistas, que naturalizam a divisão do trabalho de acordo com "qualidades" étnicas e de gênero. Por outro lado, a gestão de conhecimentos específicos sobre cura, tratamento e assistência supõe para as mulheres a posse de um papel distintivo e potencialmente empoderador dentro da comunidade como continuadores de certos conhecimentos tradicionais.

Traditional Plants Used by Remaining Healers from the Region of Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Although the traditional use of medicinal plants is a very widespread practice in Brazil, there are still few studies aimed at native prescribers, known as healers. The aim of this work was to catalog the medicinal species prescribed by remaining healers of the Grande Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with support of a standardized questionnaire for remaining healers selected using the "snowball" technique. The medicinal species selected were collected, identified, and classified according to the British National Formulary. Remaining healers were identified in seven municipalities in the region of Grande Dourados. Family, divine revelation, and participation of the Catholic Church were the most important sources of knowledge. Seventy-one medicinal species, mainly herbaceous belonging to Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Verbenaceae families, were the most prescribed. Most species are used in the treatment of digestive and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to immune and respiratory diseases. Healers from the region of Grande Dourados maintain considerable ethno-knowledge about the medicinal properties of different medicinal species. Sharing this information values their culture and preserves the knowledge for future generations.

Epilepsy in popular Medicine from the Classic Age to the Modern Age: a study on elk hoof as an original treatment.

European people believed that epilepsy was both a sacred and demoniac disease in the pre- and post-Hippocratic Age, and this belief continued into the Christian era. Epilepsy was wrapped in mystery. The present work shows an epileptic treatment using elk (Alces alces) hoof, which was better known among Northern European people, and explains its historical and popular origins that lead to its importance and success within the Official Medicine in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries until its gradual decline as a specific treatment in the subsequent centuries. We study authors from both Antiquity and the Modern Age. The present work concludes by highlighting the relationship between epilepsy and its magic-religious inheritance. It could be considered a valid example showing how a popular treatment can earn honors in the Official Pharmacopoeia, but later be excluded.

Práticas populares de cura e o uso de plantas medicinais pormães ribeirinhas no cuidado infantil / Prácticas populares de cura y plantas medicinales usados por las madresribereñas en el cuidado infantil / Popular healing practices and medical plants use for riparian mothers in early childhood care

Objetivo: analisar as praticas populares de cura com plantas medicinais pelas mães ribeirinhas durante o cuidado dos filhos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de etnoenfermagem, com coleta de dados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e observação participante. Participaram do estudo 15 mães da comunidade ribeirinha Vila Nova Maringá, Amazonas. Para análise dos dados foi utilizada a análise temática. Pesquisa aprovada pelo CEP EEAN/HESFA n°54/08. Resultados: Constatou-se que as praticas populares de cura variam de acordo com a etiologia; que 17 problemas físicos de saúde infantis podem ser tratados com 37 plantas medicinais; e que grande parte das plantas utilizadas encontram respaldo no saber científico. Conclusão: Acredita-se que a pesquisa tenha relevância para a enfermagem e comunidade, pois permitiu o intercâmbio de saberes popular e científico, bem como apontou uma necessidade de investimentos que trabalhem com esta temática.

Objectives: to analyze the popular healing practices with the use of medicinal plants by the riverside mothers during child care. Methods: This is a qualitative research, ethnonursing with data collection through semi-structured interview and participant observation.Study participants were 15 mothers of the riverside community Vila Nova Maringa, Amazonas, Brazil. For data analysis it was used the thematic analysis. Research approved by the CEP EEAN/HESFA n°54/08. Results: It was found that the popular healing practices vary according to the etiology; 17 that infant physical health problems can be treated with 37 medicinal plants; and that many of the plants used are supported by the scientific knowledge. Conclusion: It is believed that research has relevance for nursing and community, because it allowed the exchange of popular and scientific knowledge, and pointed to a need for investment into works with this theme.

Objetivo: analizar las practicas de curacion populares con el uso de plantas medicinales por las madres de ribera durante el cuidado del nino. Métodos: Se trata de una investigacion cualitativa, etnoenfermeria con la recopilacion de datos a traves de entrevistas semiestructuradas y observacion participante. Los participantes del estudio fueron 15 madres de la comunidad riberena Vila Nova Maringa, Amazonas. Para el analisis de datos se utilizo el analisis tematico. De investigacion aprobado por el CEP EEAN/HESFA n°54/08. Resultados: Se encontro que las practicas de curacion populares varian de acuerdo a la etiologia; 17 que los problemas de salud fisica para ninos pueden ser tratados con 37 plantas medicinales; y que muchas de las plantas utilizadas estan basadas en el conocimiento cientifico. Conclusión: Se cree que la investigacion tiene relevancia para el mal gema y la comunidad debido a que permitia el intercambio de conocimiento popular y cientifica, y senalo una necesidad de inversion para trabajar con este tema.

El empacho: revisión de una enfermedad popular infantil chilena (1674-2014) / Empacho: an historical review of popular Chilean childhood disease (1674-2014)

El empacho, el mal de ojo, los aires, el susto o espanto, son las principales y más reconocidas enfermedades populares latinoamericanas. Sobre el empacho la información médica, histórica y etnográfica es extensa y profunda, pues existen documentos que la registran desde el siglo XVI hasta tiempos recientes (2014), y para el caso chileno lo encontramos desde 1674. Para esta revisión fueron consultadas 109 fuentes documentales procedentes de las principales bibliotecas del país e incluso foráneas. Se encontró que la enfermedad es conocida en todo el territorio. Se trata de un trastorno de vías digestivas ocasionado por excesos alimentarios y la ingesta de productos poco o nada digeribles que provocan alteraciones del tránsito gastrointestinal. Los datos clínicos sobresalientes son gastralgia, diarrea o estreñimiento, vómitos, fiebre y otros malestares. La enfermedad es tratada a nivel doméstico, y en caso necesario se emplean especialistas populares, con excepcional visita al médico académico. Los tratamientos son múltiples, complejos y combinados; abarcan desde productos herbolarios hasta elementos rituales, sin faltar la denominada «quebradura del empacho¼. Esta somera revisión del empacho en Chile permitirá al médico pediatra adentrarse al mundo de los saberes y prácticas populares con la finalidad de mejorar su atención a los pacientes infantes y sus acompañantes familiares, pero también inducir al estudio serio y sistemático sobre esta entidad nosológica que seguirá existiendo a través del tiempo.

«Empacho¼ (abdominal pain and bloating), «mal de ojo¼ (evil eye), «los aires¼ (illnesses said to be caught by catching draughts), «el susto¼ or «espanto¼ (fright or panic), are the principal and most well-known popular Latin American illnesses. As regards empacho, the medical, historical and ethnographic information is extensive and detailed, since there documents recording it from the 16th century until recent times (2014), and in the case of Chile since 1674. For this review, 109 source documents from libraries in Chile, including some foreign ones, were consulted. It was found that the illness is known all over the country. It is a digestive system disorder caused by over-eating and the ingestion of products difficult to digest or indigestible, which cause problems in gastrointestinal transit. The most significant clinical data are gastralgia, diarrhoea or constipation, vomiting, fever, and other discomforts. The illness is treated at home, and if necessary, popular specialists are employed, with a visit to a qualified doctor being exceptional. There are many complex and combined treatments, which go from herbal products to ritual elements, not forgetting the so-called «quebradura del empacho¼. This review summary of empacho in Chile should enable the paediatrician to enter the world of popular knowledge and practices with the aim of improving the care of child patients and their families. It should also lead to the serious and systematic study of this nosological condition that will continue to exist in the future.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Hancornia speciosa latex in Allium cepa root model / Avaliação da citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade do látex de Hancornia speciosa usando o modelo da raiz de Allium cepa

Abstract The latex obtained from Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Mangabeira tree) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including diarrhea, ulcer, gastritis, tuberculosis, acne and warts. In this study, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects of H. speciosa latex on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa were examined. Onion bulbs were exposed to different concentrations of latex and then submitted to microscopic analysis using Giemsa stain. Water was used as a negative control and sodium azide as a positive control. The results showed that, under the testing conditions, the mitotic index (MI) of the onion roots submitted to latex treatment did not differ significantly from the negative control, which suggests that the latex is not cytotoxic. Low incidence of chromosome aberrations in the cells treated with H. speciosa latex was also observed, indicating that the latex does not have genotoxic effect either. The MI and the chromosome aberration frequency responded to the latex concentration, requiring more studies to evaluate the dosage effect on genotoxicity. The results indicate that in tested concentrations H. speciosa latex is probably not harmful to human health and may be potentially used in medicine.

Resumo O látex obtido de Hancornia speciosa é amplamente utilizado na medicina popular para tratar uma variedade de doenças, tais como: diarreia, úlcera, gastrite, tuberculose, acne e verrugas. Nesse estudo, foram avaliados os efeitos citotóxicos e genotóxicos do látex de H. speciosa sobre as células meristemáticas das raízes de Allium cepa. Os bulbos das cebolas foram expostos a diferentes concentrações de látex e depois submetidos à analise microscópica usando o corante Giemsa. A água foi usada como controle negativo e a ázida sódica como controle positivo. Os resultados mostraram que o índice mitótico (IM) das raízes de cebola submetidas ao tratamento com látex, nas condições testadas, não diferiram significativamente do controle negativo, e sugerem que o látex não é citotóxico. Também foi observada uma baixa incidência de aberrações cromossômicas nas células tratadas com látex de H. speciosa, o que sugere que o látex também não possui efeito genotóxico. O IM e a frequência de aberrações cromossômicas foram dependentes da concentração de látex. Outros estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar o efeito da dose na genotoxidade. Os resultados indicam que o látex de mangabeira, nas concentrações testadas, provavelmente não é danoso para saúde humana e pode ter potencial para ser usado na medicina.

[Empacho: An historical review of popular Chilean childhood disease (1674-2014)]. / El empacho: revisión de una enfermedad popular infantil chilena (1674-2014).

"Empacho" (abdominal pain and bloating), "mal de ojo" (evil eye), "los aires" (illnesses said to be caught by catching draughts), "el susto" or "espanto" (fright or panic), are the principal and most well-known popular Latin American illnesses. As regards empacho, the medical, historical and ethnographic information is extensive and detailed, since there documents recording it from the 16th century until recent times (2014), and in the case of Chile since 1674. For this review, 109 source documents from libraries in Chile, including some foreign ones, were consulted. It was found that the illness is known all over the country. It is a digestive system disorder caused by over-eating and the ingestion of products difficult to digest or indigestible, which cause problems in gastrointestinal transit. The most significant clinical data are gastralgia, diarrhoea or constipation, vomiting, fever, and other discomforts. The illness is treated at home, and if necessary, popular specialists are employed, with a visit to a qualified doctor being exceptional. There are many complex and combined treatments, which go from herbal products to ritual elements, not forgetting the so-called "quebradura del empacho". This review summary of empacho in Chile should enable the paediatrician to enter the world of popular knowledge and practices with the aim of improving the care of child patients and their families. It should also lead to the serious and systematic study of this nosological condition that will continue to exist in the future.

New Age in Israel: Formative ethos, identity blindness, and implications for healthcare.

This article presents a critical analysis of New Age culture. We draw on two empirical studies conducted in Israel and show that the lofty notions about freedom from the shackles of socially structured identities and the unifying potential this holds, as well as the claim regarding the basic equality of human beings, are utopian. Blindness toward ethno-national identity reinforces identification with a self-evident hegemonic perception, thereby leading to the exclusion of peripheral groups such as indigenous populations. This exclusion is manifested in the discourse symbolically as well as in the praxis of complementary and alternative medicine, which is one of the main fields in which New Age culture is involved. Thus, the unifying ethos in the New Age culture becomes an illusionary paradise. This article contributes to the study of power relationships between New Age culture in diverse Western countries and the native and peripheral populations of these countries, and to the sociological study of complementary and alternative medicine incorporated into health organizations.

Química e etnofarmacologia de plantas místicas em uma comunidade amazônica / Chemical and ethnopharmacology mystical plants in an Amazonian community

A relação homem-planta é cientificamente denominada de etnobotânica, na qual pesquisas que abordam as práticas medicinais envolvem, principalmente, a botânica, a química e a farmacologia. Assim, realizouse um levantamento de plantas místicas utilizadas na Comunidade Caruaru (Ilha de Mosqueiro, Belém ­ PA) e a relação das espécies mais citadas com propriedades químicas e farmacológicas. Na comunidade foi aplicada a amostragem não probabilística e a técnica bola de neve. Os dados obtidos se deram por questionários semi-estruturados e entrevistas dialogadas. A coleta do material botânico foi através de turnê guiada, capturando imagens e/ou coletando-os para identificações. Na análise de dados verificou-se o perfil dos entrevistados, o conhecimento botânico e a ocorrência de estudos químico-farmacológicos consultando bases científicas. Foram mencionadas pelos informantes 50 espécies, sendo identificadas 32, distribuídas em 32 famílias, destacando-se Lamiaceae, Araceae e Rutaceae. As espécies Ruta graveolens L.; Aellanthus suaveolens Mart. Ex Spreng.; Mansoa alliaceae (Lam.) A. H. Gentry; Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl.) R. M. King. & H. Rob.; Ocimum basilicum L.; Pogostemon heyneanus Benth.; Conobea scoparioides (Cham. & Schltdl.) Benth. Renealmia monosperma Miq e Vindicá, (em identificação), foram as mais citadas (três a cinco citações) com seis indicações de uso. Para estas plantas há investigações de cunho químico/biológico, informações que podem respaldar futuros estudos para verificações sobre a eficácia destes vegetais.(AU)

The relationship man-plant is scientifically called ethnobotany, in which these researches tell about the medical practices involving, mainly, the botany, the chemistry and the pharmacology. So, a survey was realized to mystical plants used in the Caruaru community (Mosqueiro Island, Belém-PA) and the relationship of species more cited with chemical and pharmacological properties. In the community was applied the non-probability sampling and the snowball technique. The information was gotten by semistructure questionnaire with a dialogued interview. The collect of botanical material was through guided tour which captured images and/or collected it to identification. In the analysis was noticed the profile of respondents, the botanical knowledge and the occurrence of chemical/pharmacological studies checking scientific bases. It were 50 species reported, between them, 31 were identify and distributed in 32 families, as the main: Lamiaceae, Araceae e Rutaceae. The species Ruta graveolens L.; Aellanthus suaveolens Mart Ex. Spreng.; Mansoa alliaceae (Lam.) A. H. Gentry; Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl.) R. M. King. & H. Rob.; Ocimum basilicum L.; Pogostemon heyneanus Benth.; Conobea scoparioides (Cham. & Schltdl.) Benth., Renealmia monosperma e Vindicá (in identification), they were the most cited (three to five quotation), six use indication. To these plants were noticed investigation of nature chemical/biological and pharmacological, information which may support future studies to verification about the effectiveness of these vegetables.(AU)

Los anfibios en la medicina popular española, la farmacopea de Plinio y el Dioscórides / Amphibians in Spanish popular medicine and the pharmacopoeia of Pliny and Dioscorides

Se presenta una lista de remedios médicos basados en el uso de anfibios en la medicina popular española y en el Mundo Clásico. Se ha llevado a cabo una revisión de la bibliografía relativa a estudios de folklore, trabajos etnográficos e investigaciones en antropología social o médica. Se documenta un total de 113 remedios y el uso de nueve especies de anfibios, dos pertenecientes a la familia de los caudados (urodelos) y siete anuros. La mayoría de los remedios se basa en la "preconcepción" popular sobre la influencia de los mismos y la sanación mediante la transmisión del mal a un ser vivo. Se destaca el uso tradicional de algunas especies amenazadas, dato a tener en cuenta a la hora de tomar decisiones en el campo de la biología de la conservación y la educación ambiental.

This article presents a list of medical remedies based on the use of amphibians in Spanish popular medicine and in the classical world. It provides an overview of bibliography relative to folklore studies, ethnographic work and research on social or medical anthropology. It documents a total of 113 remedies and the use of nine species of amphibians, two from the family of caudates (urodeles) and seven anurans. Most of these remedies are based on the popular "preconception" about the influence of amphibians and healing by transmitting an illness to a living creature. The traditional use of certain threatened species is emphasized, an issue to bear in mind in decision-making in the field of conservation biology and environmental education.

Plantas medicinais: o conhecimento e uso popular / Medicinal plants: popular knowledge and use

Os saberes populares e os conhecimentos científicos estão interligados por uma ponte acessível a todos os profissionais da saúde. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa teve como principal objetivo articular esses saberes e propagar o conceito de que o conhecimento é uma construção de mão dupla. Pesquisa populacional-territorial, descritiva e transversal, cujo objetivo geral foi descrever o conhecimento popular em relação às plantas medicinais junto a três Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF), no interior do Estado de São Paulo, no ano de 2013. Os objetivos específicos se detiveram em relacionar essas plantas medicinais quanto ao nome popular, partes usadas, modo de preparo, conservação, finalidade terapêutica, frequência e a origem do uso. A coleta de dados ocorreu, por meio de entrevistas estruturadas, totalizando 25 participantes indicados pelas equipes das USFs. A caracterização dos participantes aponta que o maior número é do sexo feminino, 19 (76%) e 6 do sexo masculino (24%), com idade entre 32 e 80 anos. Os resultados revelam que o início dessa prática, para a maioria dos participantes aconteceu, a partir de um aprendizado com os pais. Dentre as plantas apontadas, mais de 100 são para uso medicinal, caracterizando-se, desde algumas frutas até resina e resíduos de madeira. As mais citadas foram o guaco, a hortelã, o boldo e o rubim. Em relação à finalidade de uso, a mais citada, o guaco é usado para afecções do trato respiratório (como tosse, expectoração, rinite, sinusite, estado gripal), fato em consonância com a literatura científica.

Popular and scientific knowledge are interconnected by a link accessible to all health professionals. Thus, the principal aim of this research was to articulate this knowledge and to spread the concept that knowledge is a two-way construct. This is a population-territorial, cross-sectional, descriptive study whose general objective was to describe popular knowledge regarding medicinal plants, working with three Family Health Units (FHUs) in the State of São Paulo, in 2013. The specific objectives were to report on the medicinal plants used by the community, collecting their popular name (and whether fresh or dried household plants were used), the parts used, the way of preparing them, conservation, therapeutic purpose, frequency, and the source for the usage. The data collection was done through standardized interviews, with 25 participants indicated by the FHU teams. The characterization of the participants shows that the majority were female, 19 (76%), and 6 were male (24%), with ages between 32 and 80 years. The results reveal that the beginning of this practice, for most participants, came from lessons with parents. Among the plants mentioned, over 100 are for medical use, characterized by some fruit, and even resin and wood waste. The most-cited were: guaco, mint, bilberry, and ruby. Regarding the purpose of the use, the most-mentioned plant, guaco, is used for disorders of the respiratory tract such as coughing and expectoration, a fact consistent with the scientific literature.

Revisão integrativa sobre uso medicinal e atividades farmacológicas de plantas do gênero Bauhinia / Integrative review on medical use and pharmacological activities Bauhinia genus plant / Revisión integradora sobre el uso medicinal y actividades farmacológicas de plantas del género Bauhinia

Objetivo: identificar a produção do conhecimento sobre plantas do gênero Bauhinia a respeito de seu uso terapêutico popular e estudos farmacológicos em pesquisas brasileiras. Método: revisão integrativa, cujas as bases de dados consultadas foram LILACS, MEDLINE e Scopus e biblioteca virtual SciELO a partir dos descritores: Bauhinia; Brazil; ethnobotany; folk medicine; medicinal plants; bioassay e anti-infective agents. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pesquisas realizadas no Brasil, estudos etnobotânicos e experimentais com atividades comprovadas. Resultados: a análise dos 51 artigos demonstrou um avanço nas pesquisas etnobotânicas e farmacológicas, o que pode estar relacionado às importantes iniciativas governamentais, mas poucos são os estudos que comprovem as inúmeras utilizações populares para as centenas de espécies do referido gênero. Conclusão: a compilação de dessas informações pode oferecer subsídios na realização de futuros estudos farmacológicos de espécies ainda não avaliadas que podem ser incluídas na RENISUS e listadas na RENAME, para assim serem oficialmente prescritas no Sistema Único de Saúde.(AU)

Objective: to identify knowledge production about Bauhinia genus plants on its popular therapeutic use and pharmacological studies in Brazilian research. Method: integrative review, where the databases LILACS, MEDLINE and Scopus and SciELO virtual library were consulted from descriptors: Bauhinia; Brazil; ethnobotany; folk medicine; medicinal plants; bioassay and anti-infective agents. Some of the inclusion criteria were studies conducted in Brazil, ethnobotanical studies and experimental with proven activities. Results: the analysis of 51 articles showed an improvement in the ethnobotanical and pharmacological research, which may be related to major government initiatives, but there are few studies that prove the many popular uses for hundreds of species of that genus. Conclusion: the compilation of this information can help in the realization of future pharmacological studies of not yet evaluated species that can be included in RENISUS and listed on the RENAME, to be officially prescribed in the public health system. (AU)

Objetivo: identificar la producción del conocimiento sobre plantas del género Bauhinia a respecto de su uso terapéutico popular y estudios farmacológicos en investigaciones brasileñas. Método: revisión integradora donde fueron consultadas las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE y Scopus y biblioteca virtual SciELO a partir de los descriptores: Bauhinia; Brazil; ethnobotany; folk medicine; medicinal plants; bioassay y anti-infective agents. Algunos de los criterios de inclusión fueron: investigaciones realizadas en Brasil, estudios etnobotánicos y experimentales con actividades comprobadas. Resultados: el análisis de los 51 artículos demostró un avance en las investigaciones etnobotánicas y farmacológicas, lo que puede estar relacionado a las importantes iniciativas gubernamentales, pero pocos son los estudios que comprueben las innúmeras utilizaciones populares para las centenas de especies del referido género. Conclusión: la compilación de esas informaciones puede ofrecer subsidios en la realización de futuros estudios farmacológicos de especies todavía no evaluadas que pueden ser incluidas en RENISUS y listadas en RENAME, para así ser oficialmente prescritas en el sistema único de salud.(AU)

Prática popular de saúde: a concepção dos usuários da unidade de saúde Engenho do Meio sobre o uso de plantas medicinais / Popular health practice: users' conception about the use of medicinal plants at the Engenho do Meio health care unit

A pesquisa caracterizou-se por estudar o uso da fitoterapiapelos comunitários atendidos na Unidade de Saúdeda Família Engenho do Meio, Recife, PE, e traçar o perfilsocioeconômico. Foi realizado um estudo observacional,transversal e descritivo de natureza quanti-qualitativa, noqual os dados foram obtidos através de entrevistas com369 usuários, conduzidas por estudantes do Programa deEducação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde (PET-Saúde) pormeio de questionário semiestruturado. Foram abordadosdados socioeconômicos e etnofarmacológicos, os quaisforam analisados por distribuição de frequência simples.Dos usuários entrevistados, 85% foram mulheres, 36%possuíam ensino médio completo e 83% tinham renda familiarde até dois salários mínimos. Verificou-se que 77%utilizam alguma planta medicinal, sendo os distúrbios gastrintestinaisa principal indicação clínica. Vizinhos e familiaresforam responsáveis por 93% das indicações. Ochá foi a forma de preparo predominante (94%) e a folha,a parte da planta mais usada (83%). Quando abordadossobre as contraindicações das plantas, 99% dos usuáriosinformaram desconhecê-las. Pode-se perceber com os resultadosa valorização da cultura popular, em função daelevada taxa de uso das plantas medicinais. No entanto,é preciso investir na perspectiva do uso racional e segurodas plantas medicinais pelo elevado índice de desconhecimentoacerca das contraindicações.

The research was characterized by studying the useof phytotherapy in the community served by theEngenho do Meio Family Health Care Unit, Recife,PE, as well as determining the socioeconomic profile.An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study,qualitative and quantitative in nature, in which the datawere obtained through interviews with 369 users, wascarried out by students of the Education Programfor Work in Health Care (EPW-Health) through asemi-structured questionnaire. Socioeconomic andethnopharmacological data, which were analyzed bysimple frequency distribution, were discussed. Among thesurveyed users, 85% were women, 36% had completedhigh school, and 83% had a family income of up to twominimum wages. It was found that 77% use a medicinalplant, with gastrointestinal disorders being the mainclinical indication. Neighbors and family members wereresponsible for 93% of the recommendations. Tea wasthe predominant form of preparation (94%) and the leafwas the most commonly used part of the plant (83%).When asked about the contraindications of plants, 99%of the users reported being unaware of them. The resultsshow the importance of popular culture, given the highrate of use of medicinal plants. However, investment inthe perspective of the rational and safe use of medicinalplants is needed due to the high rate of ignorance aboutthe contraindications.