The Meaning of Plants' Names: A New Discovering Approach to Its Medicinal and/or Toxic Properties.

Some of the vernacular or scientific names are related to possible medicinal and/or toxic properties that can reveal the presence of potential bioactive agents, contributing to the discovery of new drugs and/or knowledge of the risks associated with their use. This study sought to list the scientific and vernacular names of plants whose lexicons are related to those possible properties of plants and to compare them with the "ethno" (ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological) and pharmacological data available in the scientific literature. A floating reading of the two classical and reference works on Brazilian medicinal plants was performed, and plants with vernacular and/or scientific names related to the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties were listed. Correlations between the meanings of the species' names (lexicon) and their possible biological properties were made from their translation from Latin by consulting dictionaries. A bibliographic survey was conducted on the "ethno" and pharmacological data for each species. Finally, data from these three dimensions (lexicon, "ethno," and pharmacology) were classified and compared using a bioprospection classification. It resulted in a list of 90 plant species belonging to 47 families. 66 of the 90 species presented "ethno" data from the scientific literature, while 46 species presented pharmacological data. Of these, 46 (69.7%) and 27 (58.7%), respectively, showed equivalence with the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties of plants according to their lexicons. According to this study, half of the plants investigated demonstrate equivalence in the three dimensions analyzed (lexicons, "ethno," and pharmacological data from the scientific literature). Gastrointestinal and nervous system categories are among the most common in all three dimensions. Plant lexicons may be closely linked to the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties and the study of plant lexicons may represent one more approach for the search for new drugs, mainly considering the gastrointestinal, nervous, and parasites categories.

Participatory ethnobotany: comparison between two quilombos in the Atlantic Forest, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Ethnobotanical studies that use the participatory research approach seek to involve the residents of a community in different stages of the study, promoting the registration, dissemination and strengthening of local knowledge, as well as the empowerment of decisions related to the sustainable use and management of resources. Using the participatory methodology, this study recorded and made a comparative analysis on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (Quilombo do Cambury-QC and Quilombo da Fazenda-QF) in the State of São Paulo. After a training on anthropological and botanical methods, local researchers selected and interviewed the local experts, recording their knowledge on plant uses and collecting the indicated plants, to be identified and deposited in herbariums. In addition, participant observation and field diaries were used by the academic researchers, helping to analyze the data. To test the differences in the composition of species known to local community, a Jaccard dissimilarity matrix was created, and a Permanova test was employed. During the 178 days of fieldwork, three local researchers from the QC and two from the QF, selected nine and eight experts on the uses of the plants in each quilombo, respectively, corresponding to 214 plant species, indicated for eight ethnobotanical categories. Our hypothesis has been confirmed, since the traditional knowledge found in both quilombos, regarding plant uses and the number of plant species by category, are distinct, since each community occupies particular plant areas and different phytophysiognomies. Most of the indicated species are native to the Atlantic forest, and no significant differences were observed in the proportion of native species vs. introduced among quilombos for any of the categories of use studied. Furthermore, the innovative methodology used, participatory ethnobotany, contributed to the empowerment of community members with regard to the use of their available resources in the environment in which they live, while retaining the intellectual property rights over their own knowledge.

The importance of ethnoecological studies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity: a critical analysis of six decades of support by FAPESP / A importância dos estudos etnoecológicos para a conservação e uso sustentável da biodiversidade: uma análise crítica das seis décadas de apoio pela FAPESP

Abstract This paper aims to assess the area of ethnoecology within funding provided by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) to projects and events in order to discuss the importance of this area for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the opportunity to advance this area of knowledge, The paper presents a retrospective analysis of the 75 projects and 21 events organized in the area of ethnoecology that received support from FAPESP in the last 60 years. For this purpose, a search was performed in the FAPESP databases using the keywords Ethnoecology, Ethnobiology, Ethnoscience, Ethnoichthyology, Ethnotaxonomy, Ecological Anthropology, Ethnobotany, Ethnozoology, Ethnopharmacology, Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge, Ethnography, Human Ecology and Ethnoarcheology. Research Support modality accounted for most of the projects (88%), with 45.3% of funding occurring in the decade of 2000-2009. No project was supported in the first two decades and only eight were part of the BIOTA Program. The main areas of submission were Biological Sciences (46.7% of projects and 47.6% of events) and Humanities (38.7% of projects). The research questions and methods of the projects developed over the last four decades were analyzed critically and comparatively. Given the data collected, an increase of ethnocecological projects supported by the BIOTA Program and through the thematic modality may contribute to advance this area of knowledge and to cross the path from inter to transdisciplinar science.

Resumo O artigo objetiva avaliar a área da etnoecologia dentro dos financiamentos de projetos e eventos apoiado pela Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) com vista a discutir a importância da área para a conservação e uso sustentável da biodiversidade e as oportunidades para avançar esta área do conhecimento, O artigo traz uma retrospectiva dos 76 projetos e 21 eventos organizados na área de Etnoecologia, que receberam apoio da FAPESP nos últimos 60 anos. Para tanto, foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados da FAPESP considerando as palavras-chave: Etnoecologia, Etnobiologia, Etnociência, Etnoictiologia, Etnotaxonomia, Antropologia Ecológica, Etnobotânica, Etnozoologia, Etnofarmacologia, Conhecimento Tradicional, Conhecimento Ecológico Tradicional, Conhecimento Indígena, Etnografia, Ecologia Humana e Etnoarqueologia. A maior parte dos projetos foram desenvolvidos na modalidade Auxílio à Pesquisa (88%), sendo a década de destaque a de 2000-2009 (44,7%). Nenhum projeto foi localizado nas duas primeiras décadas, e apenas 8 fizeram parte do Programa Biota. As principais áreas de submissão foram as Ciências Biológicas (46% dos projetos e 47% dos eventos) e as Ciências Humanas (38% dos projetos). As perguntas de pesquisa e métodos dos projetos desenvolvidos ao longo das quatro últimas décadas foram analisados de forma crítica e comparativa. Diante dos dados levantados, um aumento de projetos etnoecológicos apoiados pelo programa Biota e na modalidade Temático pode contribuir para um avanço desta área do conhecimento e para cruzar o percurso da interdisciplinaridade à transdisciplinaridade.

Temperamento dos adeptos do uso ritual da Ayahuasca do Centro Luz Divina, Piedade –SP, Brasil / Temperament of the adepts of the ritual use of Ayahuasca at the Centro Luz Divina, Piedade -SP, Brazil

O temperamento pode ser considerado a base do humor, do comportamento e da personalidade do indivíduo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência do consumo ritual da Ayahuasca pelos adeptos daimistas do Centro Luz Divina, em relação ao temperamento de usuários experientes e iniciantes. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, do qual participaram 48 pessoas, distribuídas em dois grupos: (a) grupo estudo: subdividido em grupo experiente (16 pessoas com mais de 20 anos de uso ritual da Ayahuasca) e grupo iniciante (16 pessoas com menos de 3 anos de uso ritual); (b) grupo controle (16 pessoas que nunca utilizaram Ayahuasca), pareado por sexo, faixa etária e escolaridade. Foi utilizada a Escala Composta de Temperamento Emocional e Afetivo(AFECTS). Observou-se efeito significante entre os grupos na dimensão emocional Vontade [F(2,48)= 4,75; p=0,013],ressalte-se que o grupo experiente (47,00) obteve melhor pontuação que o grupo controle (42,68). Verificou-se o efeito da interação entre grupo e sexo na dimensão emocional Controle [F(5,48)= 7,04; p=0,002], grupo feminino experiente (46,50) versus grupo feminino controle (39,87). Considerando apenas o grupo estudo (experiente e iniciante), constatou-se: correlação positiva da dimensão emocional Vontade com Maturidade (coping) e Estabilidade; correlação positiva da dimensão emocional Controle com Maturidade (coping), Estabilidade e Cautela, e negativa com Raiva. Em conclusão, todas as mulheres do grupo experiente obtiveram classificação do temperamento “Estáveis”e atingiriam escores significativos na dimensão emocional Controle, enquanto o grupo experiente, de ambos os sexos, sobressaiu-se na dimensão emocional Vontade.(AU)

Temperament can be considered the basis of the individual’s humor, behavior and personality. The aim of this study was to verify the influence of Ayahuasca’s ritual consumption, by the daimist adepts of Centro Luz Divina, in relation to the temperament of experienced users and beginners. A cross-sectional study in which 48 people participated was performed. They were distributed into two groups of 16 people: (a) study group subdivided into an experienced group (16 people with over 20 years of Ayahuasca’s ritual use) and a beginners group (16 people with less than 3 years of ritual use); (b) control group (16 people who never used ayahuasca) paired by sex, age and scholarity. The Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) was applied. A significant effect was observed in the Volition dimension [F(2,48)= 4,75; p = 0,013]. The score of the experience group (47,00) was higher than the control group (42,68). It was verified the effect of the interaction between group and sex in the Control dimension [F(5,48)= 7,04; p = 0,002]: experienced female group (46,50) versuscontrol female group (39,87). Considering only the study group (both experienced and beginners) it was verified: positive correlation of the Volition dimension with Coping and Stability; positive correlation of the Control dimension with Coping, Stability and Caution, and negative correlation with Anger. In conclusion, all women in the experienced group obtained “stable” temperament rating and achieved significant scores in the emotional dimension Control; while the experienced group, of both genders, stood out in the emotional dimension Volition.(AU)

The Potential of Traditional Knowledge to Develop Effective Medicines for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects people living in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. There are few therapeutic options for treating this infectious disease, and available drugs induce severe side effects in patients. Different communities have limited access to hospital facilities, as well as classical treatment of leishmaniasis; therefore, they use local natural products as alternative medicines to treat this infectious disease. The present work performed a bibliographic survey worldwide to record plants used by traditional communities to treat leishmaniasis, as well as the uses and peculiarities associated with each plant, which can guide future studies regarding the characterization of new drugs to treat leishmaniasis. A bibliographic survey performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases retrieved 294 articles related to traditional knowledge, medicinal plants and leishmaniasis; however, only 20 were selected based on the traditional use of plants to treat leishmaniasis. Considering such studies, 378 quotes referring to 292 plants (216 species and 76 genera) that have been used to treat leishmaniasis were recorded, which could be grouped into 89 different families. A broad discussion has been presented regarding the most frequent families, including Fabaceae (27 quotes), Araceae (23), Solanaceae and Asteraceae (22 each). Among the available data in the 378 quotes, it was observed that the parts of the plants most frequently used in local medicine were leaves (42.3% of recipes), applied topically (74.6%) and fresh poultices (17.2%). The contribution of Latin America to studies enrolling ethnopharmacological indications to treat leishmaniasis was evident. Of the 292 plants registered, 79 were tested against Leishmania sp. Future studies on leishmanicidal activity could be guided by the 292 plants presented in this study, mainly the five species Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae), Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae), Copaifera paupera (Herzog) Dwyer (Fabaceae), Musa × paradisiaca L. (Musaceae), and Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae), since they are the most frequently cited in articles and by traditional communities.

When formulation procedures strongly matter: a case study of ayahuasca use in Centro Luz Divina, Piedade, São Paulo, Brazil

Objectives: The objectives of this study were (a) to describe the history of the formation of the Centro Luz Divina (CLD), Piedade, São Paulo, (b) to describe the plants and recipes involved in making ayahuasca, and (c) to provide information for future chemical and pharmacological studies of ayahuasca. Methods: During the 578 hours of fieldwork between 2017 and 2019, 10 interviewees were interviewed (two priests and eight CLD leaders). The methods and techniques from cultural anthropology were used to conduct a snowball sampling to select respondents and record data through unstructured interviews, participant observation and field diaries. Data on the history of the CLD's formation, plants and beverage recipes were recorded. The plants were dry collected and deposited at the UNIFESP Herbarium. Results: The history of the formation of the CLD, which was founded in 2002, was detailed. This center produces several recipes of the ayahuasca beverage during rituals named feitios in Portuguese by using the plants Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. The process of making two of these recipes was detailed in the present study, and they are the "First Degree beverage" and "Second Degree beverage", which vary in preparation time, concentration, diversity and amount of the plant used and may lead to different "potencies of the beverage", according to the interviewees' reports. From a pharmacological point of view, higher degree beverages are probably richer beverages from the chemical and pharmacological perspectives. Conclusion: Ayahuasca recipes produced at the CLD may have different "potencies". However, future chemical and pharmacological investigations should consider these and other types of ayahuasca found in other Daimist centers in their protocols since many studies suggest the use of the substances in this beverage for treating Parkinson's, anxiety, depression, and other ailments, as described in the scientific literature.

Evaluation of conservation status of plants in Brazil's Atlantic forest: An ethnoecological approach with Quilombola communities in Serra do Mar State Park.

The Atlantic Forest is considered the fourth most important biodiversity hotspot. Although almost 96% of its original area has been devastated, a large part of its remaining conserved area is inhabited by traditional communities. This research focused on two Quilombola communities who reside within the Núcleo Picinguaba of the Serra do Mar State Park, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The objective was to use a combination of ethnoecological and ecological approaches to select priority species for which to develop participatory conservation and sustainable management plans in protected areas in Brazil. We collaborated with community members to collect ethnobotanical and ethnoecological data and then measured the abundance of native species in local forests through phytosociological sampling. We used this information to assess the degree of threat to useful species using the Conservation Priority Index, adding an additional layer of analysis based on habitat successional categories. We then overlayed those useful species identified as highest risk locally with those federally listed as threatened or endangered. Based on this, we identified three species as priority for the development of sustainable management plans: Virola bicuhyba, Cedrella fissilis and Plinia edulis.

Participatory methods on the recording of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants in Atlantic forest, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Ethnobotanical studies that include participatory methods aim to engage residents in different steps to promote the strengthening and perpetuation of local culture, and empowerment in making decisions about the use of available environmental resources. Thus, the aim of this project was to perform an ethnobotanical survey based on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with the active participation of residents living in Bairro do Cambury, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During meetings held between the researchers and community members, locally used plants were regarded as an important means for preserving local knowledge for future generations. Some residents showed interest in participating as local partners, and training courses for collecting ethnobotanical data were offered. Local partners and researchers from São Paulo Federal University (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) utilized ethnobotanical methods to select and interview the specialists in medicinal plants for 80 days between 2016 and 2018. Data on plant use were recorded, and plants were collected and deposited in two herbaria. Furthermore, participant observation and fieldwork diaries were used by the researchers, aiding the data analysis. RESULTS: Three local partners participated in objective definitions, data collection, analysis and publication. Nine local specialists were interviewed by the local partners and indicated the use of 82 plant species in 90 recipes for 55 therapeutic uses. These uses were grouped into 12 categories. In addition, a video and booklet were created. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained during participatory research show that training local communities in the registration of their own knowledge is feasible and necessary since they register knowledge based on local perceptions, as well as valuing knowledge and approaching the current discussion about intellectual property is a global concern.

Participatory ethnobotany and conservation: a methodological case study conducted with quilombola communities in Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

BACKGROUND: Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents. METHODS: In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities-the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II. RESULTS: In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority-82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants.

Impact of the Training of Professionals from São Paulo Public Health System in Phytotherapy Practice / Impacto da Capacitação de Profissionais da Rede Pública de Saúde de São Paulo na Prática da Fitoterapia

Abstract: Introduction: Following the introduction in 2006 of the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices, and The National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines, the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment of the City Hall of Sao Paulo initiated the Medicinal Plants Course, later expanded to The Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Course for the training of health professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 2014 and 2015 edition of the course "Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines" on health professional practices. Methods: An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with a qualitative-quantitative approach. The quantitative process (Phase I) consisted of a questionnaire being emailed to health professionals who were involved in the course, divided into seven categories: biomedical professional, dental surgeon, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, physician and nutritionist; and, out of 165 questionnaires, 114 responses were received (69.1%). The Qualitative and Quantitative process (Phase II), comprised semi-structured, in-person individual interviews to obtain detailed information on Phytotherapy practices, with 73 health professionals being interviewed, before and after the training, comparing their practices afterwards. Results: The course had a positive impact on the acceptance and application of Phytotherapy by health professionals with a significant increase (p<0.001) in the expansion of activities related to Phytotherapy (herbal tea "meetings", medicinal herb gardens and capacity training), regarding the use of herbal products, such as Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Maytenus ilicifolia (espinheira-santa), Valeriana officinalis (valeriana). An increase in the knowledge of Phytotherapy risks was also observed, although there was no increase in the reporting of adverse reactions. The study confirmed the importance of the inclusion of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Courses as part of undergraduate and postgraduate school, as well as the technical training and continuing education for SUS health professionals. Conclusion: The positive impact found out in almost all evaluated aspects, such as the increase in the knowledge and in the prescription of herbal medicines, confirms the importance of such courses. The results suggest the training promoted a positive impact on the Phytotherapy practice of the Public Health System professionals in São Paulo.

Resumo: Introdução: Após a aprovação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares e da Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos em 2006, a Secretaria Municipal do Verde e do Meio Ambiente de São Paulo iniciou o curso "Plantas Medicinais" que posteriormente foi ampliado para curso "Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia", com o propósito de capacitar profissionais de saúde. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto das edições de 2014 e 2015 do curso "Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia" nas práticas profissionais. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem quali-quantitativa. No processo quantitativo (fase I), enviou-se um questionário via e-mail para profissionais de saúde egressos do curso, divididos em sete categorias: biomédico, cirurgião-dentista, enfermeiro, farmacêutico, fisioterapeuta, médico e nutricionista. Do total de 165 questionários, 114 foram respondidos (69,1%). No processo qualitativo e quantitativo (fase II), realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas, presenciais e individuais visando obter informações detalhadas da prática fitoterápica. Entrevistaram-se 73 profissionais de saúde a fim de comparar as práticas deles antes e depois da capacitação. Resultados: O curso impactou positivamente a aceitação e a aplicação da fitoterapia pelos profissionais de saúde, com um aumento significativo (p < 0,001) na ampliação de atividades relacionadas à fitoterapia (rodas de "chás", "hortas medicinais" e capacitação). Houve ainda impacto na aplicação de produtos à base de plantas como Matricaria chamomilla (camomila), Maytenus ilicifolia (espinheira-santa) e Valeriana officinalis (valeriana). Verificou-se também aumento no conhecimento dos riscos da fitoterapia, embora sem o respectivo aumento na notificação de reações adversas. O estudo confirmou a importância da inclusão dos cursos em "Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia" na graduação e na pós-graduação, bem como da capacitação técnica e educação permanente para profissionais de saúde do SUS. Conclusão: O impacto positivo na quase totalidade dos aspectos avaliados, como o aumento do conhecimento e a prescrição de fitoterápicos, confirma a importância de tais cursos. Os resultados sugerem que a capacitação promoveu impacto positivo na prática fitoterápica dos profissionais da rede pública de saúde de São Paulo.

Petiveria alliacea, a plant used in Afro-Brazilian smoke rituals, triggers pulmonary inflammation in rats

Abstract Petiveria alliacea L., Phytolaccaceae, a plant used in Afro-Brazilian religious smoke rituals is reported to have "harmonic properties" (anxiolytic effect) by ethnobotanical survey. In the present work, we analyzed the chemical composition of volatiles produced by leaves of P. alliacea, using headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and its potential anxiolytic and toxic effects in smoke-exposed rats. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior were allocated into groups, according to substance administration: acute (locomotor activity) or chronic (anxiety-like behavior) burning charcoal or to smoke from P. alliacea. Inflammatory cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage and morphometric analysis in airway were assessed. Animals exposed to P. alliacea smoke had no locomotor activity or elevated plus maze open arm exploration impairment, while lungs had lower number of macrophages in bronchoalveolar fluid and an increased number of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells in the peribronchovascular region. Chemical analysis of plant material allowed the identification of dimethylsulfide (18.7%), diethylsulfide (33.4%) and nerolidol (25.8%) as main volatile compounds. Taken together, prolonged exposure to P. alliacea smoke does not induce anxiolytic effects, but histological analyses indicate a possible pulmonary inflammatory response.

The historical development of pharmacopoeias and the inclusion of exotic herbal drugs with a focus on Europe and Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In spite of the rich bio-cultural diversity found in the Neotropics relatively few herbal drugs native to South America are included in the global pharmacopoeia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the attempt to historically explain the inclusion of herbal drugs into official pharmacopoeias we consider the disparate epidemiology and cultural evolution of the New and the Old World. We then trace the development of pharmacopoeias and review forces that worked towards and against the synchronization of pharmacopoeias and highlight the role of early chemical and pharmacological studies in Europe. Finally, we compare the share of exotic and native herbal drug species included in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia with the share of exotic and native species included in the European Pharmacopoeia as well as those used for products registered with ANVISA. RESULTS: The domination of Eurasian herbal drugs in the European Pharmacopoeia seems to be conditioned by the geographical extension of Eurasia, which facilitated the interchange of materia medica and the creation of a consensus of use since ancient times. At the time of the Conquest the epidemiology of the Amerindian populations resembled that of pre-agriculturalist societies while no written consensus around efficacious medicine existed. Subsequently, introduced and well-tried plant species of the Old World gained therapeutic importance in the New World. CONCLUSION: The research focus in Europe and the US resulted in a persistence of herbal drugs with a historic importance in the European and US pharmacopoeias, which gained a status as safe and efficacious. During the last decades only few ethnopharmacological field-studies have been conducted with indigenous Amerindian groups living in the Brazilian Amazon, which might be attributable to difficulties in obtaining research permissions. Newly adopted regulations regarding access to biodiversity and traditional knowledge as well as the simplified procedure for licencing herbal medicinal products in Brazil prospects an interesting future for those aiming at developing herbal medicine based on bio-cultural diversity and respecting the protocols regulating benefit sharing.

Ethnopharmacology Study of Plants from Atlantic Forest with Leishmanicidal Activity.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan belonging to Leishmania genus. Different clinical outcomes can be observed depending on the parasite species and patient's health condition. The outcomes can range from single cutaneous lesions to lethal visceral form. The treatment of all forms of leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, and, in some cases, the second-line drug, amphotericin B, is used. Beside the toxicity of both classes of drugs, in some areas of the world, parasites are resistant to antimonial. These detrimental features make fundamental the discovery and characterization of new drugs or plant extracts with leishmanicidal effects. Brazil is a well-known country for its biodiversity. Additionally, the common knowledge inherited for generations in small villages makes Brazil a source of new information and resources for the discovery and development of new drugs. Based on ethnopharmacology, elderlies were interviewed about plants they commonly used for skin diseases and infections. Five native plants from Atlantic forest were indicated; EtOH and n-hexane extracts were prepared with the vegetative organs of the plants and assayed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis. The major molecules of each extract were detected using qualitative nuclear magnetic resonance. Among all tested extracts, the n-hexane extract from the leave of Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae), enriched in myricitrin and quercitrin flavonoids, was the most effective against L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes. This data supports the ethnopharmacology approach as a successful tool for the discovery of new drugs with leishmanicidal effects.

Conventional Versus Natural Alternative Treatments for Leishmaniasis: A Review.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoan belonging to the Leishmania genus. There are at least 16 pathogenic species for humans that are able to cause different clinical forms, such as cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis. In spite of the different species and clinical forms, the treatment is performed with few drug options that, in most cases, are considered outdated. In addition, patients under classical treatment show serious side effects during drug administration, moreover parasites are able to become resistant to medicines. Thus, it is believed and well accepted that is urgent and necessary to develop new therapeutic options to overpass these concerns about conventional therapy of leishmaniasis. The present review will focus on the efficacy, side effects and action mechanism of classic drugs used in the treatment of leishmaniasis, as well as the importance of traditional knowledge for directing a rational search toward the discovery and characterization of new and effective molecules (in vivo assays) from plants to be used against leishmaniasis.

Nests of "caba-leão" wasps (Sceliphron sp., Sphecidae) used in traditional medicine by riverine communities of the Jaú and Unini Rivers, Amazon, Brazil: ethnopharmacological, chemical and mineralogical aspects

ABSTRACT This research contributes to the study of substances present in homemade remedies used by the riverine communities of the Amazon, which are the result of insect-mineral-vegetable oil-interaction. The results of the analyses show the main components (inorganic and organic components) of the "caba-leão" wasps nests (Sceliphron sp., Sphecidae) used by "caboclos" as a topical medication to treat mumps and earaches. The ethnopharmacological data collection consisted of samples of wasps nests and soil, as a source of inorganic elements, from the Jaú and Unini Rivers, in the River Negro basin, Amazon, Brazil. The samples were qualitatively analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (organic and inorganic composition) as well as by X-ray diffraction (to identify minerals). Quantitative chemical analyses for ten major common elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence. The inorganic components are formed by minerals (quartz, kaolinite, illite and gibbsite), identified by X-ray diffraction and Infrared spectroscopy, which are common in the soil of the region. The analyses by X-ray fluorescence indicate that the most common oxides are SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 within minerals. This research contributed to the study of substances found in homemade remedies used by the riverine communities of the Amazon, which are the result of insect-mineral-vegetable oil-interaction.

Local ecological knowledge and its relationship with biodiversity conservation among two Quilombola groups living in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil.

Information on the knowledge, uses, and abundance of natural resources in local communities can provide insight on conservation status and conservation strategies in these locations. The aim of this research was to evaluate the uses, knowledge and conservation status of plants in two Quilombolas (descendants of slaves of African origin) communities in the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil, São Sebastião da Boa Vista (SSBV) and São Bento (SB). We used a combination of ethnobotanical and ecological survey methods to ask: 1) What ethnobotanical knowledge do the communities hold? 2) What native species are most valuable to them? 3) What is the conservation status of the native species used? Thirteen local experts described the names and uses of 212 species in SSBV (105 native species) and 221 in SB (96 native species). Shannon Wiener diversity and Pielou's Equitability indices of ethnobotanical knowledge of species were very high (5.27/0.96 and 5.28/0.96, respectively). Species with the highest cultural significance and use-value indexes in SSBV were Dalbergia hortensis (26/2.14), Eremanthus erythropappus (6.88/1), and Tibouchina granulosa (6.02/1); while Piptadenia gonoacantha (3.32/1), Sparattosperma leucanthum (3.32/1) and Cecropia glaziovii (3.32/0.67) were the highest in SB. Thirty-three native species ranked in the highest conservation priority category at SSBV and 31 at SB. D. hortensis was noteworthy because of its extremely high cultural importance at SSBV, and its categorization as a conservation priority in both communities. This information can be used towards generating sustainable use and conservation plans that are appropriate for the local communities.

Medicinal plants in the diet of woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides, E. Geoffroy, 1806) – a bio-rational for the search of new medicines for human use?

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to compare the plant food diet of woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides) inhabiting Intervales State Park in São Paulo, Brazil, with medicinal plant species used by humans in the surrounding areas of the park. The diet of a group of woolly spider monkeys living in an Atlantic forest area was recorded during 43 months of fieldwork. Fifty-three species (87 food items) were recorded. Plant specimens were collected and identified at the University of São Paulo and the Botanical Institute of São Paulo State. Using semi-structured interviews, ethnomedicinal data were also collected from four preselected respondents regarding the human therapeutic value of these plants. The study showed that 24.5% (13/53) of these species are used by residents around the park for medicinal purposes. Of these thirteen, seven species also have validated pharmacological properties, and three are utilized by local residents for similar medicinal purposes. Overlap in the plant food/medicinal diet of woolly spider monkey populations elsewhere were also noted, suggesting potential overlap in their medicinal value for humans and primates. The similarities between the ingestion of plants by primates and their medicinal use by humans provide a bio-rational for the search of bioactive plants in the primate diet. Further detailed investigation of their pharmacological and phytochemical value is warranted.

Construction and validation of a tool to Assess the Use of Light Technologies at Intensive Care Units.

Objective: to construct and validate a tool to assess the use of light technologies by the nursing team at Intensive Care Units. Method: methodological study in which the tool was elaborated by means of the psychometric method for construction based on the categorization of health technologies by Merhy and Franco, from the National Humanization Policy, using the Nursing Intervention Classification taxonomy to categorize the domains of the tool. Agreement Percentages and Content Validity Indices were used for the purpose of validation. Results: The result of the application of the Interrater Agreement Percentage exceeded the recommended level of 80%, highlighting the relevance for the proposed theme in the assessment, with an agreement rate of 99%. Conclusion: the tool was validated with four domains (Bond, Autonomy, Welcoming and Management) and nineteen items that assess the use of light technologies at Intensive Care Units.

Exudates used as medicine by the "caboclos river-dwellers" of the Unini River, AM, Brazil – classification based in their chemical composition

Abstract Although the use of exudates in traditional medicine has been commonly observed during ethnopharmacological surveys, few records have been made concerning the scientific merits of these products. The aim of this study was to document ethnopharmacological data and to classify exudates used as medicine by the "caboclos" river-dwellers from the Unini River of Amazonas, Brazil, on chemical analyses basis. Using an ethnographic approach, indicated plants and their respective exudates were collected, identified and incorporated into herbarium of the National Institute of Amazonian Research. To classify these exudates, plant material was extracted using methanol, and obtained extracts were analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and mass spectrometry aiming identification of main compounds. Fifteen exudates were indicated by "caboclos" river-dwellers as home remedies; among their therapeutic uses, inflammatory processes, culture-bound syndromes and respiratory diseases are most prominent. Based on their solubility and chemicals classes, fifteen exudates were classified into: latex (7), resins (5), sap (1), gum (1), oleoresin (1); and eleven of them have not been mentioned on pharmacological literature until this moment. The obtained results may contribute to chemical/pharmacological application of exudates from these species, several of which have been classically used in Brazilian folk medicine.

Stressful situations and factors in students of nursing in clinical practice / Situaciones y factores de estrés en los estudiantes de enfermería en la práctica clínica / Situações e fatores de estresse em estudantes de enfermagem na prática clínica

Objective.To assess the risk factors for stress in undergraduate students of nursing in clinical practice in a public university in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study with 116 students from the fifth to the ninth period. The bilingual KEZKAK questionnaire, validated for Portuguese, was used. Stress was considered to be present when the score was equal or superior to 2. Results. The students with stress in clinical practice were 18 to 22 years old (2.82 ± 0.98), women (2.81 ± 0.96), married (2.80 ± 0.97), and who were permanent contracted employees (2.74 ± 0.94). The factors which were most associated with stress were: Lack of competence (2.99 ± 0.88); Impotence and uncertainty (2.98 ± 0.85); and Patients seeking a closer relationship (2.93 ± 1.01). The students of the sixth period were the most vulnerable to stress (2.85±0.96). Conclusion. The studies showed the main risk factors for stress among students of nursing in their clinical practice. These results could be used in the development of strategies seeking to reduce stress in this context as well as to contribute to promoting mental health.

Objetivo.Evaluar factores de riesgo para el estrés en estudiantes de pregrado de enfermería en la práctica clínica de una universidad pública de la región nordeste de Brasil. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal con 116 estudiantes del 5º al 9º período. Se utilizó el cuestionario KEZKAK validado al portugués. Se consideró que se había estrés cuando la puntación era igual o superior a 2. Resultados. Los estudiantes con estrés relacionado con la práctica clínica estaban en el grupo de 18 a 22 años (2.82 ± 0.98), eran mujeres (2.81 ± 0.96), estaban casados (2.80 ± 0.97) y trabajaban (2.74 ± 0.94). Los factores más predisponentes fueron: la falta de competencia (2.99 ± 0.88), la impotencia y la incertidumbre (2.98 ± 0.85) y que el paciente busque una relación íntima (2.93 ± 1.01). Los estudiantes del sexto período fueron los más vulnerables al estrés (2.85 ± 0.96). Conclusión. El estudio mostró cuáles eran los principales factores de riesgo para el estrés en estudiantes de enfermería en la práctica clínica. Esta información puede ser empleada para el desarrollo de estrategias que busquen la reducción de estrés en los estudiantes de enfermería en la práctica clínica y así contribuir la promoción de la salud mental.

Objetivo.Avaliar os fatores de risco para o estresse em estudantes de graduação de enfermagem em prática clínica em uma universidade pública da região nordeste do Brasil. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com 116 acadêmicos, del 5º ao 9º período. Empregou-se o questionário bilíngue KEZKAK validado para o portugués. Considerou-se estresse quando a pontuação fosse igual ou superior a 2. Resultados. Os estudantes com estresse na prática clínica encontraram-se no grupo de18 a 22 anos (2.82 ± 0.98), mulheres (2.81 ± 0.96), casados (2.80 ± 0.97), e que possuíam vínculo empregatício (2.74 ± 0.94). Os fatores mais condicionantes para estresse foram: Falta de competência (M=2.99, DP=0.88); Impotência e incerteza (M=2.98, DP=0.85); O paciente busca uma relação íntima (M=2.93, DP=1.01). Os académicos do sexto período foram os mais vulneráveis para o estresse (2.85±0.96).. Conclusão. O estudo mostrou os principais fatores de risco para o estresse entre alunos de enfermagem na sua prática clínica. Estes resultados podem ser utiizados no desenvolvimento de estrategias que busquem a redução do estresse nesse contexto, bem como contribuir para a promoção da saúde mental.