Patricia Castillo-Espana, Columba Monroy-Ortiz, Jesus Arellano Garcia, Samuel E Estrada-Soto and Irene Perea-Arango
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, México
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Nat Prod Chem Res
The aim of the study was to conduct an ethno-botanical survey, focusing on people�??s knowledge on plants used to treat pain and inflammation. Information on 100 medicinal plant species was obtained from the folk medicinal practitioners. Detailed information was collected as to plants, plant parts or combination of plants used, formulation of medicines, dosages as well as ailments for which the plants are used. Plant specimens were collected and brought to HUMO Herbarium (Herbarium of the University of Morelos) for complete identification. Most of species were native from Mexico but a number important of them were introduced from different origins. The part of the plant most frequently used was the aerial part (35.4%) and the leaves (29.4%). The remedies were mainly prepared as a decoction and an infusion. A perusal of the scientific literature showed that uses of several plants by the rural populations are validated by scientific studies on the pharmacological activities of the relevant plant species. Overall, the plants present considerable potential for further scientific studies leading to discovery of novel drugs and conservation of the most important native species. We have developed efficient protocols for micro-propagation and analysis of secondary metabolites of several of these plants used for the treatment pain and inflammation in Morelos.
Email: castillo@uaem.mx
