Popular use of medicinal plants by the communities of Três Lagoas/MS, Porto Velho/RO e Rio Verde/GO

Abstract

The aims of this study was to identify the sociocultural profile of users and for knowledge about medicinal plants people attended in welfare programs in the cities of Três Lagoas / MS, Rio Verde / GO and PortoVelho / RO, Brazil. Information was obtained through interviews guided by a questionnaire; the five most cited plants were selected for bibliographic. 67 people were interviewed; the majority (88%) was female and aged between 35 to 64 years. Regarding the level of education, 89.5% reported being literate, 73.1% reported coming from rural areas, while 26.9% have always resided in the urban area. About medicinal plants, 92% reported having access to these plants since childhood and that knowledge was acquired in family life. In the three cities, medicinal plants are used for various health problems, like cold or flu to more serious diseases like diabetes, hypertension and rheumatic diseases. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (58.8%) and tea (infusion) the most used form of preparation (83.6%). The reasons given for the use of medicinal plants were good results, ease to obtain and low cost. 106 plants were cited by popular names and the five most cited were: nationa lboldo (Plectranthus barbatus), boldo de Goiás(Vernonia condensata), lemon balm (Lippia alba), mint(Mentha sp) and rue (Ruta graveolens). It was found that these five plants have have scientific studies.