Resumo

LARA-REIMERS, Eduardo Alberto et al. Study of medicinal plants in the metropolitan area of Saltillo, Coahuila, México. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2023, vol.10, n.3, e3548.  Epub 26-Abr-2024. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a10n3.3548.

A close relationship exists between man and natural resources, especially plants, to alleviate some diseases. The study was carried out with the objective of registering medicinal plants and their uses in the metropolitan area of Saltillo, Coahuila. A total of 113 informants (17 men and 96 women, aged 20 to 70) were interviewed through a semi-structured ethnobotanical format divided into socioeconomic aspects and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The report of uses obtained was divided into 13 categories based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems of the World Health Organization. An average use of 4.6 plants and five uses per plant was recorded. Women recorded 4.9 plants and men 3.1. The simple regression analysis shows a positive correlation between Age and Plant Number. A total of 82 plants were recorded to treat diseases, belonging to 37 botanical families. The most common diseases are those that affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The medicinal species with the highest Use Value Index were: Matricaria recutita (IVU = 0.65) and Litsea parvifolia (IVU = 0.35). The most representative families were Asteraceae (10 species, 125 use reports), Lamiaceae (12 species, 119 RU), and Lauraceae (four species, 64 RU). The most common form of preparation was infusion (88.6%) and poultice (3.68%). Although there are no ethnic or cultural roots, the residents of the metropolitan area resort to the use of herbal remedies, promoting knowledge through their uses and forms of consumption.

Palavras-chave : Asteraceae; Medicinal species; Ethnobotany; Matricaria recutita; Respiratory system.