Eliana Rodrigues | Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) (original) (raw)
Papers by Eliana Rodrigues
O comércio popular de drogas vegetais sem garantia de qualidade implica risco sanitário. O presen... more O comércio popular de drogas vegetais sem garantia de qualidade implica risco sanitário. O presente estudo faz uma análise da rede de comércio popular de drogas vegetais psicoativas (DVPs) na cidade de Diadema e os riscos associados ao seu consumo. São apresentados dados parciais de um projeto realizado em colaboração com outras áreas de investigação. Métodos da etnofarmacologia, tais como entrevistas informais, semiestruturadas e observação participante foram utilizados para a realização do trabalho de campo, durante o qual selecionaram-se quatro comerciantes, a fim de registrar a obtenção, manipulação, acondicionamento e uso das DVPs comercializadas (nomes populares, receitas, partes utilizadas, contraindicações e doses). Foram registradas 63 DVPs distintas, e posteriormente categorizadas de acordo com suas possíveis ações psicoativas, predominando as estimulantes (67%) e depressoras (27%). Observaram-se deficiências na manipulação e acondicionamento das drogas por parte dos comerciantes, expondo seus clientes a possíveis riscos à saúde. Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo possibilitaram observar prioridades de adequação na comercialização de drogas vegetais no comércio popular a fim de resguardar a saúde de seus usuários, bem como a necessidade de promover um diálogo entre este e o sistema formal de saúde.
Ethnopharmacological research when grounded on historic literature has for its objective retrievi... more Ethnopharmacological research when grounded on historic literature has for its objective retrieving traditional knowledge compiled throughout history by early cultures. The current study has used literature from the 16 th to the 19 th centuries to assess reports that include accounts of Brazil's native plants, with possible reports of disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Visits were paid to 27 institutions located in four Brazilian states. This resulted in raising 529 publications, out of which 65 were read, revealing that 33 of them contained reports of plants exerting effects on CNS ailments. These plants' scientific names underwent an updating process. The updating process resulted in 788 species names (129 correct scientific names and their 659 synonyms) out of which 66 hold current ethnopharmacology, pharmacology studies and/or patent application. Coincidences among past and present data have been observed in 46 cases. Only three of them carried applications for patents all of which coincided with past uses. There have hardly been any studies whatsoever throughout the centuries for many of the species currently being studied. Although of very seldom use, research in ethnopharmacology and historic literature can be promising tools for the selecting of new pharmaco products, further to contributing with retrieving traditional knowledge.
Background: Understanding how people of diverse cultural backgrounds have traditionally used plan... more Background: Understanding how people of diverse cultural backgrounds have traditionally used plants and animals as medicinal substances during displacements is one of the most important objectives of ethnopharmacological studies. An ethnopharmacological survey conducted among migrants living in the Southeast Atlantic Forest remnants (Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil) is presented herein. Methods: Ethnographical methods were used to select and interview the migrants, and botanical and zoological techniques were employed to collect the indicated resources.
Brazil possesses great biological and cultural diversity, above all in view of the great number o... more Brazil possesses great biological and cultural diversity, above all in view of the great number of indigenous ethnic groups, 218, that inhabit the five main biomas in Brazil. The purpose of this review is to analyze the relationship between chemical constituents of species utilized by several Brazilian Indians and the uses/indications made by them. Ethnopharmacological surveys by various researchers as from the decade of the seventies were researched. The 34 publications selected, carried out with 26 indigenous ethnic groups, showed a total of 307 species utilized for 67 different diseases or effects possibly related to the Central Nervous System (CNS). Such plants belong to 85 taxonomic families, mostly Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae. The chemical constitution of these plants was researched as from the Pubmed and Web of Science and the information obtained was crossed with different indigenous uses, grouped in 12 categories according to similarities between their expected effects on the CNS: analgesics, to counteract fever, tonics and/or adaptogens, hallucinogens, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, head illnesses, hypnotics, stimulants, weight control, memory enhancers, and others. Some phytochemical classes were observed to be more common among plants utilized for certain purposes: flavonoids (analgesia, fever, anxiety, hypnotic, weight control and as a stimulant), alkaloids (hallucinogens, head illnesses and as stimulant), essential oils (fever and anxiety), lignans (hallucinogen), tannins (anxiety), triterpenes and saponins (hypnotic). These data suggest that these phytochemical classes possibly possess a greater number of chemical constituents that perform the effects described or that, in some way, assist in determining the use of the plant by the Indians.
Key Words: ethnopharmacology; Central Nervous System; plants; phytochemistry; Indians; Brazil; flavonoids; alkaloids.
The topic “Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Addictions” in a country must be preceded by answ... more The topic “Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Addictions” in a country must be preceded by answers to four questions: 1. Is dependence (or addiction) present in the country in question? 2. Do people of the country recognize such problem? 3. Does the country possess a biodiversity rich enough to allow the discovery of useful medicines? 4. Do local people have tradition and culture to look for and to use resources from nature to alleviate and to cure diseases, including drug dependence? Alcohol is, by far, the most serious health problem when drug abuse is considered, reaching all of Brazilian society, including the Indians. For example: a 2004 survey on admission of patients to 160 Brazilian hospitals revealed the following figures: alcohol represented 75.7 % of the admissions, followed by cocaine 4.1% and Marihuana 1.3%. Admission due other drug was negligible. For sure inhabitants of Brazilian backlands, faraway from the cities, such as hundreds of thousands of Indians and millions of “Caboclos” are not represented in this survey. However, there are many indications showing that alcohol is a serious problem among those individuals. On the contrary, other drugs may be considered as minor problems and they are not the main focus of this manuscript. The Brazilian Public Health System and the Brazilian Medical Schools are well acquainted with diagnostic criteria (ICD-10 and DSM-IV) and modern therapeutic tools are available to treat drug dependence. That is, pharmacotherapy of drug dependence in Brazil is based on drugs commonly used worldwide. A different picture emerges in the Brazilian hinterland in which is difficult (if not impossible) the access to public health systems. Consequently, the “caboclos” seek assistance from “curandeiros” and “raizeiros”; the Indians are assisted by the shaman or waiaca (healer men; “feiticeiros”). These “folk doctors” do not know the academic medicine and therapeutics, and resort to the local plants to treat different ailments of their patients. Furthermore, alcohol abuse and dependence are not recognized according to the rules and criteria of academic medicine. The Indians, for example, although involved in heavy alcohol drinking, usually declare alcohol as a “white man problem” and their shaman do not treat them. We have conducted a survey in many Brazilian books and thesis of Phytotherapy, and several databank: PubMed, CAPES, NUPAUB-USP, and CEBRID. The results of such searches were very disappointing. No published papers from Brazilian authors were found in the databases and there were only three very short notes in the masterly book written by Shultes and Raffauf (The Healing Forest: Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia. Portland, Oregon: Dioscorides Press, 1990.). From the Brazilian books on folk medicine employing medicinal plants eight mentions were disclosed: six of them dealing with treatment of alcohol problems and two with Ayahuasca. However, the present survey does not consider the use of Ayahuasca or Daime (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis combination) in ceremonials. The use of these two plants on the rituals is well known and reported in the literature. The situation did not improve when Latinamerican countries were considered: few reports on the use of plants to counteract alcoholism or other drug dependences were obtained. Details of these plants will be given at the manuscript.
KEY WORDS: medicinal plants, drug dependence, alcoholism, Brazil, treatment, biodiversity…
Foram avaliados, em ratos e camundongos, os efeitos antiúlcera de duas plantas usadas popularment... more Foram avaliados, em ratos e camundongos, os efeitos antiúlcera de duas plantas usadas popularmente no Brasil para o tratamento de “males gástricos”: a Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (aroeira-da-praia) e a Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.(aroeira-do-sertão). Os decoctos de ambas as plantas apresentam um marcante efeito protetor da mucosa gástrica contra as ulcerações induzidas por estresse de imobilização em baixa temperatura em ratos. Ambas as plantas apresentaram, ainda: elevação do pH, do volume do conteúdo gástrico, redução das hemorragias gástricas e do trânsito intestinal em camundongos, mesmo em doses tão reduzidas quanto 3,4 mg/Kg (1/4 da dose utilizada pelo homem).
Abstract
Unitermos: Schinus terebenthifolius; Myracrodruon urundeuva; pH; trânsito intestinal; úlcera gástrica; hemorragia gástrica.
![Research paper thumbnail of Variação dos teores de constituintes voláteis de Cymbopogon citratus [DC] Staf. (Poaceae) coletados em diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/6775669/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](ABSTRACT – Variation in the amounts of volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus [DC] Staf. (P... more ABSTRACT – Variation in the amounts of volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus [DC] Staf. (Poaceae) collected in different regions of São Paulo State. The essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon citratus is rich in citral and have many applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The aims of this study were evaluate the amount of citral in populations of C. citratus collected in two different regions (Ibiúna and Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo State). The essential oil extracted of a cultivated population in Pidamonhangaba/SP, showed a high content of citral (approximately 96.0%), while the essential oil from Ibiuna/SP, showed citral and high amounts of another monoterpene, geraniol. Additionally, the essential oils from this population of C. citratus were extracted and analyzed during 24h (each 3 hours), being the major concentration of citral in the night period, indicating that studies which evaluated the chemical differences associated to circadian changes. The components of essential oils were identified through 13C NMR, GC/MS, GC and Kovat’s index.
Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, volatile constituents, citral.
During an ethnopharmacological survey developed among Quilombolas living in Sesmaria Mata-Cavalos... more During an ethnopharmacological survey developed among Quilombolas living in Sesmaria Mata-Cavalos, in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil; a cigarette known as “Tira-Capeta” (Removing the Devil), had been cited mainly “to improve memory and cognition”, and also to other therapeutical indications, such as: “against sinusitis”, “to avoid cold”, “to relieve sleep problems”. The purpose of the present study was carried out a screening of essential oils delivered in the heating of plants used to produce the “Tira-capeta” cigarette, using a simple, rapid and solvent-free method based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and headspace solid-phase microextraction. The principal essential oils found were 1,8 cineole, camphor and α-pinene. In the tentative to correlate these constituents with therapeutical indications reported by the Quilombolas, were found some works carried out by many authors that corroborated the therapeutical indications reported by the Quilombolas.
Keywords – Ethnopharmacology, essential oils, traditional use, central nervous system, Quilombolas, memory.
RESUMO: Muitos estudos de plantas medicinais baseiam-se em informações etnofarmacológicas, na int... more RESUMO: Muitos estudos de plantas medicinais baseiam-se em informações etnofarmacológicas, na intenção de encurtar o tempo e diminuir os recursos financeiros no desenvolvimento de novas drogas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar estudos de farmacologia pré-clínica e fitoquímica com três extratos vegetais, obtidos de duas das 42 plantas com potenciais efeitos analgésico e/ou antiinflamatório, indicadas pelos moradores do Parque Nacional do Jaú, AM. Os extratos hidroalcoólicos foram submetidos à caracterização fitoquímica por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD). Os testes de farmacologia pré-clínica empregados foram: screening inicial, rota rod, atividade motora, placa quente, tail flick e contorções abdominais, nas doses de 300 e 500 mg/kg. Os três extratos foram obtidos a partir das cascas da cumandá: Campsiandra comosa Benth., Fabaceae (EHCC) e das folhas (EHSF) e cascas (EHSC) da sucuuba: Himatanthus sucuuba (Spruce ex Müll. Arg.) Woodson, Apocynaceae. As análises fitoquímicas revelaram a presença de flavonóides, taninos, iridóides e triterpenos nos diferentes extratos; enquanto os alcalóides e cumarinas não foram detectados. A investigação farmacológica demonstrou atividade analgésica discreta apenas no teste de contorções abdominais para os extratos EHSF e EHCC; nenhuma alteração foi observada no aparelho de rota rod e de modo geral, observou-se diminuição da atividade motora em todos os extratos nas diferentes doses testadas. Diferentes extratos destas plantas estão sendo testados em outros modelos, pelo mesmo grupo de trabalho, a fim de aprofundar os conhecimentos acerca do perfil farmacológico destas espécies.
Abstract Ethnopharmacological research investigates the plants and other medicinal and toxic s... more Abstract
Ethnopharmacological research investigates the plants and other medicinal and toxic substances utilization by different traditional populations. One of its approaches is researching the available knowledge of medicinal plants in published literature. The purpose of the current study was select plants with psychoactive effects described in a Brazilian literary work written by Pio Correa in 1926. Those mentioned plants were classified in accordance with their indications for use as: stimulants of central nervous system and depressors. The current phytochemical studies about these species were researched through a database search, and all the obtained information was compiled into a database, in order to analyze possible correlation between the chemical compounds and the psychoactive categories. From the 813 plants searched in the literary work, 104 presented chemical data in the scientific periodicals consulted. Seventy five of them belong to stimulant category, while 31 to depressor and two of them belong to both categories. Phenols and flavonoids were the main compounds observed in plants of both categories at different frequencies. Presence of monoterpenes (29.9%) and sesquiterpenes (28.6%) were also observed in plants from stimulant category, while 25.8% of plants from depressor category showed to be composed by carotenoids and 22.6% by steroids. The association between ethnopharmacological and chemotaxonomic data, as presented in this study, could be a supporting for plants selection purpose for further investigations by research groups whose studies focus on psychoactive plants as potential therapeutics.
Kew-words: Ethnopharmacology; Psychoactive Plants; Database; Medicinal Plants; Phytochemistry.
Abstract The present study deals with two ethnobotanical surveys carried out in two different se... more Abstract
The present study deals with two ethnobotanical surveys carried out in two different segments of the Brazilian population: the first one among the Krahô Indians living in Tocantins State, a "cerrado" region, and the second one among the descendants of former black slaves, the Quilombolas, living in Mato Grosso State. Both populations use plants which may have effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in their ritual healing ceremonies. Field work was performed during two years by one of us (E.R.) utilizing methods from botany and anthropology. Information was obtained on a total of 169 plants which were utilized in the preparation of 345 prescriptions for 68 ailments seemingly of the CNS such as: "tonics", "analgesics", "anorectics", "hallucinogens", and "anxiolytics". The taxonomic families of plants used, the more common therapeutic indications and types of healing rituals employed have, in general, been included.
Key words: Ethnopharmacology, Brazilian folk healers, Shamanism, Healing ceremony, Shaman, Psychoactive plants.
Abstract During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Braz... more Abstract
During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Brazil, 48 plants with possible Central Nervous System (CNS) action were cited. A mixture of nine plants, known as “Tira-Capeta” (Removing the Devil) cigarette, has been utilized for years as tonic for the brain. The effects observed after consuming this cigarette are: dizziness, lightness sensation, humor changes, yawns, heavy eyes, hungry, sleep and relaxation. This study aimed to verify the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of “Tira-Capeta” cigarette (ETC), as well as evaluate their phytochemical profile. The phytochemical screening carried out through characterization reactions, thin layer chromatography and high efficiency liquid chromatography indicated the presence of tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; tannins and phenolic acids being the principal constituents. The pharmacological tests showed that ETC induced a biphasic effect, with intense initial stimulation of CNS, followed by a general depressor state; decreased the latency for sleeping and increased the total sleeping time (50, 100 and 500 mg/kg), without causing prejudice in motor coordination (doses up to 200 mg/kg); induced catalepsy in mice, verified 10 and 50 minutes after drug administration (500 mg/kg). Also, no anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects were verified in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze.
Key words: ethnopharmacology, Quilombolas, neuroleptic, smoke, central nervous system, medicinal plants.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, Jan 1, 2007
A detailed record of plants cited during ethnopharmacological surveys, suspected of being toxic o... more A detailed record of plants cited during ethnopharmacological surveys, suspected of being toxic or of triggering adverse reactions, may be an auxiliary means to pharmacovigilance of phytomedicines, in that it provides greater knowledge of a "bad side" to plant resources in the Brazilian flora. This study describes 57 plant species of restricted use (abortive, contraceptive, contraindicated for pregnancy, prescribed in lesser doses for children and the elderly, to easy delivery, in addition to poisons to humans and animals) as indicated during ethnopharmacological surveys carried out among three cultures in Brazil (Caboclos-river dwellers, inhabitants of the Amazon forest; the Quilombolas, from the pantanal wetlands; the Krahô Indians, living in the cerrado savannahs). These groups of humans possess notions, to a remarkable extent, of the toxicity, contraindications, and interaction among plants. A bibliographical survey in the Pubmed, Web of Science and Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases has shown that 5 out of the 57 species have some toxic properties described up to the present time, they are: Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae), Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (Fabaceae), Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) and Vernonia brasiliana (L.) Druce (Asteraceae).
Phytotherapy Research, Jan 1, 2004
This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (desc... more This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (descended from runaway slaves living in hideouts up-country) whose therapeutic practices involve a combination of healing ceremonies and prescription of medicinal plants consisting of the use of, at least, 48 plants with possible effect on the central nervous system (CNS), cited in 53 formulas prescribed for 17 therapeutic indications, the main ones being: to fortify the brain, for insomnia, as a sedative, for insanity, weight loss, and rejuvenation. The formulas consist of one to ten plants, and each plant may be recommended for up to seven different therapeutic indications, with evidence of non-specificity in the use of plants in this culture. Of these 48 plants, only 31 could be identified to the species level as belonging to 20 taxonomic families, with the Asteraceae, Malpighiaceae, Cyperaceae, and Myrtaceae as the most important families. Only eleven of these species have been previously studied and appear in scientific literature. Some of these plants are at present under study in the
O comércio popular de drogas vegetais sem garantia de qualidade implica risco sanitário. O presen... more O comércio popular de drogas vegetais sem garantia de qualidade implica risco sanitário. O presente estudo faz uma análise da rede de comércio popular de drogas vegetais psicoativas (DVPs) na cidade de Diadema e os riscos associados ao seu consumo. São apresentados dados parciais de um projeto realizado em colaboração com outras áreas de investigação. Métodos da etnofarmacologia, tais como entrevistas informais, semiestruturadas e observação participante foram utilizados para a realização do trabalho de campo, durante o qual selecionaram-se quatro comerciantes, a fim de registrar a obtenção, manipulação, acondicionamento e uso das DVPs comercializadas (nomes populares, receitas, partes utilizadas, contraindicações e doses). Foram registradas 63 DVPs distintas, e posteriormente categorizadas de acordo com suas possíveis ações psicoativas, predominando as estimulantes (67%) e depressoras (27%). Observaram-se deficiências na manipulação e acondicionamento das drogas por parte dos comerciantes, expondo seus clientes a possíveis riscos à saúde. Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo possibilitaram observar prioridades de adequação na comercialização de drogas vegetais no comércio popular a fim de resguardar a saúde de seus usuários, bem como a necessidade de promover um diálogo entre este e o sistema formal de saúde.
Ethnopharmacological research when grounded on historic literature has for its objective retrievi... more Ethnopharmacological research when grounded on historic literature has for its objective retrieving traditional knowledge compiled throughout history by early cultures. The current study has used literature from the 16 th to the 19 th centuries to assess reports that include accounts of Brazil's native plants, with possible reports of disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Visits were paid to 27 institutions located in four Brazilian states. This resulted in raising 529 publications, out of which 65 were read, revealing that 33 of them contained reports of plants exerting effects on CNS ailments. These plants' scientific names underwent an updating process. The updating process resulted in 788 species names (129 correct scientific names and their 659 synonyms) out of which 66 hold current ethnopharmacology, pharmacology studies and/or patent application. Coincidences among past and present data have been observed in 46 cases. Only three of them carried applications for patents all of which coincided with past uses. There have hardly been any studies whatsoever throughout the centuries for many of the species currently being studied. Although of very seldom use, research in ethnopharmacology and historic literature can be promising tools for the selecting of new pharmaco products, further to contributing with retrieving traditional knowledge.
Background: Understanding how people of diverse cultural backgrounds have traditionally used plan... more Background: Understanding how people of diverse cultural backgrounds have traditionally used plants and animals as medicinal substances during displacements is one of the most important objectives of ethnopharmacological studies. An ethnopharmacological survey conducted among migrants living in the Southeast Atlantic Forest remnants (Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil) is presented herein. Methods: Ethnographical methods were used to select and interview the migrants, and botanical and zoological techniques were employed to collect the indicated resources.
Brazil possesses great biological and cultural diversity, above all in view of the great number o... more Brazil possesses great biological and cultural diversity, above all in view of the great number of indigenous ethnic groups, 218, that inhabit the five main biomas in Brazil. The purpose of this review is to analyze the relationship between chemical constituents of species utilized by several Brazilian Indians and the uses/indications made by them. Ethnopharmacological surveys by various researchers as from the decade of the seventies were researched. The 34 publications selected, carried out with 26 indigenous ethnic groups, showed a total of 307 species utilized for 67 different diseases or effects possibly related to the Central Nervous System (CNS). Such plants belong to 85 taxonomic families, mostly Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae. The chemical constitution of these plants was researched as from the Pubmed and Web of Science and the information obtained was crossed with different indigenous uses, grouped in 12 categories according to similarities between their expected effects on the CNS: analgesics, to counteract fever, tonics and/or adaptogens, hallucinogens, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, head illnesses, hypnotics, stimulants, weight control, memory enhancers, and others. Some phytochemical classes were observed to be more common among plants utilized for certain purposes: flavonoids (analgesia, fever, anxiety, hypnotic, weight control and as a stimulant), alkaloids (hallucinogens, head illnesses and as stimulant), essential oils (fever and anxiety), lignans (hallucinogen), tannins (anxiety), triterpenes and saponins (hypnotic). These data suggest that these phytochemical classes possibly possess a greater number of chemical constituents that perform the effects described or that, in some way, assist in determining the use of the plant by the Indians.
Key Words: ethnopharmacology; Central Nervous System; plants; phytochemistry; Indians; Brazil; flavonoids; alkaloids.
The topic “Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Addictions” in a country must be preceded by answ... more The topic “Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Addictions” in a country must be preceded by answers to four questions: 1. Is dependence (or addiction) present in the country in question? 2. Do people of the country recognize such problem? 3. Does the country possess a biodiversity rich enough to allow the discovery of useful medicines? 4. Do local people have tradition and culture to look for and to use resources from nature to alleviate and to cure diseases, including drug dependence? Alcohol is, by far, the most serious health problem when drug abuse is considered, reaching all of Brazilian society, including the Indians. For example: a 2004 survey on admission of patients to 160 Brazilian hospitals revealed the following figures: alcohol represented 75.7 % of the admissions, followed by cocaine 4.1% and Marihuana 1.3%. Admission due other drug was negligible. For sure inhabitants of Brazilian backlands, faraway from the cities, such as hundreds of thousands of Indians and millions of “Caboclos” are not represented in this survey. However, there are many indications showing that alcohol is a serious problem among those individuals. On the contrary, other drugs may be considered as minor problems and they are not the main focus of this manuscript. The Brazilian Public Health System and the Brazilian Medical Schools are well acquainted with diagnostic criteria (ICD-10 and DSM-IV) and modern therapeutic tools are available to treat drug dependence. That is, pharmacotherapy of drug dependence in Brazil is based on drugs commonly used worldwide. A different picture emerges in the Brazilian hinterland in which is difficult (if not impossible) the access to public health systems. Consequently, the “caboclos” seek assistance from “curandeiros” and “raizeiros”; the Indians are assisted by the shaman or waiaca (healer men; “feiticeiros”). These “folk doctors” do not know the academic medicine and therapeutics, and resort to the local plants to treat different ailments of their patients. Furthermore, alcohol abuse and dependence are not recognized according to the rules and criteria of academic medicine. The Indians, for example, although involved in heavy alcohol drinking, usually declare alcohol as a “white man problem” and their shaman do not treat them. We have conducted a survey in many Brazilian books and thesis of Phytotherapy, and several databank: PubMed, CAPES, NUPAUB-USP, and CEBRID. The results of such searches were very disappointing. No published papers from Brazilian authors were found in the databases and there were only three very short notes in the masterly book written by Shultes and Raffauf (The Healing Forest: Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia. Portland, Oregon: Dioscorides Press, 1990.). From the Brazilian books on folk medicine employing medicinal plants eight mentions were disclosed: six of them dealing with treatment of alcohol problems and two with Ayahuasca. However, the present survey does not consider the use of Ayahuasca or Daime (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis combination) in ceremonials. The use of these two plants on the rituals is well known and reported in the literature. The situation did not improve when Latinamerican countries were considered: few reports on the use of plants to counteract alcoholism or other drug dependences were obtained. Details of these plants will be given at the manuscript.
KEY WORDS: medicinal plants, drug dependence, alcoholism, Brazil, treatment, biodiversity…
Foram avaliados, em ratos e camundongos, os efeitos antiúlcera de duas plantas usadas popularment... more Foram avaliados, em ratos e camundongos, os efeitos antiúlcera de duas plantas usadas popularmente no Brasil para o tratamento de “males gástricos”: a Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (aroeira-da-praia) e a Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.(aroeira-do-sertão). Os decoctos de ambas as plantas apresentam um marcante efeito protetor da mucosa gástrica contra as ulcerações induzidas por estresse de imobilização em baixa temperatura em ratos. Ambas as plantas apresentaram, ainda: elevação do pH, do volume do conteúdo gástrico, redução das hemorragias gástricas e do trânsito intestinal em camundongos, mesmo em doses tão reduzidas quanto 3,4 mg/Kg (1/4 da dose utilizada pelo homem).
Abstract
Unitermos: Schinus terebenthifolius; Myracrodruon urundeuva; pH; trânsito intestinal; úlcera gástrica; hemorragia gástrica.
ABSTRACT – Variation in the amounts of volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus [DC] Staf. (P... more ABSTRACT – Variation in the amounts of volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus [DC] Staf. (Poaceae) collected in different regions of São Paulo State. The essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon citratus is rich in citral and have many applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The aims of this study were evaluate the amount of citral in populations of C. citratus collected in two different regions (Ibiúna and Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo State). The essential oil extracted of a cultivated population in Pidamonhangaba/SP, showed a high content of citral (approximately 96.0%), while the essential oil from Ibiuna/SP, showed citral and high amounts of another monoterpene, geraniol. Additionally, the essential oils from this population of C. citratus were extracted and analyzed during 24h (each 3 hours), being the major concentration of citral in the night period, indicating that studies which evaluated the chemical differences associated to circadian changes. The components of essential oils were identified through 13C NMR, GC/MS, GC and Kovat’s index.
Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, volatile constituents, citral.
During an ethnopharmacological survey developed among Quilombolas living in Sesmaria Mata-Cavalos... more During an ethnopharmacological survey developed among Quilombolas living in Sesmaria Mata-Cavalos, in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil; a cigarette known as “Tira-Capeta” (Removing the Devil), had been cited mainly “to improve memory and cognition”, and also to other therapeutical indications, such as: “against sinusitis”, “to avoid cold”, “to relieve sleep problems”. The purpose of the present study was carried out a screening of essential oils delivered in the heating of plants used to produce the “Tira-capeta” cigarette, using a simple, rapid and solvent-free method based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and headspace solid-phase microextraction. The principal essential oils found were 1,8 cineole, camphor and α-pinene. In the tentative to correlate these constituents with therapeutical indications reported by the Quilombolas, were found some works carried out by many authors that corroborated the therapeutical indications reported by the Quilombolas.
Keywords – Ethnopharmacology, essential oils, traditional use, central nervous system, Quilombolas, memory.
RESUMO: Muitos estudos de plantas medicinais baseiam-se em informações etnofarmacológicas, na int... more RESUMO: Muitos estudos de plantas medicinais baseiam-se em informações etnofarmacológicas, na intenção de encurtar o tempo e diminuir os recursos financeiros no desenvolvimento de novas drogas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar estudos de farmacologia pré-clínica e fitoquímica com três extratos vegetais, obtidos de duas das 42 plantas com potenciais efeitos analgésico e/ou antiinflamatório, indicadas pelos moradores do Parque Nacional do Jaú, AM. Os extratos hidroalcoólicos foram submetidos à caracterização fitoquímica por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD). Os testes de farmacologia pré-clínica empregados foram: screening inicial, rota rod, atividade motora, placa quente, tail flick e contorções abdominais, nas doses de 300 e 500 mg/kg. Os três extratos foram obtidos a partir das cascas da cumandá: Campsiandra comosa Benth., Fabaceae (EHCC) e das folhas (EHSF) e cascas (EHSC) da sucuuba: Himatanthus sucuuba (Spruce ex Müll. Arg.) Woodson, Apocynaceae. As análises fitoquímicas revelaram a presença de flavonóides, taninos, iridóides e triterpenos nos diferentes extratos; enquanto os alcalóides e cumarinas não foram detectados. A investigação farmacológica demonstrou atividade analgésica discreta apenas no teste de contorções abdominais para os extratos EHSF e EHCC; nenhuma alteração foi observada no aparelho de rota rod e de modo geral, observou-se diminuição da atividade motora em todos os extratos nas diferentes doses testadas. Diferentes extratos destas plantas estão sendo testados em outros modelos, pelo mesmo grupo de trabalho, a fim de aprofundar os conhecimentos acerca do perfil farmacológico destas espécies.
Abstract Ethnopharmacological research investigates the plants and other medicinal and toxic s... more Abstract
Ethnopharmacological research investigates the plants and other medicinal and toxic substances utilization by different traditional populations. One of its approaches is researching the available knowledge of medicinal plants in published literature. The purpose of the current study was select plants with psychoactive effects described in a Brazilian literary work written by Pio Correa in 1926. Those mentioned plants were classified in accordance with their indications for use as: stimulants of central nervous system and depressors. The current phytochemical studies about these species were researched through a database search, and all the obtained information was compiled into a database, in order to analyze possible correlation between the chemical compounds and the psychoactive categories. From the 813 plants searched in the literary work, 104 presented chemical data in the scientific periodicals consulted. Seventy five of them belong to stimulant category, while 31 to depressor and two of them belong to both categories. Phenols and flavonoids were the main compounds observed in plants of both categories at different frequencies. Presence of monoterpenes (29.9%) and sesquiterpenes (28.6%) were also observed in plants from stimulant category, while 25.8% of plants from depressor category showed to be composed by carotenoids and 22.6% by steroids. The association between ethnopharmacological and chemotaxonomic data, as presented in this study, could be a supporting for plants selection purpose for further investigations by research groups whose studies focus on psychoactive plants as potential therapeutics.
Kew-words: Ethnopharmacology; Psychoactive Plants; Database; Medicinal Plants; Phytochemistry.
Abstract The present study deals with two ethnobotanical surveys carried out in two different se... more Abstract
The present study deals with two ethnobotanical surveys carried out in two different segments of the Brazilian population: the first one among the Krahô Indians living in Tocantins State, a "cerrado" region, and the second one among the descendants of former black slaves, the Quilombolas, living in Mato Grosso State. Both populations use plants which may have effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in their ritual healing ceremonies. Field work was performed during two years by one of us (E.R.) utilizing methods from botany and anthropology. Information was obtained on a total of 169 plants which were utilized in the preparation of 345 prescriptions for 68 ailments seemingly of the CNS such as: "tonics", "analgesics", "anorectics", "hallucinogens", and "anxiolytics". The taxonomic families of plants used, the more common therapeutic indications and types of healing rituals employed have, in general, been included.
Key words: Ethnopharmacology, Brazilian folk healers, Shamanism, Healing ceremony, Shaman, Psychoactive plants.
Abstract During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Braz... more Abstract
During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Brazil, 48 plants with possible Central Nervous System (CNS) action were cited. A mixture of nine plants, known as “Tira-Capeta” (Removing the Devil) cigarette, has been utilized for years as tonic for the brain. The effects observed after consuming this cigarette are: dizziness, lightness sensation, humor changes, yawns, heavy eyes, hungry, sleep and relaxation. This study aimed to verify the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of “Tira-Capeta” cigarette (ETC), as well as evaluate their phytochemical profile. The phytochemical screening carried out through characterization reactions, thin layer chromatography and high efficiency liquid chromatography indicated the presence of tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; tannins and phenolic acids being the principal constituents. The pharmacological tests showed that ETC induced a biphasic effect, with intense initial stimulation of CNS, followed by a general depressor state; decreased the latency for sleeping and increased the total sleeping time (50, 100 and 500 mg/kg), without causing prejudice in motor coordination (doses up to 200 mg/kg); induced catalepsy in mice, verified 10 and 50 minutes after drug administration (500 mg/kg). Also, no anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects were verified in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze.
Key words: ethnopharmacology, Quilombolas, neuroleptic, smoke, central nervous system, medicinal plants.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, Jan 1, 2007
A detailed record of plants cited during ethnopharmacological surveys, suspected of being toxic o... more A detailed record of plants cited during ethnopharmacological surveys, suspected of being toxic or of triggering adverse reactions, may be an auxiliary means to pharmacovigilance of phytomedicines, in that it provides greater knowledge of a "bad side" to plant resources in the Brazilian flora. This study describes 57 plant species of restricted use (abortive, contraceptive, contraindicated for pregnancy, prescribed in lesser doses for children and the elderly, to easy delivery, in addition to poisons to humans and animals) as indicated during ethnopharmacological surveys carried out among three cultures in Brazil (Caboclos-river dwellers, inhabitants of the Amazon forest; the Quilombolas, from the pantanal wetlands; the Krahô Indians, living in the cerrado savannahs). These groups of humans possess notions, to a remarkable extent, of the toxicity, contraindications, and interaction among plants. A bibliographical survey in the Pubmed, Web of Science and Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases has shown that 5 out of the 57 species have some toxic properties described up to the present time, they are: Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae), Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (Fabaceae), Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) and Vernonia brasiliana (L.) Druce (Asteraceae).
Phytotherapy Research, Jan 1, 2004
This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (desc... more This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (descended from runaway slaves living in hideouts up-country) whose therapeutic practices involve a combination of healing ceremonies and prescription of medicinal plants consisting of the use of, at least, 48 plants with possible effect on the central nervous system (CNS), cited in 53 formulas prescribed for 17 therapeutic indications, the main ones being: to fortify the brain, for insomnia, as a sedative, for insanity, weight loss, and rejuvenation. The formulas consist of one to ten plants, and each plant may be recommended for up to seven different therapeutic indications, with evidence of non-specificity in the use of plants in this culture. Of these 48 plants, only 31 could be identified to the species level as belonging to 20 taxonomic families, with the Asteraceae, Malpighiaceae, Cyperaceae, and Myrtaceae as the most important families. Only eleven of these species have been previously studied and appear in scientific literature. Some of these plants are at present under study in the