Estudo etnofarmacológico de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população ribeirinha de Coari-Amazonas, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: The knowledge and use of medicinal plants represent a fundamental ancient practice for the health of riverside populations in the Amazon, where traditional knowledge is transmitted intergenerationally. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, use, and therapeutic indications of medicinal plants among the riverine population of Coari, Amazonas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 419 riverine individuals attending a Basic Health Unit in Coari, Amazonas. Results: Among the interviewees, 28,2% (n=118) reported using plants for medicinal purposes in the previous 30 days, with a predominance of female users 71,2%. Knowledge was primarily transmitted by family members 81.4%. The most cited plants were Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Boldo, and Lemongrass (Capim Santo). Usage was significantly associated with the presence of comorbidities (p<0.001). The most frequent indication was for digestive system disorders (22.9%), but also for chronic conditions. Notably, 39.9% of the sample stated they substituted medical prescriptions with plants, and 75.9% did not believe plants could cause any harm to health. Conclusion: The use of medicinal plants constitutes a viable primary health resource, justified by socioeconomic vulnerability and geographic difficulties in traveling to the urban center. However, the high prevalence of use for chronic diseases, combined with the substitution of prescribed medications and the user perception that natural products are harmless, presents an urgent public health challenge.