Species of ethnomedicinal use in the primary forest of the Canton Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola, Napo - Ecuador

Abstract

Currently, there is a growing global demand for medicinal species that grow spontaneously in forests, and some of these are threatened with extinction due to the excessive exploitation of these important forest resources. Therefore, a study of species with ethnomedicinal potential in the primary forest of the Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola Canton in the Napo province was conducted using survey data from 50 families in the Kichwa communities. The study concludes that these families are intimately linked to the use and management of forest resources, as 98% of the population knows and understands the mechanisms for combating various illnesses. These plants are mostly collected by elders and used in teas, poultices, decoctions, infusions, or fresh. The primary form of consumption is the leaves, and the plants are consumed as infusions. The community has a strong interest in conserving these species, perceiving them as more affordable and readily available. Twenty-five very common species are used to counteract certain diseases, and when the study is carried out in the primary forest, new herbaceous, shrubby and arboreal species emerge, identifying 30 families and 48 genera, and it is recommended to continue with in situ and ex situ research and to maintain a live germplasm bank