Medicinal plants used by the population of Caldas Novas, state of Goias, Brazil and popular knowledge about the faveira (Dimorphandra mollisBenth-Mimosoideae).

Abstract

The goal of this study, conducted between April and May of 2008, was to survey the knowledge about medicinal plants held by the urban population of the city of Caldas Novas, state of Goias, Brazil. Data were collected using semi-structured forms (n = 251), covering different age groups and surveying information on which medicinal plants are known by the people and their consumption, for which illnesses they are prescribed and how they are used. Besides this information, we assessed the population's knowledge about the speciesDimorphandra mollis(faveira), native to the cerrado biome, along with prescriptions for its use and parts used for medicinal purposes. Most people have knowledge about and make use of medicinal plants. It was possible to find 92 vernacular names from 586 times they were mentioned. Through analysis of relevant literature in popular nomenclature, it was possible to identify 73 genera (or species when possible) included in 43 families (the main ones are Asteraceae and Lamiaceae). Young people with education level between high school and college degree demonstrated greater knowledge of the medicinal species. The plants that were cited the most were boldo (Plectranthus barbatus), erva-cidreira (Melissa officinalis) and hortelã (Menthasp). Tea is the main mode of preparation. The faveira proved to be little known by the population. When used for medicinal purposes, the most common parts are the bark, leaves and roots. The people reported highly satisfactory results with its use.