Research Article Ethnobotanical Research at the Kutukú...
Transcript of Research Article Ethnobotanical Research at the Kutukú...
Research ArticleEthnobotanical Research at the Kutukuacute Scientific StationMorona-Santiago Ecuador
Jose Luis Ballesteros12 Francesco Bracco3 Marco Cerna1
Paola Vita Finzi2 and Giovanni Vidari2
1Department of Life Sciences Universidad Politecnica Salesiana Av Isabel La Catolica 23-52 Quito Ecuador2Department of Organic Chemistry University of Pavia Viale Taramelli 10 27100 Pavia Italy3Department of Territorial Ecology and Environment University of Pavia Via S Epifanio 14 27100 Pavia Italy
Correspondence should be addressed to Jose Luis Ballesteros jballesteroslupseduec
Received 7 June 2016 Accepted 21 November 2016
Academic Editor Ronald L Klein
Copyright copy 2016 Jose Luis Ballesteros et al This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons AttributionLicense which permits unrestricted use distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properlycited
This work features the results of an ethnobotanical study on the uses of medicinal plants by the inhabitants of the region near tothe Kutuku Scientific Station of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana located in the Morona-Santiago province southeast of EcuadorIn the surroundings of the station one ethnic group the Shuar has been identified The survey hereafter reports a total of 131 plantspecies with 73 different therapeutic uses
1 Introduction
Plants have played a fundamental role for the development ofAndean cultures ever since man first arrived to that regionapproximately 10000 years ago [1] Through history manhas utilized vegetable resources as a source of nutritionmedicines fuel and building materials and they even occu-pied an important place within their belief system and rites[2]
According to the World Health Organization [3 4] about80 of the world population uses natural remedies and tradi-tional medicine Such medicine comes from forest resourcesthat provide a series of benefits to the local regional andnational populations and include raw materials patrimonyprotection and scenic beauty [5] Nowadays Ecuador locat-ed on the equator line is considered as one of the countrieswith the greatest biodiversity in the world [6] In Ecuadorthere exist many areas of biological interest that for theirunique features currently provide diverse uses for the benefitof the population [7] These uses of natural resources are thefruits of the accumulation of the ancestral knowledge thatthe local population has kept until now [8] This traditionalknowledge has been orally transmitted from one generation
to the next but over the last decades the crisis of therural world threatens this rich patrimony which may belost together with many interesting aspects concerning thetraditional exploitation of natural resources [9]
In Ecuador many ethnobotanical studies have beenmade that is Villacres [10] studied the bioactivity of plantsof the Amazon jungle from the province of Napo Ceron andMontalvo [11] published a book on the ethnobotanical aspectsof the ldquoHuaoranirdquo people in a specific zone in the northeast ofEcuador the cultural practices of Quechua society in Napowere analyzed in a book by Iglesias [12] Tene et al [13]performed an ethnobotanical study onmedicinal plants usedin Loja and Zamora Chinchipe A few studies have also beenmade concerning the traditional use of plants in the Saragurocommunity of south Ecuador [14ndash16]
In this workwe analyzed the ethnobotanical patrimony ofKutuku Scientific Station located on the Kutuku mountainrange in the Morona-Santiago province Ecuador By doingthat we intended to safeguard the popular knowledge con-cerning plants and to produce a database of plant uses andadvantages This data could be used by the citizens them-selves and could be the base for future actions in programsof scientific investigations environmental education social
Hindawi Publishing CorporationBioMed Research InternationalVolume 2016 Article ID 9105746 18 pageshttpdxdoiorg10115520169105746
2 BioMed Research International
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 1 Region where the study was carried out (a) Location in Ecuador (b) location in the province (c) location in the canton SourceGeographical Information Systems (IGM and SENPLADES)
Table 1 Communities close to the area of the Kutuku ScientificStation and its buffering zone
Canton Parrish Community
Morona Sevilla
Sevilla Don BoscoSan Luis Inimks
Santa AnaSan MiguelGuadalupeAngel RoubyAnkuash
awareness and natural resources exploitation as well as thestart point of touristic attraction based on the sustainabledevelopment of the territory
2 Methodology
The research herein was performed between August andDecember of 2013 within the area of the Kutuku BiologicalStation belonging to Universidad Politecnica Salesiana delEcuador (2∘18101584039110158401015840S 78∘06101584011610158401015840W) with 800ndash1200m aslThe territory of the station covers 250 hectares and is locatedwithin the Kutuku-Shaimi Protected Forest (BPKS) in thecenter of Ecuadorrsquos eastern region east of the city ofMacas inthe parish of SevillaDonBosco province ofMorona-Santiago(Figure 1)
Within the area of the scientific station big forest exten-sions of the evergreen humid type really difficult to accessstill persist in the low montane montane and high montanebelts [17] The month average temperature ranges between16 and 27∘C and the total annual precipitation is 3021mmapproximately [18] Close to the territory of the scientificstation where this study was carried out about 7 indigenouscommunities can be found all of these belong to the ethnicgroup ldquoShuarrdquo (Table 1)
For this investigation a qualitative ethnobotanical meth-od was carried out [20] in which mostly adult persons havebeen contacted who live within the area under study andknow the use of medicinal plants One hundred and sixtyinhabitants of the seven communities were interviewed Allrespondents were farmers or elderly belonging to the ldquoShuarrdquoethnicity or their descendants
The collected data were processed and the results areexpressed in a list of medicinal plants with scientific namesfamilies collection point used parts form of preparationtraditional uses and distribution (Table 2)The plant sampleswere processed and identified at the Ecuadorian NationalHerbarium (QCNE) They were deposited with their respec-tive code at the Herbarium of the Universidad PolitecnicaSalesiana in the city of Quito Ecuador The botanic nomen-clature was registered according to the Catalog of VascularPlants of Ecuador [6] A contact was established with theShuar community through their authorized representativeswith the possibility of performing more precise studies inthe future for the recovery protection and sustainable use oftheir traditional knowledge
3 Result and Discussion
The ethnobotanical study performed in this work gave us areal panorama about the natural remedies used by the inhab-itants in the territory of the Kutuku Scientific Station of theMorona canton of the province of Morona-Santiago south ofEcuadorThis researchwas realizedwith ldquoShuarrdquo communitywhich is very different from the ldquoAchuarrdquo community cited inthe article by Giovannini [21] even the geographical locationand the altitude are different
One hundred thirty-one different plants have been iden-tified which manymedicinal properties have been attributedto their uses and forms of therapeutic usage also have beenrecorded From the total number of plants 107 are native 9are grown traditionally 9 are endemic and 6 are cultivated[6]
BioMed Research International 3
Table2Th
erapeutic
applications
ofthep
lantsu
sedin
thetraditio
nalm
edicineo
fthe
person
sneighbo
ringKu
tuku
ScientificS
tatio
n
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
1Ac
mellaciliata
(Kun
th)
Cass
Botoncillo
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-001
Diarrheadysentery
toothachecoldldquomal
airerdquoforage
Leavesflow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Drin
kchew
Native
2Aiphanesulei(D
ammer)
Burret
Chon
tilla
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Leavesplant
steam
Oilextractio
nparchedob
taining
flour
Ingestion
Native
3An
thodiscus
peruanus
Baill
Chon
taqu
iroCa
ryocaraceae
HUPS
-co-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Fruitflo
wers
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
4An
thurium
giganteum
Engl
Anturio
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-001
Alim
entarynutritious
ornamental
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
5An
thurium
mindenseS
odiro
Jergon
quiro
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-002
Muscle
achepoison
forh
untin
gPlantroo
tObtaining
fibers+
water
Topical
application
appliedon
huntingarrows
Native
6Ap
aristhm
ium
cordatum
(A
Juss)Ba
ill
Aguacatillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-001
Dermatitisspotso
nthec
orneaeye
irritatio
nLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
7Blakea
rosea(Ruizamp
Pav)
DD
onTu
noblanco
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-001
Cicatrize
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
8Bo
rojoacla
viflora
(K
Schu
m)Cu
atrec
Borojo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-001
Respira
tory
diseases
psycho
motor
developm
entbloo
dcirculation
stimulatinghelping
digestion
Leaves
Syrupmedicine
Drin
kNative
9Bu
rmeis
tera
glabrata
(Kun
th)B
enthamp
Hoo
kF
exBDJacks
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-001
Jointp
ain
Leavesflow
ers
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
10Bu
rmeis
tera
refra
ctaE
Wim
m
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-002
Alim
entarynutritious
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Endemic
4 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
11By
rsonim
aarthropoda
A
Juss
Guayabillo
Malpigh
iaceae
HUPS
-ma-001
Alim
entaryheadache
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
12Ca
lathea
hagbergiiH
Kenn
Bijao
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-001
Food
stimulating
Plantroo
tObtaining
flour
Ingestion
Endemic
13Ca
lathea
libbyan
aHK
enn
Platanillo
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-002
Coldhealing
Leaves
Parched+water
Ingestion
Endemic
14Ca
pparisdetonsaTriana
ampPlanch
Sachab
ola
Capp
araceae
HUPS
-cp-001
Gon
orrhea
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
15Ca
seariadecand
raJacq
Burrocarsquoa
Salicaceae
HUPS
-sa-001
Leprosyalim
entary
Leaves
Jelly
aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kCentraland
SouthAmerica
16Ce
ibasamauma(M
arth)K
Schu
m
Saum
auma
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
01Th
ermalinsulation
Seed
Obtaining
fibers
Dire
ctapplication
BrazilPeru
Bolivia
Ecuado
r
17Ch
amaedoreapauciflora
Mart
Palm
iche
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-002
Deodo
rant
constructio
ndye
alim
entary
Flow
ersleavesfruit
Tritu
ratio
nmaceration
direct
use
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
18Ch
lorospatha
longipoda(K
Kr
ause)M
adiso
nTu
tunend
oAraceae
HUPS
-ar-003
Hepatitisfib
er
malariabackpain
Barkroo
tplantplant
stem
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
19Ch
rysochlamys
mem
branacea
Planchamp
Triana
Cascarillon
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
20Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
Jacq
Yaso
Sapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-001
Diarrheathroat
prob
lemsredu
ctionof
cornsem
etic
anthelm
intic
Barkfruit
sap
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
21Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
subspfer
rugineum
(Ruizamp
Pav)
TDPenn
Caim
itoSapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-002
Alim
entarycosmetic
moistu
rizingantia
cne
psoriasis
bronzer
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
nTo
pical
application
ingestion
Native
22Citharexylu
mpoeppigii
Walp
Nacedero
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-001
Affections
ofup
pera
irtractdigestive
prob
lemsheadache
menstr
ualp
ain
Flow
erplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 5
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
23Citro
nella
incarum
(JF
Macbr)RAH
oward
Citro
nela
Cardiopteridaceae
HUPS
-cr-001
Antisp
asmod
ic
carm
inativefebrifu
ge
antid
epressant
antiseptic
astr
ingent
sedativ
e
Leavesplant
stem
seeds
Plasteraqueou
sinfusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
24Clidem
iaspruceiG
leason
Mullaca
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-002
Aphrod
isiac
antifebrileanem
ia
scabies
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
25ClusiahammelianaPipo
lyCh
uagu
loClusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
02
Coldremedy
antirheum
atic
antiseptic
preventing
intestinald
iseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
26Clusiapallida
Engl
Matap
alo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
03
Ant
tetanicbo
nefractureshemostatic
strengthening
the
immun
esystem
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
27Clusiatro
chiform
isVe
sque
Renaqu
illo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
04
Hypoglycemic
laxativ
eantirust
preventin
grespira
tory
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
28Co
ccolobadensifronsM
art
exMeisn
Serra
Polygonaceae
HUPS
-po-001
Gastricfunctio
nstimulatingastringent
hemorrhoids
leucorrheam
etritis
Barkleavesplant
stem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
29Co
mpsoneura
capitellata
(A
DC)W
arb
Cuangare
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-001
Carm
inative
hallu
cino
gen
deod
orant
Bark
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
30Croton
lechleriM
ullArg
Sang
rede
Drago
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-002
Healin
gulcersvaginal
infections
rheumatism
anti-inflammatory
antib
acteria
l
Barklatexplant
stem
Sapextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
31Croton
rimbachiiCr
oizat
Algod
oncillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-003
Healin
gLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Endemic
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
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tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
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tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
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tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
2 BioMed Research International
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 1 Region where the study was carried out (a) Location in Ecuador (b) location in the province (c) location in the canton SourceGeographical Information Systems (IGM and SENPLADES)
Table 1 Communities close to the area of the Kutuku ScientificStation and its buffering zone
Canton Parrish Community
Morona Sevilla
Sevilla Don BoscoSan Luis Inimks
Santa AnaSan MiguelGuadalupeAngel RoubyAnkuash
awareness and natural resources exploitation as well as thestart point of touristic attraction based on the sustainabledevelopment of the territory
2 Methodology
The research herein was performed between August andDecember of 2013 within the area of the Kutuku BiologicalStation belonging to Universidad Politecnica Salesiana delEcuador (2∘18101584039110158401015840S 78∘06101584011610158401015840W) with 800ndash1200m aslThe territory of the station covers 250 hectares and is locatedwithin the Kutuku-Shaimi Protected Forest (BPKS) in thecenter of Ecuadorrsquos eastern region east of the city ofMacas inthe parish of SevillaDonBosco province ofMorona-Santiago(Figure 1)
Within the area of the scientific station big forest exten-sions of the evergreen humid type really difficult to accessstill persist in the low montane montane and high montanebelts [17] The month average temperature ranges between16 and 27∘C and the total annual precipitation is 3021mmapproximately [18] Close to the territory of the scientificstation where this study was carried out about 7 indigenouscommunities can be found all of these belong to the ethnicgroup ldquoShuarrdquo (Table 1)
For this investigation a qualitative ethnobotanical meth-od was carried out [20] in which mostly adult persons havebeen contacted who live within the area under study andknow the use of medicinal plants One hundred and sixtyinhabitants of the seven communities were interviewed Allrespondents were farmers or elderly belonging to the ldquoShuarrdquoethnicity or their descendants
The collected data were processed and the results areexpressed in a list of medicinal plants with scientific namesfamilies collection point used parts form of preparationtraditional uses and distribution (Table 2)The plant sampleswere processed and identified at the Ecuadorian NationalHerbarium (QCNE) They were deposited with their respec-tive code at the Herbarium of the Universidad PolitecnicaSalesiana in the city of Quito Ecuador The botanic nomen-clature was registered according to the Catalog of VascularPlants of Ecuador [6] A contact was established with theShuar community through their authorized representativeswith the possibility of performing more precise studies inthe future for the recovery protection and sustainable use oftheir traditional knowledge
3 Result and Discussion
The ethnobotanical study performed in this work gave us areal panorama about the natural remedies used by the inhab-itants in the territory of the Kutuku Scientific Station of theMorona canton of the province of Morona-Santiago south ofEcuadorThis researchwas realizedwith ldquoShuarrdquo communitywhich is very different from the ldquoAchuarrdquo community cited inthe article by Giovannini [21] even the geographical locationand the altitude are different
One hundred thirty-one different plants have been iden-tified which manymedicinal properties have been attributedto their uses and forms of therapeutic usage also have beenrecorded From the total number of plants 107 are native 9are grown traditionally 9 are endemic and 6 are cultivated[6]
BioMed Research International 3
Table2Th
erapeutic
applications
ofthep
lantsu
sedin
thetraditio
nalm
edicineo
fthe
person
sneighbo
ringKu
tuku
ScientificS
tatio
n
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
1Ac
mellaciliata
(Kun
th)
Cass
Botoncillo
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-001
Diarrheadysentery
toothachecoldldquomal
airerdquoforage
Leavesflow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Drin
kchew
Native
2Aiphanesulei(D
ammer)
Burret
Chon
tilla
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Leavesplant
steam
Oilextractio
nparchedob
taining
flour
Ingestion
Native
3An
thodiscus
peruanus
Baill
Chon
taqu
iroCa
ryocaraceae
HUPS
-co-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Fruitflo
wers
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
4An
thurium
giganteum
Engl
Anturio
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-001
Alim
entarynutritious
ornamental
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
5An
thurium
mindenseS
odiro
Jergon
quiro
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-002
Muscle
achepoison
forh
untin
gPlantroo
tObtaining
fibers+
water
Topical
application
appliedon
huntingarrows
Native
6Ap
aristhm
ium
cordatum
(A
Juss)Ba
ill
Aguacatillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-001
Dermatitisspotso
nthec
orneaeye
irritatio
nLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
7Blakea
rosea(Ruizamp
Pav)
DD
onTu
noblanco
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-001
Cicatrize
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
8Bo
rojoacla
viflora
(K
Schu
m)Cu
atrec
Borojo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-001
Respira
tory
diseases
psycho
motor
developm
entbloo
dcirculation
stimulatinghelping
digestion
Leaves
Syrupmedicine
Drin
kNative
9Bu
rmeis
tera
glabrata
(Kun
th)B
enthamp
Hoo
kF
exBDJacks
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-001
Jointp
ain
Leavesflow
ers
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
10Bu
rmeis
tera
refra
ctaE
Wim
m
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-002
Alim
entarynutritious
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Endemic
4 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
11By
rsonim
aarthropoda
A
Juss
Guayabillo
Malpigh
iaceae
HUPS
-ma-001
Alim
entaryheadache
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
12Ca
lathea
hagbergiiH
Kenn
Bijao
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-001
Food
stimulating
Plantroo
tObtaining
flour
Ingestion
Endemic
13Ca
lathea
libbyan
aHK
enn
Platanillo
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-002
Coldhealing
Leaves
Parched+water
Ingestion
Endemic
14Ca
pparisdetonsaTriana
ampPlanch
Sachab
ola
Capp
araceae
HUPS
-cp-001
Gon
orrhea
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
15Ca
seariadecand
raJacq
Burrocarsquoa
Salicaceae
HUPS
-sa-001
Leprosyalim
entary
Leaves
Jelly
aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kCentraland
SouthAmerica
16Ce
ibasamauma(M
arth)K
Schu
m
Saum
auma
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
01Th
ermalinsulation
Seed
Obtaining
fibers
Dire
ctapplication
BrazilPeru
Bolivia
Ecuado
r
17Ch
amaedoreapauciflora
Mart
Palm
iche
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-002
Deodo
rant
constructio
ndye
alim
entary
Flow
ersleavesfruit
Tritu
ratio
nmaceration
direct
use
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
18Ch
lorospatha
longipoda(K
Kr
ause)M
adiso
nTu
tunend
oAraceae
HUPS
-ar-003
Hepatitisfib
er
malariabackpain
Barkroo
tplantplant
stem
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
19Ch
rysochlamys
mem
branacea
Planchamp
Triana
Cascarillon
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
20Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
Jacq
Yaso
Sapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-001
Diarrheathroat
prob
lemsredu
ctionof
cornsem
etic
anthelm
intic
Barkfruit
sap
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
21Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
subspfer
rugineum
(Ruizamp
Pav)
TDPenn
Caim
itoSapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-002
Alim
entarycosmetic
moistu
rizingantia
cne
psoriasis
bronzer
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
nTo
pical
application
ingestion
Native
22Citharexylu
mpoeppigii
Walp
Nacedero
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-001
Affections
ofup
pera
irtractdigestive
prob
lemsheadache
menstr
ualp
ain
Flow
erplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 5
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
23Citro
nella
incarum
(JF
Macbr)RAH
oward
Citro
nela
Cardiopteridaceae
HUPS
-cr-001
Antisp
asmod
ic
carm
inativefebrifu
ge
antid
epressant
antiseptic
astr
ingent
sedativ
e
Leavesplant
stem
seeds
Plasteraqueou
sinfusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
24Clidem
iaspruceiG
leason
Mullaca
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-002
Aphrod
isiac
antifebrileanem
ia
scabies
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
25ClusiahammelianaPipo
lyCh
uagu
loClusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
02
Coldremedy
antirheum
atic
antiseptic
preventing
intestinald
iseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
26Clusiapallida
Engl
Matap
alo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
03
Ant
tetanicbo
nefractureshemostatic
strengthening
the
immun
esystem
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
27Clusiatro
chiform
isVe
sque
Renaqu
illo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
04
Hypoglycemic
laxativ
eantirust
preventin
grespira
tory
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
28Co
ccolobadensifronsM
art
exMeisn
Serra
Polygonaceae
HUPS
-po-001
Gastricfunctio
nstimulatingastringent
hemorrhoids
leucorrheam
etritis
Barkleavesplant
stem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
29Co
mpsoneura
capitellata
(A
DC)W
arb
Cuangare
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-001
Carm
inative
hallu
cino
gen
deod
orant
Bark
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
30Croton
lechleriM
ullArg
Sang
rede
Drago
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-002
Healin
gulcersvaginal
infections
rheumatism
anti-inflammatory
antib
acteria
l
Barklatexplant
stem
Sapextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
31Croton
rimbachiiCr
oizat
Algod
oncillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-003
Healin
gLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Endemic
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 3
Table2Th
erapeutic
applications
ofthep
lantsu
sedin
thetraditio
nalm
edicineo
fthe
person
sneighbo
ringKu
tuku
ScientificS
tatio
n
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
1Ac
mellaciliata
(Kun
th)
Cass
Botoncillo
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-001
Diarrheadysentery
toothachecoldldquomal
airerdquoforage
Leavesflow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Drin
kchew
Native
2Aiphanesulei(D
ammer)
Burret
Chon
tilla
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Leavesplant
steam
Oilextractio
nparchedob
taining
flour
Ingestion
Native
3An
thodiscus
peruanus
Baill
Chon
taqu
iroCa
ryocaraceae
HUPS
-co-001
Alim
entarynutritious
Fruitflo
wers
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
4An
thurium
giganteum
Engl
Anturio
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-001
Alim
entarynutritious
ornamental
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
5An
thurium
mindenseS
odiro
Jergon
quiro
Araceae
HUPS
-ar-002
Muscle
achepoison
forh
untin
gPlantroo
tObtaining
fibers+
water
Topical
application
appliedon
huntingarrows
Native
6Ap
aristhm
ium
cordatum
(A
Juss)Ba
ill
Aguacatillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-001
Dermatitisspotso
nthec
orneaeye
irritatio
nLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
7Blakea
rosea(Ruizamp
Pav)
DD
onTu
noblanco
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-001
Cicatrize
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
8Bo
rojoacla
viflora
(K
Schu
m)Cu
atrec
Borojo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-001
Respira
tory
diseases
psycho
motor
developm
entbloo
dcirculation
stimulatinghelping
digestion
Leaves
Syrupmedicine
Drin
kNative
9Bu
rmeis
tera
glabrata
(Kun
th)B
enthamp
Hoo
kF
exBDJacks
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-001
Jointp
ain
Leavesflow
ers
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
10Bu
rmeis
tera
refra
ctaE
Wim
m
Campana
Campanu
laceae
HUPS
-ca-002
Alim
entarynutritious
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Endemic
4 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
11By
rsonim
aarthropoda
A
Juss
Guayabillo
Malpigh
iaceae
HUPS
-ma-001
Alim
entaryheadache
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
12Ca
lathea
hagbergiiH
Kenn
Bijao
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-001
Food
stimulating
Plantroo
tObtaining
flour
Ingestion
Endemic
13Ca
lathea
libbyan
aHK
enn
Platanillo
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-002
Coldhealing
Leaves
Parched+water
Ingestion
Endemic
14Ca
pparisdetonsaTriana
ampPlanch
Sachab
ola
Capp
araceae
HUPS
-cp-001
Gon
orrhea
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
15Ca
seariadecand
raJacq
Burrocarsquoa
Salicaceae
HUPS
-sa-001
Leprosyalim
entary
Leaves
Jelly
aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kCentraland
SouthAmerica
16Ce
ibasamauma(M
arth)K
Schu
m
Saum
auma
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
01Th
ermalinsulation
Seed
Obtaining
fibers
Dire
ctapplication
BrazilPeru
Bolivia
Ecuado
r
17Ch
amaedoreapauciflora
Mart
Palm
iche
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-002
Deodo
rant
constructio
ndye
alim
entary
Flow
ersleavesfruit
Tritu
ratio
nmaceration
direct
use
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
18Ch
lorospatha
longipoda(K
Kr
ause)M
adiso
nTu
tunend
oAraceae
HUPS
-ar-003
Hepatitisfib
er
malariabackpain
Barkroo
tplantplant
stem
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
19Ch
rysochlamys
mem
branacea
Planchamp
Triana
Cascarillon
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
20Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
Jacq
Yaso
Sapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-001
Diarrheathroat
prob
lemsredu
ctionof
cornsem
etic
anthelm
intic
Barkfruit
sap
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
21Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
subspfer
rugineum
(Ruizamp
Pav)
TDPenn
Caim
itoSapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-002
Alim
entarycosmetic
moistu
rizingantia
cne
psoriasis
bronzer
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
nTo
pical
application
ingestion
Native
22Citharexylu
mpoeppigii
Walp
Nacedero
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-001
Affections
ofup
pera
irtractdigestive
prob
lemsheadache
menstr
ualp
ain
Flow
erplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 5
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
23Citro
nella
incarum
(JF
Macbr)RAH
oward
Citro
nela
Cardiopteridaceae
HUPS
-cr-001
Antisp
asmod
ic
carm
inativefebrifu
ge
antid
epressant
antiseptic
astr
ingent
sedativ
e
Leavesplant
stem
seeds
Plasteraqueou
sinfusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
24Clidem
iaspruceiG
leason
Mullaca
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-002
Aphrod
isiac
antifebrileanem
ia
scabies
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
25ClusiahammelianaPipo
lyCh
uagu
loClusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
02
Coldremedy
antirheum
atic
antiseptic
preventing
intestinald
iseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
26Clusiapallida
Engl
Matap
alo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
03
Ant
tetanicbo
nefractureshemostatic
strengthening
the
immun
esystem
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
27Clusiatro
chiform
isVe
sque
Renaqu
illo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
04
Hypoglycemic
laxativ
eantirust
preventin
grespira
tory
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
28Co
ccolobadensifronsM
art
exMeisn
Serra
Polygonaceae
HUPS
-po-001
Gastricfunctio
nstimulatingastringent
hemorrhoids
leucorrheam
etritis
Barkleavesplant
stem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
29Co
mpsoneura
capitellata
(A
DC)W
arb
Cuangare
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-001
Carm
inative
hallu
cino
gen
deod
orant
Bark
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
30Croton
lechleriM
ullArg
Sang
rede
Drago
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-002
Healin
gulcersvaginal
infections
rheumatism
anti-inflammatory
antib
acteria
l
Barklatexplant
stem
Sapextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
31Croton
rimbachiiCr
oizat
Algod
oncillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-003
Healin
gLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Endemic
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
4 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
11By
rsonim
aarthropoda
A
Juss
Guayabillo
Malpigh
iaceae
HUPS
-ma-001
Alim
entaryheadache
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
12Ca
lathea
hagbergiiH
Kenn
Bijao
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-001
Food
stimulating
Plantroo
tObtaining
flour
Ingestion
Endemic
13Ca
lathea
libbyan
aHK
enn
Platanillo
Marantaceae
HUPS
-mr-002
Coldhealing
Leaves
Parched+water
Ingestion
Endemic
14Ca
pparisdetonsaTriana
ampPlanch
Sachab
ola
Capp
araceae
HUPS
-cp-001
Gon
orrhea
Bark
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
15Ca
seariadecand
raJacq
Burrocarsquoa
Salicaceae
HUPS
-sa-001
Leprosyalim
entary
Leaves
Jelly
aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kCentraland
SouthAmerica
16Ce
ibasamauma(M
arth)K
Schu
m
Saum
auma
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
01Th
ermalinsulation
Seed
Obtaining
fibers
Dire
ctapplication
BrazilPeru
Bolivia
Ecuado
r
17Ch
amaedoreapauciflora
Mart
Palm
iche
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-002
Deodo
rant
constructio
ndye
alim
entary
Flow
ersleavesfruit
Tritu
ratio
nmaceration
direct
use
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
18Ch
lorospatha
longipoda(K
Kr
ause)M
adiso
nTu
tunend
oAraceae
HUPS
-ar-003
Hepatitisfib
er
malariabackpain
Barkroo
tplantplant
stem
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
19Ch
rysochlamys
mem
branacea
Planchamp
Triana
Cascarillon
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
20Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
Jacq
Yaso
Sapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-001
Diarrheathroat
prob
lemsredu
ctionof
cornsem
etic
anthelm
intic
Barkfruit
sap
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
21Ch
rysophyllum
argenteum
subspfer
rugineum
(Ruizamp
Pav)
TDPenn
Caim
itoSapo
taceae
HUPS
-sp-002
Alim
entarycosmetic
moistu
rizingantia
cne
psoriasis
bronzer
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
nTo
pical
application
ingestion
Native
22Citharexylu
mpoeppigii
Walp
Nacedero
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-001
Affections
ofup
pera
irtractdigestive
prob
lemsheadache
menstr
ualp
ain
Flow
erplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 5
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
23Citro
nella
incarum
(JF
Macbr)RAH
oward
Citro
nela
Cardiopteridaceae
HUPS
-cr-001
Antisp
asmod
ic
carm
inativefebrifu
ge
antid
epressant
antiseptic
astr
ingent
sedativ
e
Leavesplant
stem
seeds
Plasteraqueou
sinfusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
24Clidem
iaspruceiG
leason
Mullaca
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-002
Aphrod
isiac
antifebrileanem
ia
scabies
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
25ClusiahammelianaPipo
lyCh
uagu
loClusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
02
Coldremedy
antirheum
atic
antiseptic
preventing
intestinald
iseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
26Clusiapallida
Engl
Matap
alo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
03
Ant
tetanicbo
nefractureshemostatic
strengthening
the
immun
esystem
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
27Clusiatro
chiform
isVe
sque
Renaqu
illo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
04
Hypoglycemic
laxativ
eantirust
preventin
grespira
tory
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
28Co
ccolobadensifronsM
art
exMeisn
Serra
Polygonaceae
HUPS
-po-001
Gastricfunctio
nstimulatingastringent
hemorrhoids
leucorrheam
etritis
Barkleavesplant
stem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
29Co
mpsoneura
capitellata
(A
DC)W
arb
Cuangare
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-001
Carm
inative
hallu
cino
gen
deod
orant
Bark
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
30Croton
lechleriM
ullArg
Sang
rede
Drago
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-002
Healin
gulcersvaginal
infections
rheumatism
anti-inflammatory
antib
acteria
l
Barklatexplant
stem
Sapextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
31Croton
rimbachiiCr
oizat
Algod
oncillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-003
Healin
gLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Endemic
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 5
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
23Citro
nella
incarum
(JF
Macbr)RAH
oward
Citro
nela
Cardiopteridaceae
HUPS
-cr-001
Antisp
asmod
ic
carm
inativefebrifu
ge
antid
epressant
antiseptic
astr
ingent
sedativ
e
Leavesplant
stem
seeds
Plasteraqueou
sinfusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
24Clidem
iaspruceiG
leason
Mullaca
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-002
Aphrod
isiac
antifebrileanem
ia
scabies
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
25ClusiahammelianaPipo
lyCh
uagu
loClusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
02
Coldremedy
antirheum
atic
antiseptic
preventing
intestinald
iseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
26Clusiapallida
Engl
Matap
alo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
03
Ant
tetanicbo
nefractureshemostatic
strengthening
the
immun
esystem
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
27Clusiatro
chiform
isVe
sque
Renaqu
illo
Clusiaceae
HUPS
-cl-0
04
Hypoglycemic
laxativ
eantirust
preventin
grespira
tory
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
28Co
ccolobadensifronsM
art
exMeisn
Serra
Polygonaceae
HUPS
-po-001
Gastricfunctio
nstimulatingastringent
hemorrhoids
leucorrheam
etritis
Barkleavesplant
stem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
29Co
mpsoneura
capitellata
(A
DC)W
arb
Cuangare
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-001
Carm
inative
hallu
cino
gen
deod
orant
Bark
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Native
30Croton
lechleriM
ullArg
Sang
rede
Drago
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-002
Healin
gulcersvaginal
infections
rheumatism
anti-inflammatory
antib
acteria
l
Barklatexplant
stem
Sapextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
31Croton
rimbachiiCr
oizat
Algod
oncillo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-003
Healin
gLeaves
Tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Endemic
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
6 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
32Cy
clanthu
sbipartitus
Poit
Papango
Cycla
nthaceae
HUPS
-cy-001
Snakeb
itesalim
entary
ldquomalairerdquo
Fruitplantroo
tDecoctio
nparched
directuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
33Dacryodesperuviana
(Loes)
HJLam
Cop
alBu
rseraceae
HUPS
-bu-001
Femaler
eprodu
ctive
syste
mdisorders
jaun
dicespleen
diseasesliver
prob
lems
Fruitplantstem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Native
34Desmodium
poeppigianum
(Schindl)JFM
acbr
Pega
pega
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-001
Healin
gLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
35Drymoniawa
rszewicz
iana
Hanst
Desbaratado
raGesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-001
Skin
diseases
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
36Eq
uisetum
giganteum
LCa
ballo
chup
aEq
uisetaceae
HUPS
-eq-001
Inflammation
redu
ctionof
liver
and
kidn
eys
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
37Eryngium
foetidum
LCu
lantrillo
Apiaceae
HUPS
-ap-001
Abortiv
eslimming
aphrod
isiacdiabetes
cholesterollow
ering
Leavesplant
stem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
38Erythrinaam
azonica
Kruk
offCh
irishetuc
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-002
Calm
ingthen
ervous
syste
moral
inflammationredu
cer
antitussiv
e
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
39Erythroxylu
mfim
briatum
Peyr
Kuka
Erythroxylaceae
HUPS
-ey-001
Stim
ulantaltitud
eprob
lemslocal
anestheticldquomalairerdquo
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
40Faramea
amplaCMTaylor
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-002
Gou
tpreventer
vasodilator
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Colom
biaa
ndEcuado
r
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 7
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
41Faramea
exem
plarisStandl
Jazm
inRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-003
Antitu
mor
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
42Ficustondu
ziiStandl
Higueron
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-001
Laxativ
eanthelmintic
diureticfebrifuge
antifun
gal
Barkfruit
Decoctio
nsyrup
medicine
Topical
application
drink
Native
43GeonomachococolaWess
Boer
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-003
Measle
sLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Cultivated
44Geonomainterrupta
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mart
Rabiho
rcado
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
4Antivira
lalim
entary
nutrition
alLeaves
Maceration
Drin
kNative
45Geonomastricta(Poit)
Kunth
Calzo
npang
aArecaceae
HUPS
-ae-005
Spotso
nthes
kin
Seeds
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
46Gr
affenrie
dacucullata
(Tria
na)L
OW
illiams
Huito
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-003
Urin
arytrackand
kidn
eyinfections
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
47Gu
area
kunthianaAJuss
Piiche
Meliaceae
HUPS
-mi-0
01Wormingapplied
againstacnedand
erandinsectbites
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
48Gu
raniaeriantha
(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Cogn
Zapallito
Cucurbita
ceae
HUPS
-cu-001
Diarrheasw
ound
ssoresworming
Fruit
Dire
ctuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
49Hedyosm
umgoud
otianu
mSolm
sGranizo
Chloranthaceae
HUPS
-ch-001
Flavoringstimulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusionof
crushedleaves
Topical
application
drink
Native
50Heis
teria
acum
inata
Tinchi
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
01Alim
entarynutritious
fluFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
51Heis
teria
acum
inatasubsp
interm
ediaPJorg
Yutubanco
Olacaceae
HUPS
-ol-0
02Alim
entaryastr
ingent
nutrition
alFruit
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
52Heliconiaschu
manniana
Loes
Situlli
Helicon
iaceae
HUPS
-he-001
Anti-infl
ammatory
astringenthernia
Flow
ers
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
8 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
53Hier
onym
adu
queiCu
atrec
Urucurana
Phyllanthaceae
HUPS
-ph-001
Aphrod
isiacintestin
alparasites
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
54Hippotis
albiflora
HK
arst
Solcaspi
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
4Antidiabetic
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
55Hub
erodendron
swietenioides(G
leason
)Ducke
Carra
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
02Re
laxing
Who
leplant
Dire
ctuse
Inhalation
Bolivia
Ecuado
rBrazilPeru
French
Guyana
56Hyospathe
macrorhachis
Burret
Terent
Arecaceae
HUPS
-ae-00
6To
othdecayflu
Leavesw
holeplant
seeds
Oilextractio
nmaceration
direct
use
Drin
kingestion
Native
57IlexguayusaLo
es
Guayusa
Aquifoliaceae
HUPS
-aq-001
Alim
entaryantiru
ststimulantfig
htagainst
stressgastr
itis
infertility
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
58Jacarand
acopaia(Aub
l)D
Don
Gualand
ano
Bign
oniaceae
HUPS
-bi-0
01Dentalabscesses
bron
chitisitch
scabiessyph
ilis
Who
leplant
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
59Juanulloaochracea
Cuatrec
Dedode
oro
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-001
Syph
ilismalariasnake
bites
Leaves
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Native
60Ko
tchub
aeasemise
ricea
Ducke
Huitillo
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-005
Bloo
dclo
tting
cancer
treatment(female
genitaltract
bron
chop
ulmon
ary
andgastr
ic)
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
61La
cmellea
florib
unda
(Poepp
)Be
nth
Chiclecaspi
Apocyn
aceae
HUPS
-ao-001
Treatm
ento
fthe
vascular
brain
disordershypo
tensive
heartp
roblem
s
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
k
Brazil
Ecuado
rFrench
GuyanaPeru
Surin
am
62Lonchocarpus
seorsus(JF
Macbr)MSou
saex
DA
NeillKlitgampGP
Lewis
Chaperno
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-003
Loweringbad
cholesterol
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
63Mabea
speciosa
MullArg
Cham
izo
Euph
orbiaceae
HUPS
-eu-00
4Diarrhealiver
inflammations
improvingdigestion
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
64Machaerium
leiophyllu
m(D
C)B
enth
Una
degavilan
Fabaceae
HUPS
-fa-004
Anticancerous
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 9
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
65Malachraruderalis
Gurke
Malva
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
03Kidn
eydisease
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
66Matisiamalacocalyx
(A
Robins
ampSNilsson)
WS
Alverson
Bacao
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
04Th
ermalandacou
stic
insulation
Seeds
Fibere
xtraction
Topical
application
Native
67Mendonciaorbicularis
Turrill
Orsquome
Acanthaceae
HUPS
-ac-001
Eyee
villdquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parcheddirectuse
Inhalation
Native
68Mico
niaom
brophila
Wurdack
Tuno
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
4Sn
akeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Endemic
69Mico
niaprasina(Sw)D
CAguanoso
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-005
Healin
gsnakeb
ites
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
70Mico
niapunctata
(Desr)
D
Don
exDC
Huitoto
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
6Healin
gLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
71Mollin
edialatifolia(Poepp
ampEn
dl)Tu
lAmun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-001
Treatm
ento
fliver
diseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
72Mollin
ediarepand
aRu
izamp
Pav
Amun
amue
Mon
imiaceae
HUPS
-mo-002
Healin
grheumatism
drop
sysyphilis
migraineheadache
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
73Monolenaprim
uliflora
Hoo
kef
Shanku
rMelastomataceae
HUPS
-me-007
Antiparasitic
alim
entarystim
ulant
treatmentfor
conjun
ctivitis
Rhizom
eplantstem
sap
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
ingestion
Native
74Myrcia
bracteata(Rich)
DC
Arrayan
Myrtaceae
HUPS
-mt-0
01Astr
ingentdiarrhea
dysenteryhealing
Flow
ersfruitleaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
75Ne
ctandraacutifolia
(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Moena
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-001
Stom
achinfection
astringentdiarrhea
antifebrile
Leavesplant
stem
Oilextractio
naqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
76Ne
ctandrareticulata(Ruiz
ampPav)
Mez
Jigua
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-002
Moistu
rizerskin
lightener
Leaves
Tritu
ratio
n+ho
ney
bee
Topical
application
Native
77Ne
easpruceanaHeimerl
Cueyihue
Nyctaginaceae
HUPS
-ny-001
Antihem
orrhagic
leucorrhea
treatment
Leaves
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
10 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
78Ne
urolaena
lobata
(L)Ca
ss
Sepi
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-002
Healin
gantia
cne
Leaves
Cataplasm
tritu
ratio
nTo
pical
application
Native
79No
topleura
epiphytica(K
Kr
ause)C
MTaylor
Huati
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
6Antidiabeticantilipid
cholesterollow
ering
slimminghypo
tensive
Barkleaves
Decoctio
nDrin
k
Bolivia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rFrench
Guyana
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
80OcoteaskutchiiCK
Allen
Laurel
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-003
Intestinald
isorders
emollientblood
purifi
erdyspepsia
Fruitplantstem
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
81Oryctanthus
alveolatus
(Kun
th)K
uijt
Pajarito
Loranthaceae
HUPS
-lo-001
Emmenagogue
abortiv
ediuretic
hypo
tensive
antiepilepticw
ound
treatmentpu
rgative
healingof
angina
tonsillitis
antid
iarrhealpurify
ing
theb
lood
Flow
ersleavesw
hole
plant
Decoctio
naqueou
sinfusio
nDrin
kNative
82Ossa
ealaxivenu
laWurdack
Rifari
Melastomataceae
HUPS
-me-008
Healin
gsnakeb
ite
constructio
nLeavesplant
stem
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
83Pa
licourealuteonivea
CM
Taylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-007
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
84Pa
licoureasubalatoides
CMTaylor
Cafede
mon
teRu
biaceae
HUPS
-ru-008
Antim
alarial
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
85Pa
tinoa
sphaerocarpa
Cuatrec
Alm
irajo
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
05Diureticton
iccardiac
againstw
arts
cosm
etic
Seedsplantstem
Decoctio
nparched
Topical
application
drink
ingestion
Cultivated
86Pa
voniacasta
neifolia
A
St-H
ilampNaudin
Mozote
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
06
Colic
anti-inflammatory
constip
ation
refre
shing
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
directuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 11
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
87Pearceasprucei(Britton
exRu
sby)
LPKv
istampLE
Skog
Chirishi
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-002
Relaxing
ldquomalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
88Peperomiastriata
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
01Kidn
eydiseasebloo
dcirculation
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
89Peperomiatetra
gona
Ruizamp
Pav
Con
gonilla
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
02Liverd
isorders
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
90Ph
ilodend
ronhelen
iaeC
roat
Itining
aAraceae
HUPS
-ar-00
4Va
ginalbleeding
obste
tricpain
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Native
91Ph
oradendron
crassifolium
(Poh
lexDC)E
ichler
Sueld
acon
sueld
aSantalaceae
HUPS
-sn-001
Epilepsyhyste
ria
diureticrelieving
rheumaticpain
Leaves
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Topical
application
drink
Native
92Pipera
ugustum
Rudge
Matico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
03Urin
arytractinfectio
nflu
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kinhalation
Native
93Piperimperia
le(M
iq)C
DC
Cordo
ncillo
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
04Antidiarrhealulcer
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
94Piperinm
utatum
Trel
Shiliem
poja
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
05Healin
gLeaves
Crush+water
Topical
application
Native
95Piperm
acrotrichum
CDC
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
06Va
ginalantise
ptic
herpes
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
96Piperm
acerisp
icum
Trel
ampYu
nck
Guavidu
caPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
07Bron
chitishealing
Leaves
Decoctio
ncrush
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
97Piperm
usteum
Trel
Sachag
uand
oPiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
08Kidn
eydiseases
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
98Pipero
btusilimbum
CDC
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
09Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
99Piperp
oporenseTreamp
Yunck
Maticode
mon
tePiperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
10Ab
ortiv
eLeaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
100
Piperu
mbellatum
LMatico
Piperaceae
HUPS
-pi-0
11Healin
gldquom
alairerdquo
Bark
Tritu
ratio
nparched
Topical
application
inhalation
Native
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
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ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
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AntibioticsInternational Journal of
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Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
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Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
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Pharmaceutics
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MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
12 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
101
Piptocom
adiscolor
(Kun
th)
Pruski
Pigue
Aste
raceae
HUPS
-as-003
Diarrhea
antispasm
odicsnake
bites
Leavesplant
stem
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
102
Pleurothyrium
insig
nevan
derW
erff
Com
ino
Lauraceae
HUPS
-la-004
Stom
achinfection
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
103
Pseuderanthemum
subauricu
latum
Mild
br
Flor
estre
llaAc
anthaceae
HUPS
-ac-002
Antidepressant
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kEn
demic
104
Pseudolm
ediarig
ida
(KlotzschampHK
arst)
Cuatrec
Chim
icua
Moraceae
HUPS
-mc-002
Back
pain
relief
hernias
Leaves
Cataplasm
Topical
application
Native
105
Psychotriaborucana
(Ant
Molina)
CMTayloramp
WCB
urger
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-00
9Antivira
lirr
egularities
with
them
enstr
ual
cycle
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
106
PsychotriabrachiataSw
Ch
acruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-010
Gon
orrheageneral
weakn
ess
convalescence
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
107
Psychotriacosta
nensis
Steyerm
Chacruna
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-011
Diabetestre
atment
againstp
rofoun
dwou
nds
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
drink
Cultivated
108
Psychotriaflaviflora
(K
Krause)C
MTaylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-012
Hem
orrhoidsfistu
las
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Topical
application
Native
109
PsychotriatrivialisRu
sby
Flor
delabios
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-013
Rheumatism
im
mun
odeficiency
HIV
Leaves
Dire
ctuse
Ingestion
Cultivated
110Psychotriazevallosii
CM
Taylor
Chacrona
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-014
Antibioticulce
rs
treatmentagainst
tumors
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
111
Pterozonium
brevifrons
(ACSm)Lellinger
Hele
cho
Pteridaceae
HUPS
-pt-0
01
Respira
tory
diseases
scalpprob
lems
antitussiv
emenstr
ual
prob
lems
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
inhalation
Native
112
Reldiaminutiflora(LE
Skog)L
PKv
istampLE
Skog
Chiri
Gesneria
ceae
HUPS
-ge-003
ldquoMalairerdquo
Who
leplant
Parched
Inhalation
Native
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 13
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
113
Rudgea
verticillata
(Ruizamp
Pav)
Spreng
Ch
irishri
Rubiaceae
HUPS
-ru-015
ldquoMalairerdquotin
cture
Who
leplant
Parchedmaceration
Inhalatio
ndye
Cultivated
114Siparuna
harlingiiSS
Renn
erampHausner
Pichohu
ayo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
01
Febrifu
geanalgesic
anti-inflammatories
antitussiv
ehypo
tensivehealing
ldquomalairerdquoflavorin
gaphrod
isiac
Leaves
Cataplasmaqu
eous
infusio
n
Topical
application
drink
Native
115
Siparuna
lepidota(Kun
th)
AD
CLimon
cillo
Siparunaceae
HUPS
-si-0
02Ea
rpain
Leaves
Juice
Topical
application
Native
116Sm
ilaxoffi
cinalisKu
nth
Una
degato
Smilacaceae
HUPS
-sm-001
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
atic
digestivediuretic
antifebrile
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Cultivated
117Solanu
macerifoliu
mDun
alCocon
illo
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-002
Stim
ulant
Leaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
118Solanu
maltissim
umBe
nıtez
Yoroi
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-003
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebriledepu
rativ
ebloo
dskin
diseases
Root
plantrhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
ndirectuse
Drin
kingestion
Native
119Solanu
mmalletiiSKn
app
Siucahuito
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
4
Antisy
philitic
antirheum
aticurin
ary
tractd
iseasesbladd
erandkidn
eyprob
lems
blenno
rrhagia
Root
plant
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
120
Sterculia
colombiana
Sprague
Sapo
tejin
Malvaceae
HUPS
-ml-0
07Againstcoug
hand
asthmabron
chod
ilator
Seeds
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
Colom
bia
Ecuado
rPanamaPeru
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
14 BioMed Research International
Table2Con
tinued
Num
ber
Scientificn
ame
Com
mon
namelowast
Family
Herbariu
mvoucher
Therapeutic
applications
andother
uses
Usedparts
Preparation
Administratio
nDistrib
utionlowastlowast
121
TapiriraguianensisAu
bl
Palode
gusano
Anacardiaceae
HUPS
-an-001
Cystitisvesicant
Fruit
Maceration
syrup
medicine
Drin
kNative
122
Thibau
diaflorib
unda
Kunth
Hualicon
dearbo
lEricaceae
HUPS
-er-001
Alim
entarytreatment
andpreventio
nof
urinarytractinfectio
nLeaves
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kNative
123
Tradescantiazanonia(L)
Sw
Calch
aron
Com
melinaceae
HUPS
-cm-001
Treatm
entfor
burns
anti-inflammatories
Leaves
Cataplasmcrushed
Topical
application
Native
124
Trem
aintegerrim
a(Beurl)
Standl
Cunacuma
Cann
abaceae
HUPS
-cn-001
Astr
ingentnasal
decongestant
leish
maniasis
Who
leplant
Aqueou
sinfusion
Drin
kinhalation
BelizeBo
livia
Colom
bia
CostaRica
Ecuado
rGuatemala
Guyana
Hon
duras
Nicaragua
PanamaPeru
Surin
am
Venezuela
125
Triana
eana
ekaSKn
app
Naeka
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-005
Digestiv
ediuretic
antifebrilebloo
dcirculationprob
lems
skin
prob
lems
Rhizom
eplantstem
Decoctio
nTo
pical
application
drink
Endemic
126
Triolen
apluvialis
(Wurdack)W
urdack
Cang
rejo
Mela
stomataceae
HUPS
-me-00
9Females
terility
Leaves
Decoctio
nDrin
kNative
127
VerbenalitoralisKu
nth
Verbena
Verbenaceae
HUPS
-ve-002
Headachesulcershair
loss
Leavesplant
root
Aqueou
sinfusion
crushed
Topical
application
drink
Native
128
Virolapavonis(AD
C)
ACSm
Caup
uri
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-002
Toothandkidn
eypain
analgesic
Sap
Dire
ctuse
Drin
kNative
129
Virolasebifer
aAu
bl
Chalviande
Myristicaceae
HUPS
-my-003
Carm
inativeflavorin
ghallu
cino
gen
Flow
ersleaves
Parched
Inhalatio
nNative
130
Vries
eazamorensis
(LB
Sm)LB
Sm
Plum
adeind
ioBrom
eliaceae
HUPS
-br-001
Alim
entary
nutrition
alfrig
htWho
leplant
Maceration
Drin
kinhalation
Endemic
131
With
eringiasolana
ceaLrsquoH
er
Hojap
unada
Solanaceae
HUPS
-so-00
6Bron
chitisdiarrhea
acne
Leaves
Crushedjuice
Topical
application
drink
Native
lowastCom
mon
names
canbe
foun
din
Spanish
QuechuaShu
arand
Huaoranilanguages
lowastlowastLeon
-Yanez
etal[19]
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 15
05
1015
Num
ber o
f spe
cies
Families
Rubi
acea
e
Pipe
race
ae
Mela
stom
atac
eae
Mal
vace
ae
Are
cace
ae
Euph
orbi
acea
e
Sola
nace
ae
Ara
ceae
Clus
iace
ae
Faba
ceae
Laur
acea
e
Aste
race
ae
Ges
neria
ceae
Myr
istic
acea
e
Figure 2 The most frequently used families of plants in the area of Kutuku Scientific Station
This long list of plants comprises species yet unknownfrom a phytochemical point of view as well as deeply studiedones for example Croton lechleriMull Arg and Ilex guayusaLoes Croton lechleri is used locally as a wound healingaid as a treatment for ulcers and sometimes for vaginalinfections These usages and other are scientifically validatedin literature especially concerning the treatment of infectionsand the wound healing aid [22] According to another author[13] Croton lechleri is traditionally used in Ecuador as adiuretic remedy and is also employed to treat dermatologicand hepatic illnesses
Ilex guayusa is used in case of gastritis as a stimulantreplacing coffee and to enhance fertility in women In theAmazon forest of Ecuador and Peru a traditional guayusadecoction that yields a high content of caffeine is used as astimulant in the morning [23] It is also reported [24] thatIlex guayusa of Peru has a strong antimicrobial activity
Verbena litoralis Kunth keeps being very appreciated inlocal medicine particularly for the treatment of headachesulcers and alopecia Data in scientific literature [25] supportits activity as an analgesic too
According to the collected information the plants utilizedfor headache treatment areVirola pavonis (A DC) A C SmSiparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner Byrsonima arthro-podaA JussAcmella ciliata (Kunth)Cass andCitharexylumpoeppigiiWalp
Virola pavonis is used and very appreciated by the localinhabitants for the treatment of diseases from inflammationto headache from hangovers to renal problems OutsideEcuador this plant was tested in Brazil for the treatment ofleishmaniosis [26] while the antifungal activity of theextracts from the leaves was studied in detail by Zacchinoet al [27] The leaves of Siparuna harlingii S S Renner ampHausner are used by the local inhabitants as remedies forheadache and cough and as an anti-inflammatory At otherlatitudes different authors described diverse applications ofthis plant in Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador theinhabitants employ it against rheumatism [28] meanwhile inColombia it is used to treat illnesses of nervous system andstomach [29]
The bark of Byrsonima arthropoda in decoction is em-ployed as an analgesic although the whole plant is usedas food for birds and mammals The Makuna Indians fromPraparana River a ColombianAmazon ethnic group uses theground plant as a wound healing aid [30]
In our study we found that the leaves of Acmella ciliataare used as a remedy against diarrhea headaches colds andtoothache and for ldquomal airerdquo Only a few papers are availablein literature either ethnopharmacologic or phytochemicalfor Acmella ciliata In a study performed in the state of MinasGerais in Brazil [31] it is reported that the leaves of this plantare traditionally used to treat hepatic problems
From the flowers and leaves of Citharexylum poeppigiiaqueous infusions are prepared which are used to treataffections of upper respiratory tract such as cough Thisinfusion is also used for digestive discomfort headaches andmenstrual cramps In literature information concerning theethnobotanical use of this species is lacking nonethelessthe presence of this plant is confirmed in Ecuador [32] andVenezuela [33]
The plant families mostly used by the inhabitants are Ru-biaceae (15) Piperaceae (11) Melastomataceae (9) Malvaceae(7) Arecaceae (7) Solanaceae (6) and Euphorbiaceae (4)Figure 2 shows the plant families reported in this study witha main role in the traditional use
In the area of Kutuku Scientific Station plants of the Rubi-aceae family are used mostly as anticarcinogens (4) for cir-culatory system problems (4) as a treatment for diabetes (3)and against malaria (2) In literature plants of the Rubiaceaefamily are reported as being antihepatotoxic [34] as well ashaving anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [35]
Piperaceae plants are often used locally against kidneyand urinary tract affections (3) as wound healing aids (3)and curiously sometimes as an abortive (2) The use of theplants of this family in infusions of whole plant is frequentlyreported in the literature which confirms the usage as woundhealing aid [36] and for the treatment of kidney affections[37]
In this study we found that the plants of the Melastom-ataceae family are used especially as treatment of poisonoussnake bites and for wound healing (4) Many plants of thisfamily are used in Mexico for the traditional treatment ofgingivitis and oral infections overall [38] and have been testedin Brazil for treating gastrointestinal problems [39]
We confirm the usage of plants of the Malvaceae familyas diuretic remedies as reported for example in Alarcon-Alonso et al [40] forHibiscus sabdariffa L and also the use ofPatinoa sphaerocarpa Cuatrec in the same way The antiviralproperties of the plants of the Arecaceae family reported forexample in Cocos nucifera L from Brazil [41] are confirmed
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
16 BioMed Research International
Pain relievingDiuretic
RheumatismDiseases of the kidney and bladder
Healing0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of reports
Ther
apeu
tic u
ses
Figure 3 Main therapeutic uses of the plants of the Kutuku Scientific Station reported in this article
on the base of the speciesGeonoma chococolaWess Boer andGeonoma interrupta (Ruiz amp Pav) Mart found at the KutukuScientific Station
The plants of the Solanaceae family are used generally asa treatment for syphilis (3) rheumatism (2) kidney problems(2) and infections of the urinary tract (2) A study carried outin the Bolivian Chaco pointed out the traditional use of somespecies of Solanaceae family for the treatment of headachesfever acne and diarrhea [42] these pharmacological usescan be correlated with our findings Besides the Solanaceaefamily has been broadly studied and its plants are used fortheir hallucinogenic properties [43]
Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are used mostly aswound healing aids (2) for intestinal problems (1) for diar-rhea (1) and as hepatoprotective agents (1) the latter beingconfirmed by a study performed in India [44]
Many plants of these families and of the other familiesreported in this study are used for the treatment of ldquoespantordquoor ldquomal airerdquo a typical Andean pathology that is poorlydefined in which the psychosomatic problems originatedfromphobia factors produce deep physical and psychologicalweakness [45] To talk about etiology of ldquomal airerdquo is not justtalk about the origin of the disease but rather is to speak ofthe limits of medicine and get into the field of philosophicalapproaches in general the ldquomal airerdquo is a state of generaldecay of the body generated by evil spirits that inhabit thecrossing mountains and under large trees orchards aban-doned ponds streams cemeteries places where they havebeen burials fact of valuables and so forth [46]
Overall 73 different therapeutic uses for the cited plantshave been recorded including their use aswoundhealing aids(14) for ldquomal airerdquo (10) for diarrhea (9) as nourishment (9)for kidney and bladder affections (8) for fever (8) and forrheumatism (7) All of these are indicated in Figure 3
An aqueous infusion is the most generalized form ofadministration decoctions direct consumption and topicalapplications are also commonThe leaves (50) are the plantparts more frequently selected followed by the stem (12)fruits (16) and barks (10)
4 Conclusions
The use of plants for treating diseases keeps being necessaryto indigenous populations in emerging countries which dueto high costs have a difficult access to western medicinesand therefore use to rely on their own traditional remediesOn the other hand the integrated forms of modern and
traditional medicines are often practiced by many physiciansnowadays Morona-Santiago the Ecuadorian province wherethe Kutuku Scientific Station is located owns a high plantbiodiversity and a rich ethnobotanical tradition based on itThis has given origin to a popular medicine comprising theuse ofmore than 100 local plants which have been botanicallyidentified The illnesses cured with the plants are of coursestrictly related with the health situation of local commu-nities Wound healing aids renal and stomach infectionsheadaches and colds are the most common ailments whichnatural resources are used for Nonetheless less frequentdiseases such as cancer diabetes andmalaria are also treatedwith different plant extracts
On these days the preservation of traditional knowledgeis threatened by a great amount of external factors related tothe ldquomodernizationrdquo of the region It is therefore urgent tosave the cultural patrimony of the indigenous populationsby confirming the therapeutic use of plants with scientificcriteria and by encouraging the phytochemical research ofthe species containing potential active principles of inter-est
Within this context more studies on the use of medicinalplants by the indigenous communities nearby the KutukuScientific Station are being carried out by our investigationgroups in which scientists technicians and students areinvolved assessing the biological activity of the regionrsquos mostpromising plants
Competing Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out with the financial support ofUniversidad Politecnica Salesiana del Ecuador through thegroup of investigation on natural resources with the coop-eration and direction of Universita Degli Studi di Pavia inItalyThe authors would like to thankUniversidad PolitecnicaSalesiana Universita Degli Studi di Pavia ColegioDon Boscoin Sevilla parish Morona-Santiago province the NationalHerbarium of Ecuador (QCNE) the UPS Herbarium theentire personnel of the Center of Research and Valuationof Biodiversity (CIVABI) and all the communities that gavetheir share of ancestral knowledge during the making of thisproject
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
BioMed Research International 17
References
[1] E AlmeidaCulturas Prehispanicas del Ecuador Viajes Chasqui-guinan Cıa Ltda Quito Ecuador 2000
[2] R E Schultes ldquoThe importance of ethnobotany in environmen-tal conservationrdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico de Cordobavol 5 pp 157ndash164 1997
[3] R Chaudhury Herbal Medicine for Human Health WorldHealth Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia 1992
[4] WHO ldquoSummar 9 WHO guidelines for the assessment ofherbal medicinesrdquo Herbal Grom vol 28 pp 13ndash14 1993
[5] O Carrero Estudio Etnobotanico en las Reservas ForestalesEstados Barinas 1996
[6] P Jorgensen and S Leon-YanezCatalogue of theVascular Plantsof Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden Press St Louis MoUSA 1999
[7] Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador Cuarto Informe Nacionalpara el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biologica Ministerio delAmbiente de Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2010
[8] P Naranjo and R Escaleras La Medicina Tradicional en elEcuador Corporacion Editora Nacional Quito Ecuador 1995
[9] L Villar ldquoPanoramica de la etnobotanica en Espana (Pirineosy noroeste peninsular)rdquo Monografıas del Jardın Botanico deCordoba vol 5 pp 165ndash177 1997
[10] V Villacres Bioactividad de Plantas Amazonicas Abya YalaQuito Ecuador 1995
[11] C Ceron and C Montalvo Etnobotanica de los Huaorani deQuehueiri-ono Napo-Ecuador Escuela de Biologıa y Quımica-Universidad Central del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 1998
[12] G Iglesias Sacha Jambi El Uso de las Plantas en la Medic-ina Tradicional de los Quichuas del Napo Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 2002
[13] V Tene O Malagon P V Finzi G Vidari C Armijos and TZaragoza ldquoAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants usedin Loja andZamora-Chinchipe Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 111 no 1 pp 63ndash81 2007
[14] J Andrade C Armijos O Malagon and H lucero Plantas Sil-vestres Empleadas por la etnia Saraguro en la Parroquia SanLucas Loja-Ecuador Ediciones UTPL Loja Ecuador 2009
[15] C Armijos M Lozano F Bracco G Vidari and O MalagonPlantas Sagradas y Psicoactivas Usadas por los Saraguros en laRegion sur del Ecuador Ediloja Loja Ecuador 2012
[16] R W Bussmann and D Sharon ldquoTraditional medicinal plantuse in Loja province Southern Ecuadorrdquo Journal of Ethnobiol-ogy and Ethnomedicine vol 2 article no 44 2006
[17] R Sierra Ed Propuesta Preliminar de un Sistema de Clasi-ficacion de Vegetacion para el Ecuador Continental ProyectoINEFANGEF-BIRF y EcoCiencia Quito Ecuador 1999
[18] CARE Ministerio del Ambiente and Union Europea y TinkerFoundation Plan de Manejo Actualizado y Priorizado delBosque Protector Kutuku Shaimi 2012-2017 CARE Ministeriodel Ambiente Union Europea y Tinker Foundation MacasEcuador 2012
[19] S Leon-Yanez R Valencia N Pitman L Endara C Ulloa andH Navarrete Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endemicas del EcuadorPublicaciones del Herbario QCA Pontificia Universidad Cat-olica del Ecuador Quito Ecuador 2nd edition 2011
[20] L P Kvist I Ore A Gonzalez and C Llapapasca ldquoEstudio deplantas medicinales en la amazonia peruana una evaluacion deocho metodos etnobotanicosrdquo Folia Amazonica vol 12 no 1-2pp 53ndash75 2001
[21] P Giovannini ldquoMedicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) ofAmazonian Ecuador ethnobotanical survey and comparisonwith other Amazonian pharmacopoeiasrdquo Journal of Ethnophar-macology vol 164 pp 78ndash88 2015
[22] A J Vaisberg M Milla M C Planas et al ldquoTaspine is thecicatrizant principle in Sangre de Grado extracted from Crotonlechlerirdquo Planta Medica vol 55 no 2 pp 140ndash143 1989
[23] WH Lewis E J Kennelly G N Bass H JWednerM P Elvin-Lewis and D Fast ldquoRitualistic use of the holly Ilex guayusa byAmazonian Jivaro Indiansrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol33 no 1-2 pp 25ndash30 1991
[24] Q Ruiz R Julio and A Mirtha Roque ldquoActividad antimicro-biana de cuatro plantas del nor-oriente peruanordquo Revista deCiencia e Investigacion vol 12 no 1 pp 41ndash47 2009
[25] N I Hilgert and G E Gil ldquoMedicinal plants of the argentineyungas plants of the las yungas biosphere reserve northwest ofArgentina used in health carerdquo Biodiversity and Conservationvol 15 no 8 pp 2565ndash2594 2006
[26] S K R Morais A F Teixeira Z E S Torres et al ldquoBiologicalactivities of lignoids from amazonMyristicaceae speciesVirolamichelii V mollissima V pavonis and Iryanthera juruensisrdquoJournal of the Brazilian Chemical Society vol 20 no 6 pp 1110ndash1118 2009
[27] S Zacchino G Rodrıguez G Pezzenati G Orellana R Enrizand M G Sierra ldquoIn vitro evaluation of antifungal propertiesof 8O41015840-neolignansrdquo Journal of Natural Products vol 60 no 7pp 659ndash662 1997
[28] COrellana and J ZulayEstudio de plantas utiles empleadas en lacomunidad Shuar El Kiim-Yacuambi de la provincia de ZamoraChinchipe (Trabajo de fin de titulacion de Ingeniero en GestionAmbiental) UTPL Loja Ecuador 2014
[29] S S Renner and G Hausner ldquoNew species of Siparuna (Mon-imiaceae) I Four new species from Ecuador and ColombiardquoNovon vol 5 no 1 pp 61ndash70 1995
[30] R E Schultes De PlantisToxicariis e Mundo Novo Tropicale-commentationes XXXI Further Ethnopharmacological Notes onMalpighiaceousplantas of the Northwestern Amazon vol 29 no2 Botanical Museum Leaflets Harvard University HarvardUniversity 1983
[31] B E Conde I T Salazar Rogerio A M de Siqueira M Q Fer-reira L M Chedier and D S Pimenta ldquoEthnopharmacologyin the vicinity of the botanical garden of the federal universityof Juiz De Fora Brazilrdquo Ethnobotany Research and Applicationsvol 12 no 1 pp 91ndash112 2014
[32] H Moldenke ldquoThe known geographic distribution of themembers of the verbenaceae and avicenniaceae supplement 3rdquoCastanea vol 10 no 2 pp 35ndash46 1945
[33] J Parra and L Gamez ldquoDeterminacion de especies arboreasa traves de caracteres vegetativos en la Estacion ExperimentalCaparo Estado Barinas Venezuelardquo Revista Forestal Vene-zolana vol 56 no 2 pp 135ndash145 2012
[34] M P Germano R Sanogo C Costa et al ldquoHepatoprotectiveproperties in the rat ofMitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae)rdquo Journalof Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol 51 no 6 pp 729ndash734 1999
[35] A B Dongmo A Kamanyi G Dzikouk et al ldquoAnti-inflam-matory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract ofMitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrev amp Pellegrrdquo Journal ofEthnopharmacology vol 84 no 1 pp 17ndash21 2003
[36] C C Neto C W Owens R D Langfield et al ldquoAntibacterialactivity of some peruvian medicinal plants from the callejon dehuaylasrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79 no 1 pp 133ndash138 2002
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
18 BioMed Research International
[37] M RahmatullahMA RahmanM ZHaque et al ldquoA survey ofmedicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners of stationpurbo para village of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Jamalpurdistrict Bangladeshrdquo American-Eurasian Journal of SustainableAgriculture vol 4 no 2 pp 122ndash135 2010
[38] M Leonti HVibransO Sticher andMHeinrich ldquoEthnophar-macology of the Popoluca Mexico an evaluationrdquo Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology vol 53 no 12 pp 1653ndash16692001
[39] C H Pellizzon A L Rozza P C P Vasconcelos M A Andreoand C A Hiruma-Lima ldquoNon-commercial plants of medicinalpurposes from the Brazilian biomes for the treatment of gas-trointestinal diseasesrdquo inDrug Plants III vol 29 of InformationRecent Progress in Medicinal Plants pp 217ndash236 Studium PressLLC Delhi India 2010
[40] J Alarcon-Alonso A Zamilpa F A Aguilar M Herrera-Ruiz J Tortoriello and E Jimenez-Ferrer ldquoPharmacologicalcharacterization of the diuretic effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn(Malvaceae) extractrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 139no 3 pp 751ndash756 2012
[41] E B C Lima CN S Sousa LNMeneses et al ldquoCocos nucifera(L) (Arecaceae) a phytochemical and pharmacological reviewrdquoBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research vol 48 no11 pp 953ndash964 2015
[42] G Bourdy L R Chavez De Michel and A Roca-CoulthardldquoPharmacopoeia in a shamanistic society the Izoceno-Guaranı(Bolivian Chaco)rdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 91 no 2-3 pp 189ndash208 2004
[43] E A Carlini ldquoPlants and the central nervous systemrdquo Pharma-cology Biochemistry and Behavior vol 75 no 3 pp 501ndash5122003
[44] B Ahmed T Alam M Varshney and S A Khan ldquoHepatopro-tective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and theEuphorbiaceae familyrdquo Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol 79no 3 pp 313ndash316 2002
[45] V De Feo ldquoEthnomedical field study in northern PeruvianAndes with particular reference to divination practicesrdquo Journalof Ethnopharmacology vol 85 no 2-3 pp 243ndash256 2003
[46] S Andrade S Arguello P Cazamajor et al Nuevas Investiga-ciones Antropologicas Ecuatorianas Editorial Abya Yala QuitoEcuador 1988
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of
Submit your manuscripts athttpwwwhindawicom
PainResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom
Volume 2014
ToxinsJournal of
VaccinesJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporation httpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AntibioticsInternational Journal of
ToxicologyJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
StrokeResearch and TreatmentHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Drug DeliveryJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
Tropical MedicineJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
AddictionJournal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
BioMed Research International
Emergency Medicine InternationalHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Autoimmune Diseases
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Anesthesiology Research and Practice
ScientificaHindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Journal of
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
Pharmaceutics
Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttpwwwhindawicom Volume 2014
MEDIATORSINFLAMMATION
of