INVESTIGADORES
ACOSTA marina Eva
artículos
Título:
Urban trading of medicinal plants in San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina): How does species composition vary between different biocultural supply sites?
Autor/es:
ACOSTA, MARINA EVA; ALEJANDRA LAMBARÉ, DANIELA; LADIO, ANA H.
Revista:
Ethnobiology and Conservation
Editorial:
Universidade Federal Pernambuco, Brasil; Universida de Estadual da Paraíba, Brasil
Referencias:
Lugar: Paraíba; Año: 2021 vol. 10 p. 1 - 25
Resumen:
Studies on the biocultural variation of medicinal plant use in urban contexts are necessary for publichealth purposes. We asked: What are the main supply sites of medicinal plants in the pluriculturalcity of San Salvador de Jujuy, and how can we characterize them? What are the most importantmedicinal plants commercialized in the city? How does species composition vary between commercialsuppliers? We also studied the relationship between plants? therapeutic versatility and their commercialimportance, the main illnesses treated and the botanical families involved. Ethnobotanical techniqueswere employed, particularly participant observation and semi-structured and structured interviews withsalespersons. Three types of supply site were identified: pharmacies, herbal stores and traditional infor-mal sales stalls (informal vendors). Eighty-two medicinal species, mainly belonging to the Asteraceaefamily, and two algal species were the most sold. Total species richness differed between supply sitetypes with herb stores selling the highest richness (54 species). The most frequently used species werethe most versatile, the most sold native species being more therapeutically versatile than the exoticspecies. Through a GLM we found that the supply sites most likely to sell native plants were informalvendors. These traditional vendors are fundamental in Jujuy for the supply of unique native species.This has marked consequences for public health, highlighting the essential biocultural role played bythis supply point in maintaining the traditional Andean health system. Furthermore, having diversemedicinal plant supply sites may contribute to inhabitants? social-ecological resilience, helping themface changes with autonomy and diversity.