Anthropogenic impact on a protected area, Rio Doce Park / Impacto antropogénico en un área protegida, el Parque Rio Doce

This study aimed to assess the anthropogenic activities at Rio Doce Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from ethnopharmacological surveys in Timóteo and Marliéria, which are located around the park. Interviews were conducted with previously identified, key informants, 15 in Timóteo and 10 in Marliéria. Two respondents collected medicinal plants in the forest of the park (from a few trees) but kept the same vulnerability of the use of their barks. Among the 141 surveyed botanical terms, we identified 95 species of 44 different botanical families. On the basis of statistical analyses, the 12 most used species were selected by respondents considering their therapeutic purposes and also obtaining the purpose of the use and dosage, among others. The knowledge about the use of medicinal plants has been maintained through generations but away from the formal health system and a sustainable management plan to encourage the preservation of the park.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las actividades humanas en Rio Doce Park, MG, desde encuesta ethnopharmacological en las ciudades de Timoteo y Marliéria. Realizamos entrevistas semi-estructuradas con informantes clave identificados anteriormente, un total de 15 en Timoteo y 10 en Marliéria. Sólo dos encuestados informaron de recolección de plantas medicinales en el parque forestal. De los 141 términos botánicos citados, se identificaron 95 especies y 44 familias de plantas. Basado en el análisis estadístico, 12 especies fueron seleccionadas más utilizados por los encuestados y sus efectos terapéuticos, también la obtención de la finalidad del uso y la dosis, entre otros. Se encontró que se perpetúan los conocimientos combate el uso de plantas medicinales, pero desconectado del sistema formal de salud y un plan de manejo sostenible para promover la conservación del parque.

Synergy in ethnopharmacological data collection methods employed for communities adjacent to urban forest

Several ethnopharmacological techniques used for sampling and data collection cannot be used as they are for different areas and cultural groups. This study combined and adapted reported ethnopharmacological research techniques for sampling and data collection of medicinal plants in forests adjacent to urban areas, and evaluated their potential applicability. The areas considered in this study included the neighborhoods adjacent to the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. Application of combined ethnopharmacological research techniques ensured a practical strategy and reliability in the collected data. Preliminary interviews with 303 questionnaires constituted the general sampling of the population, and interviews with eleven people knowledgeable of medicinal plants constituted specific sampling. Using the two techniques, it was possible to identify sixty species, which are stored in the CESJ Herbarium. Given the lack of specific ethnopharmacological research tools in the context of multi-cultural urban communities located adjacent to forest areas that require preservation, this study shows that the synergistic use of techniques provides more reliable and reproducible data. The combined use of these techniques provides safety and simplifies the tools for future use in similar studies.