ABSTRACT
We present the results of an ethnopharmacological research within a Bolivian lowland ethnic group from the dry Chaco, the izoceño-guaraní. Izoceño-guaraní people belong to the extended Chiriguano group. They are actually organised in independent communities, settled down in south-east Bolivia. Struggling very soon for their rights, landowners of their territory, izoceño-guaraní appear to be well organised and maintain a still vivid culture. Medicine is in the hands of Paye who are recognised as specialists in their own group. Ethnopharmacological research leads us to collect approximately over 306 species, 189 of them having medicinal uses. We present here an overview of the izoceño-guaraní ethnomedicine and pharmacopoeia, based on vegetal and animal products.
Subject(s)
Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal , Shamanism , Agriculture , Bolivia , Ethnopharmacology , Humans , Medicine, Traditional , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Population GroupsABSTRACT
We present the results of an ethnopharmacological investigation of a Bolivian lowland ethnic group, the Tacana. The Tacana have a long tradition of exchange with highland communities. Though facing rapid acculturation, highlighted by the loss of the Tacana language among the younger generations, the knowledge and uses of medicinal plants are still alive. Of the approximately 450 different plant species collected during this survey, 33% had medicinal uses. We present an overview of the traditional Tacana ethnomedicine and pharmacopoeia.
