Native flora marketed as a medicinal resource in Parnaíba, Piauí

Abstract

Native plants sold in public markets are used as foodstuffs, as well as ritualistic and medicinal products, contributing to the monthly income of herbalists. In the state of Piauí, the sale of plants represents a source of income and an important resource in the treatment of diseases by the population. The objective was to identify how and which medicinal plants are being commercialized in this state. Semi-structured forms were applied to the 34 sellers of medicinal plants in the public markets of Parnaíba, Piauí. The plants were collected and incorporated into the Herbarium Graziela Barroso (TEPB) of the Federal University of Piauí. The Informant Consensus Factor, Relative Importance and the Jaccard Similarity Index were used for data analysis. 46 native species were registered. The most representative family was Fabaceae and the most commercialized part was the bark. Tree plants were predominant and the teas stood out. The most cited body system was Signs and symptoms in general. The species Myracrodruon urundeuva (Allemão) was the most cited. The sale of native plants in the Parnaíba markets is carried out by herbalists. Various species are used to treat diseases. Some native medicinal plants are at risk. Thus, future studies are needed to assess the impact of collection and how this trade impacts regional flora.