Animal-Based Remedies in Northeastern Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Rômulo R. N. Alves, José A. A. Barbosa, Silene L. D. X. Santos, Wedson M. S. Souto, Raynner R. D. Barboza
Primary Institution: Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
Hypothesis
What animal species are used as medicine in a rural community in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil?
Conclusion
The study documented the use of 51 animal species for medicinal purposes, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge in local healing practices.
Supporting Evidence
- 51 animal species were documented as medicines.
- Eight species were identified that had not been previously reported for medicinal use.
- The local medicinal fauna is largely based on wild animals, including some endangered species.
- Medicinal animals were used to treat 68 different ailments.
- High consensus among informants on the effectiveness of specific remedies was observed.
Takeaway
People in a rural area of Brazil use animals to make medicine for many different illnesses, showing that traditional knowledge is still very important.
Methodology
Field research involved interviews with 66 local residents to gather information on animal species used as medicine and their applications.
Potential Biases
There may be biases in the responses due to social desirability or the influence of local beliefs on the reporting of medicinal uses.
Limitations
The study may not capture all medicinal animal uses due to the limited number of respondents and potential biases in reporting.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 66 respondents, primarily elderly individuals, with 18 men and 48 women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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