Conhecimento etnobotânico de moradores do Residencial Monte Cristo de Boa Vista - Roraima sobre a Lippia origanoides Kunth. (Salva-do-campo), composição química e análise biológicas

Abstract

The relationship established between man and plants, as well as the way in which these plants are used as resources, is the object of study for Ethnobotany. This field seeks to link the knowledge of traditional populations with scientific bases, and has been a foundation for phytochemical and biological studies. Considering the importance of understanding how humans relate to plants and the reflection that this relationship can promote in the cultural and environmental spheres, through an interdisciplinary approach, the present study sought to describe the knowledge and uses of the plant Field Sage (L. origanoides) by residents of the Monte Cristo Residential Development, considering sociocultural aspects and the identification of chemical and biological compounds present in the extract and oil. The Residencial Monte Cristo is located at the margins of the BR 174 highway, Boa Vista-Pacaraima direction. This residential area is next to the Cauamé Campus - UFRR. In total, 20 people participated in this study, being Brazilians over 18 years old. The interviewees were intentionally selected through a WhatsApp group. The information was collected in May 2023, through semi-structured interviews and informal conversations. The interpretation of the data was done from Main Use Concordance (CUP) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RF). In general, informants demonstrated extensive knowledge about Field Sage, such as: medicinal properties, preparation techniques for greater efficacy of its phytotherapeutic utility, and whether this knowledge has similarities with the scientific literature. The indications of uses of the species for treating diseases cited by the residents of the Monte Cristo region include influenza, baths for children, malaria and liver problems. Furthermore, the interviewees affirmed that the plant is easily found in the region's scrubland. This information is considered useful from the local point of view, as it is used to spread traditional knowledge and as an alternative to synthetic drugs. Furthermore, we found that there is a relationship between the main uses cited by the locals (medicinal and food) with the chemical and biological characteristics present in the plant. Compounds found in the ethanolic extract and essential oil of the plant have medicinal potential, with antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, anti- inflammatory, and antitumor properties: Pinocembrin, Naringenin, Isorhamnetin, Thymol, Carvacrol that have these medicinal characteristics.