
Jones Souza Moraes
Federal University of Pará, BrazilTitle: The use of the plant Cissus Verticillata(Insulin) in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus, in a coastal community in Pará, Amazon, Brazil
Abstract
The Caete river basin,
situated in northern Brazil, that belongs to the Brazilian Amazonia region, Northeast
of the Pará State, presents a large number of plant species with varied
medicinal properties, widely used by residents of the region's traditional
populations, highlighted in this case, for the traditional riverside/coastal
populations that live there. This study aimed to analyze the
therapeutic/medicinal uses of the plant's ethno species Cissus verticillata,
popularly known as “Insulin”, in treatment of the Mellitus Diabetes, on the
riverside/coastal community of Ponta de Urumajó NE of Pará. The research
presents a qualitative methodological approach, realized through the field
research, using as the instruments of collection of data, the application of
free listing, interviews with key-informers, application of forms, collection
of vegetable samples, observation, recording of audio/video and pictures.
Results point out that the community of Ponta do Urumajó demonstrates a great
knowledge about medicinal plants, using it in the most diverse ways, in
addition, of course, to know, with great propriety, the practices used for the
use of medicinal plants, that are used for health care, which in this case is
the Cissus verticillata, that is used for the treatment of Mellitus Diabetes.
The community has been using “Insulin” widely, however, not knowing if this
plant has any toxic effect and/or danger of adverse reactions. To that end, the
conclusion of this work tends to contribute to the recognition and appreciation
of the knowledge and local practices of traditional riverside/coastal
populations in the Brazilian Amazonia, in relation to the use of medicinal
plants, as well as seeking a greater integration between scientific and
traditional knowledge to the consolidation of species conservation practices,
such as its safe medicinal use, giving quality of life to diabetic patients.
Biography
Jones Moraes
holds a master's degree in Anthropic Studies in the Amazon from the Federal
University of Pará (BRAZIL), in the Research Line: Environment, Health and
Practices. He is currently Substitute Professor at the Faculty of Education
(FAPED) at the University Campus of Castanhal (UFPA). He is a researcher at the
Laboratory of Education, Environment and Health at the University Campus of
Bragança (UFPA). Participates in research projects linked to the Post-Graduate
Program in Anthropic Studies of the Amazon (PPGEAA/UFPA/CASTANHAL). He is a researcher
on the following topics: Traditional Phytotherapy of Medicinal Plants,
Traditional Communities, Education and Health Promotion in the Amazon,
Education in Non-Formal Environments, Education and the Environment, Collective
Health in the Amazon.