Abstract

ABREU GUIRADO, Orlando A; RODRIGUEZ TAMARGO, Ana A; MORGADO MONTES, Maybel  and  CAO VOCERO, Laura B. Pharmacognosy, pharmacobotany, pharmacogeography, and pharmacoetimology of platanillo de Cuba (Piper aduncum subspecie ossanum). Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.2, pp. 181-193. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: pharmacognostic studies are essential on medicinal plant research, as well as in herbal medicine and phytomedicine production. Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) specie known as "platanillo de Cuba", has wide recognition due to its traditional use in Cuba and other regions. Objective: to research the drug derived from Piper aduncum (platanillo de Cuba) from the pharmacognostic viewpoint in terms of pharmacobotany, pharmacogeography and pharmacoetymology. Methods: the pharmacobotanical, geographical distribution and etymological study of this drug was conducted by using specialized literature and determination of macromorphologic characteristics of leaves collected in Ciego de Ávila province, Cuba. Results: there are two geographically located infraspecific taxa of the plant commonly called "platanillo de Cuba", "guayuyo" o "canilla de muerto" in Cuba. One of them -Piper aduncum subspecie ossanum (C.DC.) Saralegui- is endemic and the topic of this research. Macromorphologic characteristics of the drug are comparable to those described in literature. Geographical distribution and etymologic aspects of interest were found. Conclusions: in the pharmacognostic research, pharmacobotanical, pharmacogeographical and pharmacoetymological studies could be very signicant, as in the case of this plant. For any further research on this species, it is fundamental to approach its taxonomic treatment in the country, since it includes two infraspecific taxa in which geographical location is essential.

Keywords : Piper aduncum; pharmacognosia; medicinal plants; taxonomy; etymology; Cuba.

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