Abstract

SILVINO PEREIRA, Pedro et al. Use of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (pepper tree) by farmers to treat diseases. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2014, vol.19, n.1, pp. 51-60. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (pepper tree), from the family Anacardiaceae, may be found in Brazil (in the Northeast), Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. Due to its medical and economic importance, we conducted the present research into its medicinal properties. Objective: establish the main phytotherapeutic benefits and uses of Myracrodruon urundeuva among farmers from a town in Jardim, Ceará. Methods: the study was structured into three stages: bibliographic search, field study and a survey with 92 families (392 farmers) from the municipality of Jardim, Ceará. The bibliographic search included materials dealing with morphological and economic aspects, and above all the phytotherapeutic potential of Myracrodruon urundeuva (pepper tree). Results: for several uses, it was found that the only parts employed were the inner bark and the fruit. The most common uses of pepper tree are for cooking, for sitz baths, in medicinal soap, as antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and as infusion or decoction to treat ulcers and gastritis. It was obvious that all respondents knew about the therapeutic properties of pepper tree, and most of them used or at some point had used a product based on this species. Conclusions: given the great importance of pepper tree for farmers and cattle raisers from Jardim, it is necessary to develop projects aimed at the preservation and rational, sustainable use of this species.

Keywords : Myracroduon urundeuva; ethnobotanica; uses; pharmacology; phytotherapy; Rubiaceae.

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