Comercilización de plantas medicinales en los mercados y ferias libres del cantón Azogues

Abstract

Abstract: The present study was carried out in the Azogues canton, province of Cañar, by means of semi-structured interviews with traders between 19 and 71 years of age. Questions were asked to obtain information on the medicinal plants sold in the markets and free fairs on: common name, use, part used, frequency of administration, route of administration, preparation, structure used, plants marketed and form of sale. Fifty-seven medicinal species were identified, belonging to 31 botanical families, with Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae being the most relevant. The "fresh" form of sale is the predominant one with 42 species mentioned. Matricaria chamomilla L. was recorded with a 27.59% fidelity level used to treat diseases of the digestive system. In general, it can be mentioned that there are high FIC values (greater than 0.50), which indicate an agreement between the informants regarding the knowledge of the plants used in the different categories. The study revealed that the Azogues canton maintains a great diversity of plants and that these are used for the treatment of certain diseases and ailments in the inhabitants.