Plantas medicinales comercializadas en los mercados y ferias libres del cantón Santa Isabel, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

Abstract: This study presents the medicinal plants sold in markets and open-air fairs in the Santa Isabel canton, Azuay province. A semi-structured interview was conducted in markets, open-air fairs, and with traditional healers. Samples of the species to be analyzed were collected, and ethnobotanical analyses were performed, including the Meaning Factor (LF) and the Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). Statistical analyses for the variable groups show a relationship between education level and age categories with the species sold. Twenty botanical families with 34 medicinal species were recorded, the most relevant being Ruta graveolens L. (Rue), used for digestive disorders and for magico-religious purposes, among others. According to the Friedman index, a fidelity rate greater than 30.8% was observed in five species, and the Informant Consensus Factor showed consensus values ​​between 0.67 and 1.00. There is a consensus among the population regarding the knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants and their commercialization; however, it is necessary to be aware of the sustainable use of medicinal plants due to their long-term availability.