Plantas medicinales comercializadas en los mercados y ferias libres del cantón Espejo

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes the use and commercialization of medicinal plants in the Espejo canton through semi-structured interviews with 18 informants ranging in age from 23 to 80 years. The research collected data on species used, preparation methods, routes of administration, and sales methods in markets, stores, fairs, and family gardens. Fifty-nine species belonging to 30 botanical families were recorded, with Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Myrtaceae being the most diverse. Sales in their fresh state predominated, with 39 species, while the most frequently sold parts were stems, leaves, and flowers, with 19 species. The main therapeutic uses were related to digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary disorders. Origanum vulgare L. registered a 100% Fidelity Index, demonstrating consensus regarding its traditional application. Furthermore, the category associated with skin disorders reached the highest FIC level, reaching 0.88. The commercialization of medicinal plants in markets, fairs, orchards, and shops in the Espejo canton is closely linked to a current traditional knowledge, which guides the preferences, uses, and methods of preparation identified in the study.