Fitoterapia tradicional por meio do uso da planta “insulina” (Cissus Verticillata), no tratamento do diabetes mellitus, em uma comunidade costeira do nordeste do Pará (Amazônia, Brasil)

Abstract

The Caeté river basin, situated in northern Brazil, that belongs to the Brazilian Amazonia region, Northeast of the Pará State, presents a large number of plant species with varied medicinal properties, widely used by residents of the region's traditional populations, highlighted in this case, for the traditional riverside/coastal populations that live there. Nevertheless, a lot of these plants have not yet been identified or had their medical uses registered in traditional ways. This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic/medicinal uses of the plant's ethno species Cissus verticillata, popularly known as “Insulin”, in treatment of the Mellitus Diabetes, on the riverside/coastal community of Ponta de Urumajó NE of Pará. The research presents a qualitative methodological approach, realized through the field research, using as the instruments of collection of data, the application of free listing, interviews with key-informers, application of forms, collection of vegetable samples, observation, recording of audio/video and pictures. Results point out that the community of Ponta do Urumajó demonstrates a great knowledge about medicinal plants, using it in the most diverse ways, in addition, of course, to know, with great propriety, the practices used for the use of medicinal plants, that are used for health care, which in this case is the Cissus verticillata, that is used for the treatment of Mellitus Diabetes. The community has been using “Insulin” widely, however, not knowing if this plant has any toxic effect and/or danger of adverse reactions. To that end, the conclusion of this work tends to contribute to the recognition and appreciation of the knowledge and local practices of traditional riverside/coastal populations in the Brazilian Amazonia, in relation to the use of medicinal plants, as well as seeking a greater integration between scientific and traditional knowledge to the consolidation of species conservation practices, such as its safe medicinal use, giving quality of life to diabetic patients.