Ethnobotany and regional knowledge: combining popular knowledge with the biotechnological potential of plants in the Aldeia Velha community, Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Ethnobotanical studies were conducted in the Aldeia Velha community (Mato Grosso, Brazil) through semi-structured interviews. The majority of participants were women who have resided for more than 20 years in the community. Seventy-two species (39 families) were cataloged; leaf tea was the most common form of preparation. Over 80% were medicinal, with much of it is used for inflammation and disorders of the respiratory, digestive or genitourinary systems. Finally, seven species occurring in the Chapada dos Guimarães cerrado have biotechnological potential, especially Amburana cearensis, Mikania glomerata and Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis, where conservation measures are necessary due to their high risk of extinction and/or vulnerability.