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-.a.. Journal of ETHNO- PHARMACOLOGY Journal of Ethnopharmacology 70 (2000) 87- 109 www.elsevier.com/locate/jethpharm
Medicinal plants uses of the Tacana, an Amazonian Bolivian ethnic group
G. Bourdy a,*, S.J. DeWalt b, L.R. Chávez de Michel c, A. Roca a, E. Deharo a, V. Muñozd, L. Balderrama", C. Quenevof, A. Gimenezg
a IRD (L%istitut de Recherche pour le Développement), CP9214, La Paz, Bolivia Loirisiaria State Uiiiversity, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA Herbario Nacional de Bolivca, Caiiipus Uiiiversitario, Calle 27 Cota-Cota, Casilla 303, La Paz, Bolivia Instituto Boliviaiio de Biologia de Aridina (IBBA), Casilla 641, La Paz, Bolivia e Instituto de Investigaciones Quiiriicas (IIQ), Facultad de Ciencias Puras y Naturales, UMSA, Campus Universitario, Calle 27 Cota-Cota, Casilla 303, La Paz, Bolivia CIPTA, Turwpasa, Provincia Iturralde, Department of La Paz, Bolivia * Instituto de Investigaciones Farmaco-Bioquiwicas (IIFB), Faciiltad de Ciericias Farrizacéiiticas JJBioquímicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), Av. Saavedra No 2224, La Paz, Bolivia Received 2 May 1999; received in revised form 30 June 1999; accepted 23 August 1999
Abstract
We present the results of an ethnopharmacological investigation of a Bolivian lowland ethnic group, the Tacana. The Tacana have a long tradition of exchange with highland communities. Though facing rapid acculturation, highlighted by the loss of the Tacana language among the younger generations, the lcnowledge and uses of medicinal plants are still alive. Of the approximately 450 different plant species collected during this survey, 33% had medicinal uses. We present an overview of the traditional Tacana ethnomedicine and pharmacopoeia. O 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Medicinal plants; Ethnopharmacology; Tacana; Amazonia; .Bolivia
1. Introduction (Fig. 1). The Tacana language is part of the Tacana linguistic family, which includes several The Tacana are a group of original inhabitants ethnic groups. Many of these groups are either of lowland forest at the base of the last foothills acculturated or in ri& of extinction: the Tacana, of the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes in Itur- the Ese'ejja, the Araona, the Toromona (still ralde Province, Department of La Paz, Bolivia nomads), the Reyesano, and the Cavineño (Diez Astete, 1991). The Tacana have the highest popu- * Corresponding author. Present address: Mission IRD (ex Orstom), Av. Iturralde yo. 1377, Miraflores, La Paz, Bolivia. lation Of these groups - 5000 Tel.: + 591-2-2277241221426; fax: + 591-2-225846. people living in small communities in the eastern
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1I j i l~l~lll~~~~~ï~~~~~l~~lrll01002 1856 88 G. Bozirdy et al. /JoiiniaI of Ethnopl~armaco~ogy70 (2000) 87-109 part of Iturralde Province. Their lands are delim- tural significance. Additional ethnobotanical in- ited by the Beni River to the east, the Madidi formation was gathered by Wentzel (1989) as a River to the north, and the last slopes of the part of an anthropological study of the Tacana. Andes to the west (Diez Astete, 1991). Since the With the exception of Moraes et al. (1995), docu- 17th century the Tacana population has been menting the Tacana’s use of palms, the ethnob- settled into ‘reduciones’ by Franciscan missionar- otanical studies did not include voucher plant ies (Wentzel, 1989). The Tacana are now com- specimens. A quantification of the Tacana’s use pletely sedentary, define themselves as o trees and lianas for construction, cultural ob- agriculturists, while also dedicated to fishing and je ts, firewood, food, medicine, and technology hunting. w s detailed in a prior study (DeWalt et al., Due to their geographical situation in between 1 99). Additionally, two books have been written the highland altiplano and the Amazonian low- fo the Tacana communities (Bourdy, 1998a,b). lands, the Tacana have a long tradition of con- In this paper, we present the ethnopharmacology tact and trade with the altiplano Quechua people. of1 the Tacana. ? In the 19th and early 20th centuries, coca, c quinine bark, cacao, rice and various tropical forest products were traded with the Quechua. 2. Methodology , -v Forest products included uhuahua flowers *I (Chamaedorea angustisecta), yuruma bark (Aniba We conducted field work with the Tacana be- canelilln) various palm oils, aqui aceite oil (Co- tween 1995 and 1997. We followed two different paifera spp.), pid‘ui sap (Clarisia bflora R. and methodologies to compile ethnopharmacological P. and Batocarpus costaricensis Standley and information. First, we tagged and identified all Williams), tamarind fruit, Brazil nuts, feathers trees, lianas, and palms over 10 cm diameter at and animals skins. The Tacana traded these breast height (dbh) in two permanent 1 ha plots. goods for salt, animals and their products (fat, We interviewed Tacana men and women in the meat and cheese), flour, bread, cloth, alcohol, pots by asking them for the names and uses of metal, and trinkets (Wentzel 1989). Until 1950 an e ch tagged tree. The plots are located in late annual international fair was held in the Andean s condary or primary forest within a 45-min walk town of Pata, located near the Peruvian border, o the communities of Santa Fé and Buena Vista. and provided a forum for the Tacana to sell or etails of the locations and characteristics of the exchange their products. plotsi are found in DeWalt et al. (1999). Second, Although the ethnobotany of some Amazonian we collected vegetative samples in a variety of d groups in South America has been well docu- other ecosystems in the area: savannahs, river- L mented (Schultes and Raffauf, 1990; Balée, sides, old fields, pastures, and home gardens in 1994), the ethnobotany of the Bolivian Amazo- and around the communities of Alta Marani, nian groups is poorly known. The little work Buena Vista, Macahua, San Pedro, Santa Fé, conducted in this area includes studies on the and Santa Rosa de Maravillas. Using the fresh Chácobo (Boom, 1987; Bergeron, 1992; Bergeron samples we asked Tacana informants for usage, et al., 1997) and the Mosetenes (Vargas Ramirez and encourage them to speak freely about the and Quintana Peñandra, 1995; Vargas Ramirez, plant’s uses. Four herbarium samples were col- 1996). Several explorers of the Amazonian area lected pér species to deposit in the National of Bolivia briefly mentioned Tacana plant names Herbarium of Bolivia and the Missouri Botanical and uses in their travel diaries (Armentia, 1897; Twenty-one informants from various Balzan, 1892a,b; D’Orbigny, 1945). An important participated in the survey. Our re- ethnographic study on the Tacana was conducted were cross-checked among informants in by Hissink and Hahn (Hissink and Hahn, 1961, database and verified during a 4-day work- 1984). In this study they compiled Tacana myths with 12 older Tacana at the termination of and the uses of plant and animal species of cul- G. al. 70 87-109 89 Bourdy et /Jourrial of Etliriophariiiacology (2000)
3. Results and discussion herb.. .from his head, the star ‘uena etuaji,’ which can be seen at the sunrise, and does not move nor 3.1. Overview of Tacana etliizoinedicine pulse” (Xenia Villavicencio translation). The Tacana do not see the universe as consti- Like other Amazonian groups the Tacana pos- tuted by neutral objects which can be manipulated sess a rich cosmology involving their environ- with impunity by humans to satisfy their needs. ment. The Tacana can be described as a ‘Society Many stories relate to spirits and their interac- of Nature’ for which complex stories of the rela- tions with animals, men, and plants including tionship between humanity, plants, animals and their revenge imparted on humans for over-har- gods exist (Descola, 1994; Oldham, 1996). In their vesting resources (Hissink and Hahn, 1961). As a compilation of Tacana myths, Hissink and Hahn result of the profound changes faced by the (1961) recorded one that began: “after a while, a Tacana in the past 2 centuries and the progressive man died.. .from his legs was born the ‘bibosi’ and inexorable death of the older people, these tree, from his arms the ‘black bibosi’, from his beliefs are almost completely obsolete. The exis- guts the vines, from his testicles and his penis the tence of shamans in Tacana society is heavily palm tree ‘sayal’ with fruits like testicles. From his guarded and denied by most Tacana. One infor- lungs and his heart was born ‘pajajaja’ the forest mant indicated that one shaman still performs papaya; from his back, the bees ‘eaua guasa’ curing and divination with ayahuasca (Banisteri- which share their honeycomb with the termites, opsis caapi (Spruce) Morton). ‘Curanderos’ (in from his kidney the ‘budhubudhuy’ stem, from his local Spanish) from other parts of Bolivia, espe- backbone the bambu ‘penene’.. . .His blood be- cially the altiplano, are said to visit the Tacana came the latex of the ‘bibosi’ tree, from his urine and cure by the means of Quechua rituals. was born a gigantic lake in the mountains, from Until 1960 or 1970, the Tacana used ayahuasca, his nails the snails, from his fingers the ‘noa’ like many other western Amazon Basin indige-
Fig. 1. Localization of the study. 90 70 (2000) 87-109 G. Bozirdy et al. /Jourml of Ethnopkarmacology
nous groups (Schultes, 1957; Prance, 1970; Pages disease-causing objects into bodies of a person Larraya, 1979; Luna, 1984; Schultes and Raffauf, who has provoked jealousy or envy. The Tacana 1990; Desmarchelier et al., 1996). Hissink (1960) also believe that malevolent spirits dwell in documented that. ayahuasca use was imported canopy trees such as Dipteryx odorata, Ceiba sa- from Peru via the town of Maldonaldo. Thus, mauma (C. Martius) Schumann and Ficus spp. ayahuasca use was not traditionally practised by Walking by these trees or cutting them down may the Tacana, but was apparently welcomed and cause illness. Water and tree spirits can cause rapidly disseminated among the communities. different diseases, characterized by a wide range This appropriation reflects one of the characteris- of symptoms. The most frequently mentioned ill- tics of Tacana ethnomedicine: they incorporated ness is called mal viento (in local Spanish). It is elements of Amazonian, highland, and European characterized by recurring fever, vomiting, and origin (Hissink and Hahn, 1956, 1961; Hissink, diarrhea. The spirits can also steal souls, which 1964a,b; Hissink and Hahn, 1984). Ayahuasca use are called back through special ceremonies involv- is/was performed to cure physical and spiritual ing cahuascha or ayahuasca. When performing ailments, for initiation purposes, to ensure suc- healing practices, shamans are said to use special cessful animal hunting, and to help in predicting the future. The ayahuasca was also drunk in order plants, different from those used at the more basic to find the lost spirit of a person. Children com- level of popular medicine, usually strongly scented prised the majority of the subjects for this healing species (e.g. garlic-scented plants such as Mansoa as they are said to be more sensitive to the action alliacea, Gallesia integrifolia, and Protium sp.) and of spirits. used together with reciting songs, deep breathing, The Tacana also perform curing and divination and blowing tobacco-smoke. ceremonies with cahuascha. This name describes ‘Curanderos’ from other parts of Bolivia, and both the plant used (an undetermined Cyperaceae traveling in the area, also use divination to cure species) and the special recipient made from balsa illnesses. Their healing techniques are those asso- wood (Ochronza pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam. Pers.) ciated with the altiplanic culture and include lec- and plaited young leaves of the ad’une palm ture in coca leaves, ingestion and aspersion of (Astrocaryzim gratzim Kahn and Millan) to store alcohol, and manipulation of collpa (a Quechua it. Although information about the specific word, designating a mineral substance mixed with Tacana use of this species is lacking, species of urine). Cyperaceae (generally incompletely identified) are When the disease is thought to be of ‘natural also reported to be used in other Amazonian origin’, each family uses its own vegetable or tribes for their hallucinogenic properties pickers, animal recipes. The use of medicinal plants is still 1984; Schultes and Hofmann, 1993; Schultes and alive among the Tacana perhaps because collec- Raffauf, 1990; Chaumeuil, 1998). The strongly tion, preparation, and administration of medicinal scented powdered root of the cahuascha plant can plants are shared by all community members : be substituted or mixed with powdered tobacco some members have gained a great knowledge of leaves (puruma, in Tacana) and coca leaves (Ery- plants and their medicinal uses and have become throxylum coca var. coca Lam.). These three considered as specialists. plants are also highly estimated for their medici- Patients may eventually go to the local dispen- nal properties. Shamans are/were consulted for diseases sup- sary if his/her family has the finance or if no posedly caused by other shamans or by offended positive result has been gained from the use of tree or water spirits. Diseases are suspected to be medicinal plants andlor consultation of the of supernatural origin if a patient is not cured shaman/curandero. However, for the Tacana, after repeated administrations of different medici- modern medicine is still largely unavailable be- nal plants or if his/her general condition is deteri- cause of the lack of transportation and the price orating quickly. Evil shamans may introduce of drugs. 87-109 G. Bourdy et al. / Jourilal of Etlinopliariiiacolog~ 70 (2000) 91
3.2. Tacana plzannacopoeia ducted by CORDEPAZ in 1976 and UNICEF in 1986, the most frequently reported diseases were, During this study we collected 450 different in order of importance, the following: acute and plant species (Chávez de Michel et al., 1997). One chronic gastrointestinal problems, skin afflictions, hundred and eighty five different species were respiratory problems (especially among children), collected in the permanent plots, 178 of them had aiid fever (Wentzel, 1989). In these studies, leish- a Tacana name and 112 (61%) were designated as maniasis was only briefly discussed. It is likely useful. Over the 450 species, the Tacana identified that the incidence has increased dramatically, per- 150 (33%) species as having medicinal uses (Table haps due to the intense logging activities per- 1). formed in the last decade in the zone (Lepont et al., 1992). 3.2.1. Repartition of plant uses The number of plants used to cure respiratory The majority of species were used to cure gas- infections is disproportionately low in relation to trointestinal disorders, such as stomach aches, its incidence in the zone. The Tacana use only 12 diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal cramps. plant species to cure respiratory problems, only Among the 65 species used to cure these kinds of six of them being used orally. The primary reme- disorders, 10 were specifically mentioned for use dies used against cough, bronchitis, and related against intestinal worms. ailments are oils ingested or applied directly by Fifty species were designated for relieving skin massage into the chest, and the most noted rem- afflictions (boils, fungal diseases, infected edy is the oil extracted from a palm larva, called wounds). tuyutuyu in Tacana (Rhynchophorus palmarum), Twenty-five species were used for gynecological which is found in the fallen trunks of Attalea disorders and 10 for uterine hemorrhage (during phalerata. This larva oil is said to be more effec- pregnancy or after birth). During this survey the tive than any of the palm oils for this purpose. majority of our informants were male, and we Other remedies used to cure respiratory disorders never worked with midwives, thus, we strongly are from the latex of at least six different species, suspect that the number of medicinal species used five of them belonging to the genera Sapiunz, for gynecological problem is greater. applied as a poultice on the thorax and back. Fourteen species were indicated as febrifuges, Considering all the species used for medicinal but only one species was specifically mentioned purposes, two palm oils, from Attalen plzalerata for treatment of malaria. The low incidence of and Jessenia bataua seeds, appear as local malaria in the zone (Drew, N., 1997, personal panacea administered internally, by spoonful, and commuiiication to GB) may explain the lack of externally, by massage, both used for a wide malarial remedies. Also, the symptom ‘fever’ was range of diseases. considered in a broad sense, and, therefore, possi- bly correspond to a range of diseases, including 3.2.2. Preparation of reinedies malaria. Additionally, the Tacana described the Most of the vegetal remedies are based on the use of 11 species for liver problems or pain, which preparation of a single plant. Notable exceptions are symptoms closely related to chronic malaria. concern the remedies used to stop diarrhea: a Thus, these species may also be considered to be number of species are used together, depending effective against malaria. upon their availability, Psidiurn bajava fruit and/ The Tacana also used 12 species for rheumatic or leaves, Anacardizim occidentale leaves and/or disorders and 10 species to cure leishmaniasis, a fruits, Clzanzaedoreu nrigustisecta flowers, Ery- protozoan-caused disease with a high incidence htroxyloii coca var. coca leaves, Aniba canelilla rate in the zone (Lepont et al., 1992). Ten species bark, Pinphella anisuin L. seeds, Persea aineri- were used to counteract the venom of snake bites. cana Miller var. americana bark or grated seeds, In a broad sense this repartition of uses reflects Mussatiu Izyacintlzina and Triplaris ainericaria the health status of the zone. In a survey con- bark ... Another exception is the case of remedies 92 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethnopharn~acology70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 Tacana’s medicinal plants and uses
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Acanthaceae St’rame Jiisticia boliviana Rusby Diarrhea with vomiting Aerial parts Infusion Internal (GB 1799) Amaranthaceae Turu id’ene Iresine diffusa H.B.K. ex Wiildenow Paralized leg Leaf Mashed External (GB1526) Knee trauma Leaf Mashed External Amaranthaceae Cayu ina Anacardiiim occidentale L. Diarrhea Leaf+ fruit Decoction Internal (GB 1524) Dysentery Seed Toasted, in decoction Internal Cough Seed Toasted, in decoction Internal Anacardiaceae Mud’ud’uqui Astroniiim lecointei Ducke Uterine hemorrage Bark Decoction In the vagina (SD297), ora Astroniuin uriindeziva (Allem.) Engl. Wounds, traumas, bro- Bark Decoct i on External (GB 1834) ken limbs Stomach ulcer Bark Decoction Internal Apocynaceae Aquipabi Aspidosperina afl. rigidion Rusby Appendicitis Bark Deception/syrup Internal (GB1684)
Apocynaceae Liver pain Bark Decoction/syrup Internal Bashi pasha Himatanthus siccuuba (Spruce ex Boils, wounds, splinter Latex Crude External Muell. Arg.) Woodson (GB1611) Respiratory ailments Latex Crude External Traumas, bruises Latex Crude External Apocynaceae Quiapu Peschiera c-yniosa (Jacquin) Dugand Conjunctivitis Latex Crude In the eye (GB1729) Araceae Umere pana Anthurium oxycarpiim Poeppig Scabies, spots Leaf Squeezed for juice External (GB1679) Araceae Repepe ina Monstera sect. marcgraviospsis sp. Boils Leaf Heated on flame External nov (SD391) G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethtiophariìiacologj~ 70 (2000) 87-109 93
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Araceae Ahuad’a ehuat’ri junu Monstera subpiitniiata (Schott.) Pain in the legs Leaf Mashed External Engler (SD430), or Boils Leaf Mashed External Pldodendron cainposportoaiiurn G. Snake bite Root Decoction Internal Barroso (SD475), or Syrtgoiziuni podopliyllum Schott. r (SD427), or Araceae Papi b. Plzilodeiidroii undulatuin Engler Ringworm, dermatitis Hanging root Mashed 4- lime juice External (SD480) Araliaceae Dendropanax arboreus (L.) Decne Dissenter Bark Decocti on Internal and Planch (GB1731) For emaciated people Bark Decoction Internal Arecaceae Ad’une Astrocaryuin gratunz Kahn and Back pain Root Decoction Internally Millan (GB1708) Arecaceae Tumi Attalea phalerata C. Martius Anemia Root Decoction Internal (SD331) Diarrhea Root Decoction Internal Intestinal infection Root Decoction Internal Headache Seed Oil External Kidney pain Seed Oil Internal, exter- nal Fever Seed Oil External Boils, wounds, burns Seed Oil External Respiratory ailments Seed Oil Internal, exter- nal Arecaceae Uhuahua Clzamaedorea angustisecta Burret Diarrhea Flbwer Infusion Internal (SD21) Abdominal pain Flower Infusion Internal Stomach ache Flower Infusion Internal Vomits Flower Infusion Internal Uterine hemorrage Flower Toasted, in infusion Internal Irregular menses Flower Toasted, in infusion Internal Snake bite and sting ray Leaf bud Mashed External 94 G. Boiirdy et al. /Journal of Etthnopharmacology 70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Arecaceae
Ehuid’a t, Euterpe precatori: C. Martius Anemia Root Decoction Internal (SD325) Diabetes Root Decoction Internal Liver pain Root Decoction Intemal Kidney pain Root Decocti on Internal Fortificant Fruit mesocarp ‘Milk‘ Internal Arecaceae Macuri Jessenia bataua (C. Martius ) Burret Liver pain Seed Oil Internal (SD330) Fever Seed Oil Internal General aching of the Seed Oil Internal +massages body Measles Seed Oil Internal, external Bronchitis and lung Seed/mesocarp oil, or ‘milk’ Internal ailments Arecaceae Ji Socratea exorrhiza (C. Martius) To increase the size of Root Mashed External H.A. Wendl. penis (SD828) Leishmaniasis Root Mashed External Pimps, wounds, scabies, Root Mashed External skin itching Snake bites Root Mashed External Asteraceae Huira huira* Achyrocline satureioides (Lamarck) Diarrhea Flower Infusion Internal DC. (GB1815) Cough, bronchitis Flower Infusion Internal Arecaceae Tavimad’re eina Milcaplia cordifolia (L. f.) Willdenow Snake bite Aerial parts Mashed for juice Internal (SD22) Arecaceae Chiveru Pluchea sagittalis (Lamarck) Cabr. Stomach ache Aerial parts Decoction Internal (SD433) Liver pain Aerial parts Decoction Internal Kidney pain Aerial parts Decoction Internal Vesicle problem Aerial parts Decoction Internal Arecaceae Cahuara Tesseria integrifolia Ruiz and Pavon Leishmaniasis Leaf Mashed External (SD498) Snake bite Bud Mashed External G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Etliriopliarnzacology 70 (2000) 87-109 95
Table 1 (Continued)
Family Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of adminis- tration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Arecaceae Ahycha ahycha Vernonanthura patens (H.B.K.) H. Conjunctivitis Inside of stem Squeezed for juice In the eye Rob. (GB1805) Bignoniaceae Junu pasha Calliclzlaniys sp. Diarrhea Leaf Infusion Internal (SD364) Bignoniaceae Cheperequi Jacaranda glabra (A. DC) Bureau Leishmaniasis Leaf Mashed External and Schumann (GB 1522) Scabies, skin itching Leaf Decoction External
Bignoniaceae JÙ junu Mansoa alliacea (Lamarck) A. Abdominal pain, intes- Bark Decoction Internal Gentry tinal parasites (SD562) Fever Bark-kleaf Decoction Internal Rheumatic pain Leaf Mashed External Bignoniaceae Buata Martinella obovata (H.B.K.) Bureau Conjunctivitis Bulb Squeezed for juice In the eye and Schuman (GB1604)
Bignoniaceae Chamairu Mussatia hyacinthina (Standley) Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal Sandwith (GB 1540) Abdominal pain Leaf Infusion Internal Stomach ache Leaf Infusion Internal Wounds Bark Powdered, mixed External With urine, and saliva Bignoniaceae Bihua junu Tanaecium nocturnunz (Barbosa-Ro- Intestinal parasites Bark Decoction Internal driguez) Bureau and Schuman (GB1756) Diarrhea/dysentery Leaf Decoction Internal Wounds Leaf Powdered Extemal Trauma Leaf Powdered External Leishmaniasis Leaf Mashed External Bignoniaceae Junu huid’ud’u Qnanthus cognatus (Cham.) Miers Conjunctivitis Inside of fruit Squeezed for juice In the eye (AS59), or Tynantkus schiinlariianus (O. Kuntze) A. Gentry (GB 1600) 96 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethnopharmacology 70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number) 1 1 Bombacaceae Bata‘ Cavanillesia sp. i Contraceptive Bark Decoction Internal (SD358) I General fortificant Bark Decocti on Internal+ bath I Bromeliaceae Ejige sayu Aechmea sp. / Headache Leaf Crude External (SD481) Pimples Leaf, sap Mashed External i .r Biirseraceae Yarita Protium glabrescens Swart. Paralysis of the face Resin Crude Inhalation (SD846) Headache Resin Crude Inhalation ‘Mal viento’ Resin Crude Inhalation ’ Inflammation of the eye Resin Crude External lid
1 External Boils Resin Crude I ’ Rheumatic pain Resin Crude External Biirseraceae Yuhua 1 Protiuni aff Apiczilatum Swart. :Ant’s bite Resin Crude External (SD170) Alteration of the vision Resin Crude External (on the eye lid) Cactaceae Matusha tidha Opirntia ficus indica ( L.) Miller Liver pain Leaf Mashed for juice Internal (SD479) ;Vesicle pain Leaf Mashed for juice Internal Caricaceae Papaya* i Carica papaya L. Intestinal parasites Seed Mashed with water Internal Heart pain Male flower Infusion Internal Ear pain Root Squeeze for juice In the ear t Galactogeno Mature fruit Crude External (on the breast) Pimples and spots Mature fruit Crude External Caricacene Pajajaja Jacaratia digitata (Poeppig and Appendicitis Inner bark Decoction Internal Endl.) Soms-Laub., or Jcaratia spinosa (Aublet) A. DC. Liver pain Inner bark Decoction Internal (SD172) Vesicle pain Inner bark Decoction Internal Bloody urine with fever Inner bark Decoction Internal Chenopodiaceae Paicu Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Intestinal parasites Leaf Infusion/juice Internal , (SD465) Diarrhea Leaf Infusion/juice Internal Intestinal infection Leaf Infusionljuice Internal Cystitis Leaf Infusionljuice Internal G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Etliriophariiiacology 70 (2000) 87-109 91
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of administra- Family tion Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Crassulaceae Nadhunadhu Kalaiichoe piiinata (Lamarck) Persoon Ear pain Leaf Juice In the ear (GB 1529) Fever Leaf Mashed External Swellings Leaf Mashed External Mumps Leaf Heated on flame External Boils Leaf Heated on flame External L Headache Leaf Heated on flame External Cucurbitaceae Gemi Cucurbita spp. Intestinal parasites Seed Crushed with water Internal Cucurbitaceae Etibeini junu Momordica cliarantia L. Scabies, skin itching Leaf Mashed External (SD469) Cyatheaceae Atarisi Alsophila sp. Boils, stingray Bud Mashed External (AR323)
Cyperaceae Cahuascha Undetermined Headache Root Mashed Extemal (GB1817) Kidney pain Root Decoction Internal Dilleniaceae Jana yatsi Curatella americana L. Snake bite Bark Decoction Internal, external (GB 1581) Equisetaceae Iba quedha Equisetum giganteuin L. Appendicitis Root Decoction Internal (SD499) Kidney pain Root Decoction Internal Vesicle pain Root Decoction Internal Euphorbiaceae Tanuri nuri Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millspaugh Stomach ache Aerial parts Infusion Internal (GB 1730) Euphorbiaceae Huaca janidhe Conjunctivitis Latex Crude In the eye Jatropha curcas L. Poisoning Leaf Infusion Internal (AS1 11) Ringworm, fungus, Sap Crude External scabies Purgante Seed Macer. in alcohol Internal 98 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Etlinopharniacolog), 70 (3000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Euphorbiaceae D’rata Phyllanthus acuniinatus M. Vahl. Ringworm Leaf Mashed External (GB1722) Euphorbiaceae Tahua dhahua Ricifius communis L. Poisoning Seed Toasted, in decoction Internal (SD468) Wounds, pimples, Leaf Heated in palm oil External swelling Whooping cough Leaf Heated on flame External, on the breast Euphorbiaceae Bashi pasha Sapium laurifoliuni (Richard) Grise- Boils, wounds Latex Crude External bach (SD718), or Splinter under skin Latex Crude External Sapiuin nuzrniierii Huber (SDSSS), or Respiratory ailments Latex Crude External Sapiunt spp. (SD99, SD199, SD193j Traumas, bruises Latex Crude External Fabaceae Schascha tid’i Acacia farnesiaria (L.) Willdenow Stomach ache Flower Infusion Internal (GB 1802) Ear pain Flower Squeezed for juice In the ear Fabaceae Dherequi Aniburana sp. Abdominal pain Bark Decoction Internal Kidney pain Bark Decoction Internal Rachitis Bark Decoction External (bath) Fabaceae Nuriri aqui Bowdichia virgiliodes H.B.K. Dissenter Bark Decoction Internal (GB 1820) Malaria Bark Decoction Intern a 1 Leishmaniasis Bark Powdered External Fabaceae Tad’e dheve Cuesalpinin pluviosa DC. Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal (AS43) Fabnceae Aqui aceite Copafera reticulata Ducke Amygdalitis Crude Internal (SD767) Cancer of the uterus Crude Internal Liver pain Crude Internal Male impotency Crude Internal Vaginal infection Crude Internal Wounds Crude External Fabaceae Mahui Dipteryx odorata (Aublet) Willdenow Furunculosis Crude Internal (SD166) 99 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethnophariiiacology 70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Fabaceae Cuat’rui Erytlirina dominguezii Hassler Wounds hemorrage Bark Decoction Internal (AS172), or Erytlirina poeppigiaiia (Walpers) Uterine hemorrage Bark Decoction Internal Cook (AS1731 Cough Bark Decoction/syrup Internal Fabaceae Yurahuay Orinosia sp. (GB1694) Contraceptive Seed Toasted, in decoction Internal Dissenter Seed Toasted, in decoction Internal Fabaceae Mamuri aqui Senna hirsuta (L.) Irwin and Barneby Ringworm, skin itching Leaf Mashed External (SD470), or Sema reticulata (Willdenow) Irwin Ringworm, skin itching Leaf Mashed External and Barneby (GB1545) Flacourtiaceae Hueruru Luiiania parvijolia Spruce ex Ben- Deformation of baby’s Leaf Decoction External (bath) tham (GB1605), or head Tetratlylacium macrophyllurn Poeppig General body pain Leaf Decocti on Internal+ bath (GB1539) Swelling of the body Leaf Decoction Internal+ bath Gentianaceae Shapura schacha Irbalcliia alata (Aublet) P. Maas Leishmaniasis Leaf Mashed External (GB 15 17) Hippocrateaceae Panu Salacia inipressijolia (Miers) A.C. Kidney pain Bark syrup Internal Smith (SD15) General fortificant Bark Macer. in alcohol Internal General body pain Bark Decoction Internal Male impotency Bark Macer. in alcohol Internal Flu Bark Syrup Internal Rheumatic pain Bark Macer. in alcohol Internal Icaciiiaceae Curarina* Leretia cordata Vell. Conc. Purge Bulb Grated + water Internal (GB159S) Laniiaceae Tapebe Hyptis mutabilis (Richard) Briquet Fever Aerial parts Decoction External (bath) (GBlS 13j Cystitis Root Decoction Internal Larva of Dermatobia Leaf Mashed External under skin Pimples Leaf Mashed External O0 1 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethnophannacology 70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
~ ~ Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Lamiaceae Nahuarau OCi?7?24ill micrantliuin Wiildenow Fever Leaf Infusion Internal +bath (SD477), or Ocimum sp. General fortificant Leaf Infusion Internal+ bath Rachitis Leaf Infusion External ‘Susto’ Leaf Infusion External Laitraceae Yuruma Aniba canelilla (H.B.K.) Mez Abdominal pain Bark Decoction Internal (GB1541) Malvaceae Mat’re Bixa orellana L. Chickenpox Leaf Decoction External f bath (GB1905) Huapeshe Gossypiurn barbadense L. Ear pain Seed Mashed, for juice In the aching (AS110) ear JudhÚ Sida rhombifolia L. Boils Leaf Mashed Extemal (GB1784) Meliacene Cuabad‘u Cedrela jkilis Vell. Conc. Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal (AS66), or Bruises Bark Decoction Internal Cedrela odorata L. Post partum hemorrage Bark Decoction Internal (SD771) Post partum Bark Decoction Internal Scabies, skin itching Bark Decoction External Meliacene Buinapaqui Guarea a#. Guidonia (L.) Sleumer Intestinal parasites Bark Decoction Internal (SD 139) Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal Meliaceae Erei Swietenia macrophylla King Leishmaniasis Seed Mashed External Abortion Seed Mashed +water Intemal Meliaceae Shapuraqui Tricldia inaeqtiilatera Pennington Liver pain Bark Decoction Internal (SD237), or Tricldia pleemiea (Adr. Juss.) C. Lung pain Bark Decocti on Internal DC. (SD536) Kidney pain Bark Decoction Internal G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Etlii~ophariiiacolog~~70 (2000) 87-109 101
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Monimiaceae Moltimiacene T'rebuqu Siparuria asperula (Tulasne) A. DC Flu Leaf Decoction External (GB1505), or Siparuna guianensis Aublet (GB1509) a T'rebuqui Siparuna tomentosa (Ruiz and Bites of a worm Fruit Mashed External Pavon) A. DC. (GB1471) Moraceae
' Tahua Cecropia polystachya Trécul Back pain Leaf bud Decoction Internal (GB1525) Kidney pain Leaf bud Decoction Internal Moraceae Shite midha Coussapoa oualifolia Trécul Appendicitis Bark strip Mashed, and Cooked External (SD454), or with salt and urine Ficus guianensis Desvaux Hernia (SD541), or Traumas, broken limbs, Ficus killpii Standley bruises (SD244), or Ficzrs paraensis (Miquel) Miquel (AS50), or Ficus pertusa L. f. (SD547) Moraceae Maja Ficus iiuipida Willd. ssp. insipida Intestinal parasites Latex in water Internal (SD724), or Ficus rnaxinia Miller Moraceae Nui Pseudobnedia laevis (Ruiz and Ant's bite Resin Crude External Pavon) J.F. Macbride (GB1588) Myrsinaceae Huapid'iqui Myrsine uwibellata Martius Rheumatic pain Leaf Infusion External, (GB1776), or internal Mjwiile o/gopliy/la Zalbruckner (GB1733), or Stylogine ardisioides (H.B.K.) Mez (GB1498) 102 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Et~iiiopiiarmacolog~~70 (2000) 87-1 O9
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Myristicaceae Naiqui Otoba parvifolia (Markgraf) A. Gen- To increase blood qual- Resin In hot water Internal try (SD632) ity Flu Resin In hot water Internal Rheumatic pain Resin In hot water Internal Myrtaceae Buhué Psiditlin guajava L. Diarrhea Leaf +fruit Decoction Internal (AS14) Conjunctivitis Leaf Chewed for juice In the eye Phytolaccncene Bua Gallesia iiztegrifolia (Sprengel) Harms Intestinal parasites Bark Decoction Internal (GB1701) Diarrhea Bark Decoct i on Internal Stomach ache Bark Decoction Internal Scabies, dermatitis The whole tree Soap . External Plzytolaccaceae Dhajaja Petiveria alliacea L. Intestinal parasites Root Decoction Internal (SDSSS) Diarrhea Root Decoction Internal Rheumatic pain Root Macer. in alcohol Internal Piperaceae Piperaceae Tudha Piper' aduncut L, Kidney pain Leaf bttd Infusion Internal (GB 1466) Fever Leaf Decoction External $. bath
Tudha Piper callosum Ruiz and Pavon Anuria Leaf bud Infusion Internal (GB 1494) Piperaceae Anu caperi Piper darieneizse C. DC Tooth ache Root Sap On aching tooth Piperaceae Tudha Piper heterophylluin Ruiz and Pavon Kidney pain Leaf bud Infusion Internal (GB1538) Fever Leaf Decoction External (bath) Piperaceae Tudha Piper hieronymi C. DC. Kidney pain Leaf bud Infusion Internal (GB1537) Fever Leaf Decoction External (bath) Piperaceae Tudha Piper laevilimbum C .DC. Leishmaniasis Leaf Decoction External (SD10) Stomach ulcer Leaf Infusion Internal Gynecological disorder Leaf Ififusion Internal G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethiiopliariiincology 70 (2000) 87-109 103
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Richi ina Piper peltaturn L. Swelling, bruises Leaf bud Mashed External (GB1688) General pain, vomiting, Root Decoction Internal inapetencia Boils, wounds, bruises Leaf Heated on flame External Piperaceae Tudha Piper sp. Stomach ache Leaf Infusion Internal (GB1575, GB1583, GB1612, Wound hemorrage Leaf Infusion Internal GB 1617) Cancer of the uterus Leaf Infusion Internal Wound Leaf Decoction External Piperaceae Tudha Piper tuniilpasense Yuncker Scabies, skin itching Leaf Decoction External (GB1657) Poaceae Cahuayu tidha Andropogon bicorizis L. Kidney pain Root Decoction Internal (SD497) Bue Gyneriunz sagittatinn (Aublet) P. Boils, wounds, skin Leaf buds Mashed External Beauv. fungus (SD26) Polygoiiaceae Anani Triplaris americana L. Intestinal parasites Bark Decocti on Internal (SDI 24) Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal Stomach ache Bark Decoction Internal Childbirth Bark Decoction Internal Polypodiaceae Atarisi Cariipyloneuriimfuscosquainatuin Wounds Leaf Mashed External Lellinger (GB1607) Polypodiaceae D’ru tidha Polypodiurn decuinanuin Willd. General pain, vomits, Rhizome Decocti on Internal (GB 1552) inapetencia Eyes problem Rhizome Mashed for juice In the eyes Rubiaceae Aqui mati puji Coussarea coriiifolia (Benth.) Benth. Diarrhea Leaf Infusion Internal And Hook. (GB1520) 104 G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Ethnopharmacology 70 (2000) 87-109
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determ,ination (herbarium number)
Polypodiaceae Polypodiaceae Bereu quid'a Uncaria guianensis (Aublet) Gmelin Stomach ailment Root+ bark Decoction/syrup Internal (SD248), or Uiicaria tomeiitosa (Willdenow ex Roemer and Schultes) DC. (SD 12) Liver pain Root + bark Decoction/syrup Internal Kidney pain Root fbark Decoction/syrup Internal Intestinal problem Root +bark Decoction/syrup Internal Rheumatic pain Root+ bark Decoction/syrup Internal Irregular menses Bark Decoction Internal Polypodiaceae Bereu quid'a Uiicaria tomeiitosa (Willdenow ex Vomiting Sap Crude Internal Roemer and Schultes) DC. (SD12) Rictaceae Huabuquere schascha Erytkrochiton fallax Kallunki Tooth ache Flower Crude Applied on the (GB 17 15) aching tooth Rutaceae Yuruma huana Galipea loiigijlora K. Krause Dissenter Bark Decoction Internal (SD17) General fortificant Bark Decoct i on Internal Leishmaniasis Bark Powdered External Sapindaceae Sululu Sapiildus saponaria L. Scabies, skin itching Fruit Mashed External (SD484) Sapindaceae At'ra Serjania elliptica Rusby Ringworm Sap Crude External (AS123) . Scrophiilariaceae Bacua et're Scoporia diilcis L. Swelling from bruises, Root Decoction Internal (SD488) traumas Respiratory ailments Root or leaf Decoction/juice Internal Smilacaceae Papa huana Smilax sp. Pain in the back Bulb Decoction Internal (GB1474, GB1680, GB363) Kidney pain Bulb Decoction Internal Dark urine Bulb Decoction Internal G. Bourdy et al. /Journal of Etliiiophnr7~iacology70 (2000) 87-109 105
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Solariaceae Jatani Bruginaruia arborea (L.) Laghereim Fever Leaf Infusion External (bath) (GB 1630) Swellings Leaf Mashed External Leishmaniasis Leaf Mashed External Solanaceae Tumu junu Lyciaiztlzes asarifolia (Kuntlie and Boils Leaf bud Mashed External Boucher) Bitter (GB1711) Solanaceae Tomatillo* Physalis migulata L. Fever Root Decoction Internal (GB1709), or Flu Root Decocti on Internal Physalis pubescerzs L. Rheumatic pain Root Decoction Internal (GB 18 16) Sterculiaceae Shushequi Helicteres pentandra L. Post partum hemorrage Leaf Decocti on Internal (GB1514) Hemorragic menses Leaf Decoction Internal Sterculiaceae Mura, cuashe Theobroma cacao L. Headache Leaf Mashed External (SD329) Scabies, skin itching Bark or leaf Decocti on External Sterciiliaceae Chocolatillo* Theobroma speciosuin Willdenow ex Headache Leaf Mashed External Sprengel (SD788) Scabies, skin itching Bark or leaf Decocti on External Streliziaceae Japaina Phenalzosperinum guyanense (Richard) General body pain Inner stem Decoction Internal Endlicher Tiliaceae Pud Heliocarpus ainericarius L. Lymphatic glands Leaf bud Mashed External (GB1801) swelling Ant’s bite Leaf bud Mashed External Sting ray Leaf bud Mashed External Childbirth Leaf bud Mashed for juice Internal 106 G. Boiirdy et al. / Joiirnal of Ethnopharniacology 70 (2000) 87-1 O9
Table 1 (Continued)
Medicinal indication Part used Mode of preparation Way of Family administration Tacana name Scientific determination (herbarium number)
Tiliaceae Rid’a rid’ay Triunlfetta althaeoides Lamarck, Kidney pain Root Decoction Internal (GB1771), or Triztmfetta semitriloba Jacquin (GB 15 12) Ulmaceae D’rije badhu quid’a Celtis iguanea (Jacquin) Sargent Kidney pain Root Decoction Internal (SD396) Vesicle pain Root Decocti on Internal All body swelling Leaf Decoction External (bath) Verbenaceae Huahuirá Aloysia virgata (Ruiz and Pavon) Cough Leaf Infusion Intemal A.L. Juss. (GB1543) Ferbenaceae T’rudi tidha Bouchea boliviana (O. Ktze) Mold- ‘Aire’ Leaf Decocti on External enke (GB1624) Shivers Leaf Mashed External Verbenaceae Rid’a rid’ay Priva lappiilacea (L.) Persoon Snake bites Rloot, leaf Decoction Internal, exter- (SD483) nal Verbenaceae T’rudi tidha Stachytarpheta cayennensis (L.C. Measles Whole plant Mashed +water Internal Richard) M. Vahl To ‘regulate’ blood, in Whole plant Mashedfwater Intemal (SD47) case of boils And pimples Verbenaceae Etid‘equi Vitex cymosa Bertero ex Sprengel Diarrhea Bark Decoction Internal (GB1587), or Scabies, skin itching The whole tree Soap External Vitex pseiidojoea Rusby (GB1703) Zingiberaceae Budhubudhuy Costzis scaber Ruiz and Pavon Urine with blood Stem Decoction Internal (GB 17 18) Fever Stem Mashedtwater External Zingiberaceae Shaute uja Diarrhea Rhizome Decoction Internal Zingiber oficinale L. Abdominal pain Rhizome Decoction Internal (GB1550) Flu Rhizome Decoction Internal Rheumatic pain Rhizome Mashed External Lesion in the mouth Rhizome Mashed Applied locally
a or: All designated species can indifferently be used for the indications described. * No tacana name was indicated for this plant, the name is a local Spanish name. 70 (2000) 87-109 G. Bourdy et al. /Jourmal of Etliiiophannacolog~~ 107 used to cure kidney trouble, occurring with or warm palm oil before being applied on the skin, without fever, for which various plant parts are thus supposedly inducing a quicker maturation. mixed together: Smilax spp. tubers, Persea anzeri- Preparation of soaps with medicinal properties cana var americana leaves, Equisetum giganteunz was also recorded. In general, these soaps, rich in roots and aerial parts, Andropogon bicornis roots, alkaline salts, are said to be useful against any and Cecropia polystachya buds. dermatitis, parasites of the skin such as scabies, Remedies are prepared according to the way and are also useful for dandruff. These soaps are they are administered and the part of plant used. made from the ashes of felled and burned trees. When remedies are administered orally, their The ashes are distilled with boiling water, and the mode of preparation depends upon the part of resulting extract is then concentrated and mixed plant used. An infusion is prepared from soft with cow or pig’s grease and few papaya (Carica buds, leaves, or flowers. A decoction is generally papaya) leaves. The mixture is heated ia a big prepared from grated bark, seeds or roots by saucepan until it forms a paste, which once cold, boiling them in a large amount of water for a long is then molded in the form of a soap and kept in time, until the water is reduced by half. Medicinal maize leaves. syrups are also commonly prepared by again boil- ing the previous decoction with sugar, and some- times with the adjunction of maize or rice flour, 3.2.3. Way of administration and dosage of the the latter ingredients are especially used in case of reinedies diarrhea or dysentery. The way of administration may vary according Although the majority of the remedies taken to the disease. For example, gastro-intestinal dis- orally are ‘cooked’, a few are administered raw, orders (such as intestinal worms, diarrhea, dysen- the part of plant used being grated and mashed tery, vomiting, stomach ache, abdominal pain, with water. The mixture is then sieved to obtain a appendicitis, liver and vesicle pain) are always ‘juice’ which can be drunk. For example, most of treated internally, (the only exception being a the remedies used internally to alleviate snake-bite poultice made out of Moraceae strips in case of pain are prepared with raw material, because this what is called ‘appendicitis’), and this is also the type of emergency case generally occurs far from case for the remedies used for gynecological pur- the houses, and the administration of the remedy poses, os for uro-genital ailments (kidney pain, cannot be delayed. anuria, cystitis, colored urine, infection of the In the case of topical or external administration genitals...). It is also interesting to note that all different modes of preparation have been hemorrhages (uterine, internal or wound hemor- recorded. The selected part of the fresh plant can rhage), are treated orally, only two closely related be simply mashed, crushed or grated: the resulting species (Anacardiurn spp.) being administered lo- paste is fixed onto the affected area by a piece of cally, by the introduction into the vagina of a cloth or strip of Moraceae species. In the case of piece of cloth or cotton-wool previously impreg- latex or resinous sap, it is simply applied on the nated with a bark decoction. skin, and covered by a cloth, or paper. It is On the other side, all dermatological afflictions, generally said that this poultice will fall off by including those caused by parasites such as leish- itself when the sickness is cured. Also, and this is maniasis, scabies, ringworm, Dermatobia larva, particularly notable in cases of eye irritation or etc., are treated locally, the part of plant being ear ache, the juice from the selected part of the grated and reduced to powder, or mashed and plant (previously heated on a flame) is squeezed applied as a dressing on the affected part of the - directly into the eye, or the ear. A bath can also body, or being administered in the form of a bath. be prepared by throwing a bunch of leaves into a Only one remedy, the sap of Dipteryx odorata was great amount of boiling water, completing it with quoted as being administered orally, in the case of cold water. In the case of boils, plant leaves may a strong attack of furunculosis, in order to ‘pu- be previously heated over a flame or soaked in rify’ the blood. 70 108 G. Boiimdy et al. / Jozimal of Etlinopliari~~ncologyogy (2000) 87-109
For other ailments, the correlation is not that Though an indigenous movement is working to strict, and in a few cases (rheumatic pain, snake reverse this situation, the monolingual education bites, remedies used as general fortifiants) it is of children in Spanish and boarding of older recommended to follow a treatment with both children away from the communities is furthering oral and internal administration of the same this dramatic break in tradition. preparation . Yet, the constant interest and support mani- The recommended dosage varies with the dis- fested among the Tacana communities for this ease and plant species used. Two broad ap- ethnobotanical-ethnopharmacological survey evi- proaches are used, however. For the first, the denced that this subject is still valued. The con- prepared remedy replaces water or chicha (a re- cept of valorization of medicinal plants, linked freshing and nutritious drink) and the sick person with a recognition and valorization of the tradi- has to drink it whenever thirsty. This administra- tional knowledge, is perceived as fundamental by tion is mainly recommended for cases of diarrhea, the Tacana. but also for kidney ailments or to induce urina- Therefore, we think that the biological valida- tion. For the second, the patient has to drink a tion of the traditional use of medicinal plants certain amount of the prepared liquid three times could be justified, not only because medicinal a day. The amount varies from one small glass (50 plants represent an efficient, cheap, and available ml) to one cup (250 ml). Few treatments are given alternative to the occidental pharmaceutical reme- with single doses, and most are general dies, but also because their use is completely in anthelmintics. accordance with the cultural context of the Ama- zonian societies.
4. Conclusion Acknowledgements The knowledge and use of medicinal plants is still very much alive with the Tacana despite the We would like to thank all of the Tacana rapid acculturation and deterioration of their lan- informants for their help and desire to share their guage. Thirty-three percent of the collected spe- world with us. We would also like to thank cies were designated as medicinal: this amount Olinka Pelaud and Xenia Villavicencio, for their only includes species that we could determine to help in the translation. A contract was signed the generic level. Additionally, we did not include between CIPTA (Consejo Indigeno de los Pueblos in this study the uses of cultivated crops such has Tacanas), and UMSA (Universidad Mayor de manioc, maize, coca, citrus, avocado, nor did we San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia) for the execution of quote the remedies from animal or mineral origin. this project. Research work was financed by Therefore, the number of medicinal species used FONAMA (Fondo Nacional para el Medio Am- by the Tacana is much greater than that docu- biante), IRD, UMSA, the Ministry of French mented here. Cooperation, and a Fulbright Fellowship to Saara The rich Tacana pharmacopoeia, (in term of DeWalt. number of remedies, diversity in the galenic forms used) aiming to cure or alleviate a wide range of symptoms or disease seems to provide an ade- quate response to the main health problems en- References countered along the Andean piedmont and Amazonian lowlands (Bourdy, 1998a,b). Amentia, N., 1897. Limites de Bolivia con el Peru por la Nevertheless, this impressive knowledge is in Parte Caupolican. Oficina Nacional de Imigración, Es- tadística y Propaganda Geográfica, La Paz, Bolivia. danger of becoming extinct. Traditional transmis- Diez Astete, A., 1991: Región y Desarollo Agrario, Asuntos sion of knowledge from parent to child is deterio- Culturales y Grupos Etnicos. Academia Nacional de Cien- rating along with the use of the Tacana language. cas de Bolivia, La Paz, Bolivia. 70 (2000) 87-109 G. Boiirdy et al. / Joicriial of Ethiiophariiincology 109
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