The taste and smell of the environment are important to humans in everyday life and are of particular relevance for the selection of medicinal versus non-medicinal plant species. In a 16-months study with the Popoluca of southern Veracruz (Mexico), we focused on the indigenous selection criteria for medicinal plants. We provide evidence for a highly significant association between organoleptic properties of plants and the use of these species as medicine. Additionally, the doctrine of signature is an essential mnemonic aid, which facilitates remembering the use assigned to the plant. From the Popoluca point of view, it is essential to find substitutes or alternative treatments when a certain species is not at hand. We show that organoleptic properties and the doctrine of signature are excellent guides for selecting or memorising such medicinals. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medicinal plants of the Popoluca, México: Organoleptic properties as indigenous selection criteria

LEONTI, MARCO;
2002-01-01

Abstract

The taste and smell of the environment are important to humans in everyday life and are of particular relevance for the selection of medicinal versus non-medicinal plant species. In a 16-months study with the Popoluca of southern Veracruz (Mexico), we focused on the indigenous selection criteria for medicinal plants. We provide evidence for a highly significant association between organoleptic properties of plants and the use of these species as medicine. Additionally, the doctrine of signature is an essential mnemonic aid, which facilitates remembering the use assigned to the plant. From the Popoluca point of view, it is essential to find substitutes or alternative treatments when a certain species is not at hand. We show that organoleptic properties and the doctrine of signature are excellent guides for selecting or memorising such medicinals. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
2002
Ethno-science; Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Mexico); Macro-Mayan; Medical ethnobotany; Medicinal plant selection; Organoleptic; Popoluca; Traditional medicine; Pharmacology
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/218969
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