Exploration of the medicinal potential of a montane forest in Northern Peru

Montoya Quino J.F.; Mijahuanca Granda A.J.; Jiménez F.L.; Seminario J.F. · Lilloa (2024) · DOI: 10.30550/j.lil/1975

Resumen

The medicinal potential of the El Infiernillo montane cloud forest, located in the Chugur district, Hualgayoc province, Cajamarca department (746887E, 9265030N and 748547E, 9265361N, between 2121 m and 2845 m), managed by the Coyunde Palma community, was evaluated. The information was obtained through interviews and the plants were collected during walks with local collaborators. 50 medicinal species were recorded, which are part of 29 families, with a predominance of Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, including shrubs (26), herbs (17) and trees (7). They are used in 15 groups of conditions, with a predominance of digestive (17), respiratory (12), musculoskeletal (10), skin and subcutaneous tissue (9), undefined conditions (9) and urinary (7). The plants with the greatest relative importance were Sambucus peruviana (Elderberry), Equisetum bogotense (Horsetail), Ephedra rupestris (Diego lopez) and Croton abutiloides (Canga). Twenty-seven plants do not present phytochemical studies and the rest presented simple and complex terpenes and simple and complex phenols; alkaloids and sterols were less frequent. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, healing, stimulant, analgesic, astringent, decongestant, sedative, emollient, laxative and revitalizing activities. Thirty-eight plants are commercial. Eight species are categorized according to DS-043-2006-AG, three in critical condition (CR) and four species as of least concern according to IUCN criteria. The study complements the inventory of medicinal plants in the region and establishes the need for new studies.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca