Caatinga Medicinal Plants in Folk Medicine: Traditional Uses, Therapeutic Evidence, and Scientific Validation

Abstract

Medicinal plants remain important resources in folk healthcare in the Brazilian semiarid region, where access to formal health services may be limited. This documentary review examined the traditional medicinal uses of five Caatinga species and assessed the correspondence between reported indications and published evidence of therapeutic activity. The species were Myracrodruon urundeuva, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Anadenanthera colubrina, Bauhinia cheilantha and Mimosa tenuiflora. Literature searches in Portuguese and English identified phytosociological and ethnobiological studies, followed by investigations relevant to the reported medicinal uses. Information was organised by recipient of use, indication, plant part, expected action and scientific validation. Of 975 articles analysed, 8.82% provided the information required for the review, while 3.28% provided specific evidence supporting validation of plant use. The numbers of recorded use indications were 82 for M. urundeuva, 64 for A. colubrina, 23 for B. cheilantha, 19 for A. pyrifolium and 12 for M. tenuiflora. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial indications featured prominently, although the available evidence did not support every reported application. M. urundeuva showed the broadest range of traditional indications and the greatest diversity of scientifically investigated activities among the selected species. Overall, traditional knowledge provided a useful basis for identifying potential therapeutic applications, but gaps remained in evidence concerning efficacy, dosage and safety. Careful botanical identification, pharmacological investigation and communication of potential risks are therefore essential.