The herbalists and the marketing of medicinal plants in Sao Miguel, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

 The herbalists are established persons by popular culture as to knowledge about indication and the marketing of medicinal plants and occupy the streets and markets in the Northeast. This study was developed to analyze the marketing of medicinal plants and products of São Miguel, RN. The methodologies were used for research participant, semi-structured interviews, technique of “snowball” and listing free. The herbalists interviewed in São Miguel are people ample age (34-81years), are pursuing the activity for a long time (over 14 years) and has income less than one minimum salary. The local population has confidence in herbalists and the demand for plants and products for various types of diseases. Among the species most cited are anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), followed by Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.; Chamomilla recutita L.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn.). Botanical families that most stood out were the Apiaceae and Asteraceae with 28.5% and 19.1% of citations, respectively. The main forms of marketing are dried plants or products benefit. The hygiene conditions of maintenance and storage of the products marketed are precarious. There is a need for greater attention to the marketing of medicinal plants and products by competent organs of public health.