The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55554

E.N. Anderson, PhD, Anthropology, University of California at Riverside, 6405 N. Walnut Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92407 and Barbara A. Anderson, DrPH, CNM, Department of International Health, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Room 1306 Nichol Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, 909-558-4902, banderson@sph.llu.edu.

The indigenous Yucatec Maya communities of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, maintain an herbal tradition whose origins lie far back in time. In spite of borrowings over recent centuries, much of this tradition probably goes back to the Classic Maya civilization (200-800 A.D.) or earlier. The purpose of this research was to identify plant species used medicinally within western Quintana Roo, Mexico. Research was carried out in the field over an 18 month period. The researchers accompanied community-identified herbal healers, questioning them about all plants observed. Specimens were collected and identified at local herbaria. Healing sessions were observed and recorded. We have identified 450 plant species used medicinally of which 300 have been scientifically identified to date. Major uses of the plants include treatment of respiratory diseases, skin conditions, pregnancy, complications of birth and gastrointestinal ailments. Many of the plants have been tested and found effective against bacteria and fungi. Usually the effect is modest in comparison with biomedical remedies, but they are locally available and economically feasible for the local population. Some of these identified plants offer considerable promise and deserve further research. Widely cultivated for home use and local sale, some of these plants are also allegedly used among Mexican immigrants in southern California. We are concerned that adequate mechanisms safeguarding intellectual property be established and compensation to the local communities be addressed should new biomedical drugs be developed from this compendium of knowledge.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Describe the major classifications of Yucatec Maya traditional medicines.
• Discuss the current and potential use of key medicines within this herbal tradition.
• Appreciate the importance of guarding intellectual property in the event that important new drugs are developed.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Herbal Medicine

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.