Resumen Objetivo: Identificar y sintetizar los procesos y actividades realizados por el farmacéutico en la farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: Revisión sistemática exploratoria en PubMed/Medline de artículos publicados hasta el 30 de junio de 2021, siguiendo las recomendaciones PRISMA para este tipo de revisiones. Los artículos incluidos se clasificaron según sus principales características y resultados, acorde con la estructura: población, concepto y contexto. Los procesos y las actividades identificados se agruparon en tres categorías: realizados en farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria, llevados a cabo esencialmente en farmacia comunitaria y realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se identificaron 629 artículos, de los cuales se excluyeron 454 por no estar en relación con el objeto de la revisión y 81 por los criterios de exclusión; por tanto, se incluyeron 94 en la revisión y análisis. La mayoría de los estudios se desarrollaron en Europa y Estados Unidos. Entre los procesos y actividades llevados a cabo por el farmacéutico durante la pandemia, tanto en farmacia comunitaria como en hospitalaria, destacaron: atención farmacéutica, gestión eficiente y oportuna de los servicios, información y educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y telefarmacia. En farmacia comunitaria destacaron también los relacionados con la detección de COVID-19 y derivación de pacientes, inmunización en farmacias, recomendaciones de cuidados en el hogar e indicación farmacéutica. Entre los procesos realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria destacaron los relacionados con la participación en investigaciones de tratamientos farmacológicos, desarrollo de guías de utilización de medicamentos basadas en evidencia y manejo de medicamentos en indicaciones no aprobadas. Conclusiones: Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, los farmacéuticos han liderado e implantado procesos orientados a mitigar su impacto en la salud de la población. Atención farmacéutica, gestión eficiente y oportuna de los servicios, información y educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y telefarmacia fueron los principales procesos y actividades realizados en farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Dichos procesos y actividades buscaron, además de contribuir al control, prevención y tratamiento efectivo y seguro de la COVID-19, asegurar la implantación de medidas de bioseguridad, la dispensación y uso adecuado de los medicamentos y la información y educación basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible.

Abstract Objective: To identify and summarize the processes implemented and the activities performed by community and hospital-based pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A scoping review was carried out of the PubMed/Medline database with the aim of identifying articles published until 30 June 2021. The PRISMA recommendations for this type of review were followed. The articles included were reviewed and classified according to their main characteristics and outcomes, according to population, concept and context. The processes and activities identified were grouped into three categories: those performed in community and hospital pharmacies, those performed essentially in community pharmacies, and those performed essentially in hospital pharmacies. Results: A total of 629 articles were identified, of which 454 were excluded because they were unrelated to the object of the review and 81 due to meeting the exclusion criteria. So, 94 articles were included in the analysis. Most studies were conducted in Europe and the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the processes implemented and the activities carried out in both community and hospital-based pharmacies included pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy. Processes implemented and activities carried out essentially in community pharmacies were those related to the detection and referral of COVID-19 patients, testing and immunization, home care recommendations, and drug indications. Finally, processes and activities essentially occurring in hospital pharmacies included those related to participation in drug treatment research, drug evaluation and guidelines development, and to managing off-label drugs. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 crisis, pharmacists have led and implemented processes aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the population´s health. Pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy, both in community and hospital pharmacies, are the main processes implemented by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. These processes and activities, in addition to contributing to the control, prevention and effective and safe treatment of COVID-19; have ensured the implementation of biosecurity measures, proper dispensing of medication, the drug rational use, and the provision of evidence-based information and education.

Abstract Introduction: it is needing to design, implement and evaluate the acceptance, relevance, and usability of an online course aimed at promoting the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19 from pharmacies-drugstores. Method: the design of the course was based on a proposed route for the care of users suspected of COVID-19 attending pharmacies, complemented by information obtained through a search in PubMed/Medline and on Websites of leading organizations in the field. The information was structured in an online course, a formulary was developed and applied to assess the coverage, acceptability, and relevance of the course. Results: an online course (How do we act against COVID-19 from the drugstores?) was designed and organized in 7 units and with key concepts to identify and refer suspected cases of COVID-19 from pharmacies-drugstores, available in https://udearroba.udea.edu.co/externos/my/. From April/2020 to April/2021, 863 persons were registered, 382 (44.3%) finished and were sent the formulary for evaluation the course, which was returned by 240 (62.8%). In this group, the satisfaction with the course and education materials was 95.8% and 97.1%, respectively. Also, 97.9% people assert that the course contribute to identify and to refer suspected cases of COVID-19; and 93.3% that, the navigation through the course provides easy access of the contents. Conclusions: a virtual, open, and usable course is designed, implemented, and evaluated, and although the participants state that the course promoting the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19, from pharmacies-drugstores, it is needing to conduct a study to assess this question.

Resumen Introducción: es necesario diseñar, implementar y evaluar la aceptación, pertinencia y usabilidad de un curso virtual orientado a favorecer la identificación y referenciación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19 desde farmacias-droguerías en Colombia. Método: el diseño del curso se fundamentó en una ruta propuesta para la atención de usuarios sospechosos de COVID-19 que acuden a farmacias, complementada con información obtenida de una búsqueda en PubMed/Medline y en sitios Web de organizaciones referentes en el tema. La información se estructuró en un curso virtual, se elaboró y aplicó un instrumento para evaluar la cobertura, aceptabilidad y pertinencia del curso. Resultados: se diseñó el curso virtual ¿Cómo actuamos frente al COVID-19 desde las droguerías? organizado en 7 unidades con conceptos claves para identificar y referenciar casos sospechosos de COVID-19, desde farmacias-droguerías, disponible en https://udearroba.udea.edu.co/externos/my/. Entre abril/2020 y abril/2021 se registraron 863 personas, 382 (44,3%) finalizaron el curso y se les envió el instrumento de evaluación, y fue regresado por 240 (62,8%). En este grupo, la satisfacción con el curso y material didáctico fue del 95,8% y 97,1%, respectivamente. Además, el 97,9% manifestó que el curso contribuye a identificar y referenciar casos sospechosos de COVID-19; y el 93,3% que, el acceso y navegación por el curso, resultó sencillo. Conclusiones: se diseña, implementa y evalúa un curso virtual, abierto y usable, orientado a favorecer la identificación y referenciación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19, desde las farmacias-droguerías y, aunque los participantes declaran que contribuye con dicha finalidad, se requiere de un estudio diseñado para valorar esta aportación.

RESUMO Objetivo. Contextualizar uma síntese de evidências sobre intervenções em saúde mental de estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19, por meio do diálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas. Métodos. A partir de uma síntese de evidências previamente elaborada, o diálogo síncrono foi conduzido por meio de discussões em subgrupos sobre o planejamento e a implementação de intervenções em saúde mental. Os dados obtidos foram analisados e resumidos por área temática. Resultados. Cinquenta e sete integrantes de 17 universidades ibero-americanas públicas e privadas participaram do encontro. Os participantes indicaram que a saúde mental é negligenciada no planejamento das intervenções, mas ganhou visibilidade na pandemia. As intervenções são direcionadas às necessidades identificadas e raramente planejadas com base em evidências científicas. Disseram considerar importante formar uma equipe interdisciplinar com capacitação contínua para planejar um programa específico que englobe também familiares e o corpo docente e administrativo. Implementar intervenções é complicado porque os serviços estão sobrecarregados devido à grande demanda e à falta de recursos básicos para os estudantes. O contexto macro e institucional claramente influencia a disponibilização de recursos. O diálogo foi visto como uma oportunidade para consolidar um novo conjunto de intervenções. Conclusões. O presente diálogo contribuiu para enriquecer a literatura de intervenções de saúde mental para estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19. Implementar intervenções no nosso contexto requer sanar as falhas por negligência passada e as enormes necessidades básicas não atendidas.

ABSTRACT Objective. To contextualize a synthesis of evidence on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic through a deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities. Methods. An evidence synthesis and synchronous dialogues were previously conducted, consisting of subgroup discussions about the design and implementation of mental health interventions. An analysis of dialogic data was conducted, then organized by topic. Results. Fifty-seven representatives of 17 public and private Ibero-American universities participated in the meeting. In terms of the design of interventions, mental health is perceived as neglected, although its profile was raised by the pandemic. Interventions are guided by detection of needs; scientific evidence is rarely used to design them. Importance was given to forming an interdisciplinary team with continuous training in order to design a specific program that also covers families and teaching/administrative staff. In terms of implementation, problems include saturation of services due to high demand and lack of basic resources among students. Regarding the provision of resources, the influence of the broader context, including the institutional context, is undeniable. The dialogues were perceived as an opportunity to build a new set of interventions. Conclusions. These dialogues enriched the description of interventions already described in the literature on student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing such interventions in the region means addressing previous neglect and a high level of unmet basic needs.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Contextualizar una síntesis de evidencia sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de la enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) por medio de un diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas. Métodos. Se realizó previamente una síntesis de evidencia y un diálogo sincrónico, que consistió en la discusión en subgrupos acerca del diseño y aplicación de las intervenciones en salud mental. Se realizó un análisis de datos dialógicos y se sintetizó por temas. Resultados. Cincuenta y siete miembros de 17 universidades iberoamericanas públicas y privadas participaron en el encuentro. En el diseño de las intervenciones, se percibe la salud mental como desatendida, y visibilizada con la pandemia. La detección de necesidades es la que orienta las intervenciones y rara vez se utiliza evidencia científica para diseñarlas. Se considera importante conformar un equipo interdisciplinario con capacitación continua para diseñar un programa específico, que cubra también familias y personal docente y administrativo. En la aplicación, existen problemas como la saturación de los servicios por la alta demanda y la falta de recursos básicos de los estudiantes. Es innegable la influencia del contexto macro e institucional por la disposición de recursos. El diálogo fue percibido como oportunidad para construir un consolidado nuevo de intervenciones. Conclusiones. Este diálogo permitió enriquecer la descripción de intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 ya descritas en la literatura, aunque llevarlas a la práctica en nuestro contexto supone hacer frente a la deuda por la desatención previa y las altas necesidades básicas insatisfechas.

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis have microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) adhesion proteins that enhance their biofilm formation ability, as well as virulence factors that influence morbidity and mortality in hospital settings. In this work, four peptides analogous of the peptide LL-37 that were evaluated to inhibit biofilm formation and its action potential on the expression of MSCRAMM proteins in clinical isolates through different tests, such as crystal violet, PCR and qPCR. In total, 96.8% of S. aureus were strong in biofilm formation in contrast to 48.4% of S. epidermidis. sdrG and sdrF genes were present in 100% of S. epidermidis strains and in all isolates. In S. aureus, specific genes that code for MSCRAMM proteins were detected: clfA (89%), clFB, sdrC and fnBA (94%). The peptides did not show hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. In this study, it was evidenced that of the peptides DLL37-1 at a 5 µM concentration was an efficacious antimicrobial agent and depicted greater biofilm inhibition in both bacterial species. Exhibiting a significant inhibition rate in S. aureus, this peptide caused a negative regulation in the expression of the genes clfA and sdrC, showed greater biological activity.

Resumen Introducción: La medición y evaluación de las competencias laborales, en el personal farmacéutico ambulatorio, debe combinar aspectos relacionados con los conocimientos (que sabe), habilidades (como lo hace) y actitudes (de que modo lo hace). Objetivo: Identificar y seleccionar las directrices y recomendaciones sobre las competencias laborales que requiere el personal farmacéutico ambulatorio, y construir un instrumento para su medición. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión estructurada en dos fases: a) se revisaron y seleccionaron las funciones/dominios, los criterios de desempeño (habilidades y actitudes), los conocimientos, los marcos de competencias establecidas a nivel internacional, y los instrumentos de medición reportados en la literatura; y b) se identificaron las competencias laborales necesarias de acuerdo con la normatividad colombiana y con los procesos de los Establecimientos Farmacéuticos ambulatorios (droguerías y farmacias-droguerías). Finalmente, se construyó el instrumento de medición por un panel de expertos. Resultados: Se identificaron las competencias laborales establecidas por las organizaciones de regulación internacional. Se revisaron 993 artículos que reportaban la medición y evaluación de las competencias, seleccionándose y analizándose 9 referencias. Se analizaron los marcos de competencias de diferentes países. Se analizaron las regulaciones en Colombia sobre el tema. El instrumento construido contiene 101 competencias distribuidas en los siguientes componentes: a) suministro de cuidados al paciente; b) personales; c) solución de problemas; y d) gestión y organización. Conclusión: Directrices y recomendaciones internacionales, además, la normatividad colombiana para identificar las competencias laborales que requiere el personal farmacéutico para el correcto funcionamiento de los Establecimientos Farmacéuticos ambulatorios, y partir de esto, se construye un instrumento de medición para evaluarlas.

Abstract Introduction: The measurement and evaluation of labor competencies, in outpatient pharmacy staff, must combine aspects related to knowledge (who knows), skills (as it does) and attitudes (in what way it does). Objective: Identify and select the guidelines and recommendations on labor competencies required by outpatient pharmacy staff and build an instrument for their measurement. Methodology: A structured review was carried out in two phases: a) the functions/ domains, performance criteria (skills and attitudes), knowledge, competency frameworks established internationally, and measurement instruments reported were reviewed and selected in the literature; and b) the necessary labor competencies were identified in accordance with Colombian regulations and with the processes of the outpatient Pharmaceutical Establishments (drugstores and pharmacies-drugstores). Finally, the measuring instrument was built by a panel of experts. Results: Labor competencies established by international regulation organizations. were identified. A total of 993 articles were reviewed that reported the measurement and evaluation of competencies, selecting and analyzing 9 references. Competency frameworks from different countries were analyzed. The regulations in Colombia on the subject were analyzed. The constructed instrument contains 101 competencies distributed in the following components: a) provision of patient care; b) personal; c) troubleshooting; and d) management and organization. Conclusion: The international guidelines and recommendations were reviewed and analyzed, in addition, the Colombian regulations to identify the labor competencies required by the pharmacy staff for the correct functioning of the outpatient Pharmaceutical Establishments, and from this, an instrument was built of measurement to evaluate them.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To evaluate the skills and practices of pharmacy staff during the dispensing of tramadol (drug with fiscalized substance) in drugstores and pharmacies in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed. The simulated patient technique was used. The main outcomes included the information provided on the dispensed drug (tramadol), the use of tools to provide information, and the information provided on drug precautions and use recommendations. RESULTS We visited 305 drugstores and pharmacies. The average dispensing time was 2.3 min (SD 1.1 min). In nine drugstores and pharmacies (3.0%), tramadol was not dispensed because it was not in stock. In 17 drugstores and pharmacies (5.7%), the simulated patients were actively informed by the dispensing pharmacy staff; of these, 16 provided oral information and one provided oral and written information. Eight patients (2.7%) received information regarding tramadol use. However, 99% of patients were not informed about tramadol side effects such as dependence, sedation, or hypnosis, and none of the simulated female patients were informed on the precautions related to tramadol use during pregnancy or lactation. CONCLUSIONS Communication skills and appropriate practices of pharmacy staff are critical to patient self-care. However, this study shows their difficulty in counseling about precautions and use recommendations of drugs with fiscalized substances. These outcomes could inform future studies focusing on the rational use of these drugs in drugstores and pharmacies. It is necessary to improve the pharmacy staff competencies through continuing education programs, to facilitate access to information and training.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To evaluate the skills and practices of pharmacy staff during the dispensing of tramadol (drug with fiscalized substance) in drugstores and pharmacies in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed. The simulated patient technique was used. The main outcomes included the information provided on the dispensed drug (tramadol), the use of tools to provide information, and the information provided on drug precautions and use recommendations. RESULTS We visited 305 drugstores and pharmacies. The average dispensing time was 2.3 min (SD 1.1 min). In nine drugstores and pharmacies (3.0%), tramadol was not dispensed because it was not in stock. In 17 drugstores and pharmacies (5.7%), the simulated patients were actively informed by the dispensing pharmacy staff; of these, 16 provided oral information and one provided oral and written information. Eight patients (2.7%) received information regarding tramadol use. However, 99% of patients were not informed about tramadol side effects such as dependence, sedation, or hypnosis, and none of the simulated female patients were informed on the precautions related to tramadol use during pregnancy or lactation. CONCLUSIONS Communication skills and appropriate practices of pharmacy staff are critical to patient self-care. However, this study shows their difficulty in counseling about precautions and use recommendations of drugs with fiscalized substances. These outcomes could inform future studies focusing on the rational use of these drugs in drugstores and pharmacies. It is necessary to improve the pharmacy staff competencies through continuing education programs, to facilitate access to information and training.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar y caracterizar las acciones/intervenciones realizadas desde los servicios farmacéuticos en el abordaje de pacientes con hepatitis C y proponer una vía clínica para la gestión de la enfermedad que incluya la participación del farmacéutico. Método: revisión sistemática en PubMed y EMBASE empleando los términos “Hepatitis C”, “Pharmaceutical Services”, “Community Pharmacy Services”, y “Pharmacies”; artículos publicados hasta el 31 de marzo de 2019, cuyo tema central fueran las actividades realizadas por los servicios farmacéuticos en la atención a pacientes con hepatitis C. Se recopiló información sobre la actividad realizada, responsable, si la intervención era individual o colectiva y el entorno de aplicación. Las actividades se agruparon en promoción y prevención, gestión administrativa, atención farmacéutica, investigación y otros servicios de apoyo. De acuerdo con esto, se propuso una vía clínica para el manejo de la hepatitis C con participación del farmacéutico. Resultados: se incluyeron 60 artículos, principalmente de estudios descriptivos. La mayoría de las publicaciones reportó intervenciones realizadas en Estados Unidos y España. Se identificó la participación del personal farmacéutico en cada una de las etapas del proceso de atención, que incluye la provisión de servicios de reducción del daño, tamizaje del virus de la hepatitis C, vinculación de los pacientes al tratamiento, prescripción de medicamentos y órdenes de laboratorio. Conclusiones: se identifican y caracterizan las acciones/intervenciones realizadas desde el servicio farmacéutico para el manejo de la hepatitis C y se propone una vía clínica en la que se integran los servicios profesionales farmacéuticos a las demás actividades de la atención del paciente.

Abstract Objective: To identify and characterize the actions/interventions carried out by pharmaceutical services to approach patients with Hepatitis C and propose a clinical pathway for managing the disease that involves pharmacists. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE using the terms “Hepatitis C,” “Pharmaceutical Services,” “Community Pharmacy Services,” and “Pharmacies.” Articles published until March 31, 2019, whose central topic was the activities carried out by the pharmaceutical services in the care of patients with Hepatitis C, were included. Information on the activity performed, the person in charge, whether the intervention was individual or collective, and the implementation environment was collected. The activities were grouped into promotion and prevention, administrative management, pharmaceutical care, research, and other support services. Based on the above, a clinical pathway for the management of Hepatitis C involving pharmacists was proposed. Results: Sixty articles were included, mainly descriptive studies. Most publications reported interventions in the United States and Spain. Pharmaceutical staff involvement was identified at each stage of the care process, including the provision of harm reduction services, Hepatitis C virus screening, enrolling patients to treatment, medication prescription, and laboratory orders. Conclusions: The actions/interventions carried out by the pharmaceutical service for Hepatitis C management were identified and characterized. A clinical pathway has been proposed to integrate professional pharmaceutical services with other patient care activities.

Resumen Contexto: existen muchos repositorios de recursos educativos que permiten buscar y recuperar objetos de aprendizaje, de esta forma se puede tener acceso a millones de recursos educativos; sin embargo, se requiere mejorar la presentación, visualización y satisfacción de uso de dichos objetos de aprendizaje, teniendo en cuenta las preferencias y necesidades de los estudiantes. Método: el objetivo de este artículo es incorporar una interfaz adaptativa personalizada a un sistema multiagente con el fin de recomendar objetos de aprendizaje, desde repositorios locales y remotos utilizando el perfil cognitivo de los estudiantes. Resultados: la validación del prototipo se realizó a través de un caso de estudio en el cual la interfaz adaptó tanto la presentación como la visualización de los objetos de aprendizaje a través de las preferencias, necesidades y características de los estudiantes. Conclusiones: se puede concluir que las interfaces adaptativas personalizadas demuestran su eficacia y representan entonces un gran aporte en los entornos de e-learning, debido a que modifican en tiempo real la visualización y la presentación, teniendo en cuenta el perfil cognitivo del aprendiz.

Abstract Context: There are many repositories that allow searching and retrieving learning objects, so a lot of learning resources can be accessed. However, it is required to improve the presentation and visualization of those learning resources considering the student’s preferences, needs, and cognitive features. Method: The aim of this paper is to incorporate a customized interface with an adaptive multi-agent system for learning objects recommendation from local and remote repositories based on the student’s cognitive profile. Results: The prototype validation was made through a case study in which the interface has adapted not only the presentation but the visualization of learning objects taking into account the student’s preferences, needs and cognitive features. Conclusions: We can conclude that personalized adaptive interfaces demonstrate their efficacy and represent a great contribution to e-learning environments since they modify in real time the visualization and presentation of educational resources using the student’s cognitive profile.

La Atención Farmacéutica es una práctica asistencial que se ha implementado recientemente en todo el mundo. Su objetivo es el uso racional de medicamentos y el logro de los objetivos terapéuticos con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. Esta revisión tiene por objeto definir y relacionar los términos: Atención Farmacéutica, Farmacia Clínica y Seguimiento Farmacoterapéutico, que aún no son claros en nuestro campo. Además, se pretende mostrar la transformación de esta práctica desde el farmacéutico tradicional (boticario) que se limitaba a la elaboración y distribución de los medicamentos, hasta el farmacéutico integral de nuestros días (participante activo del equipo interdisciplinario de salud y responsable de las necesidades relacionados con los medicamentos, a nivel económico, político y social). Además, se hace una aproximación de estos términos en el contexto del Sistema Nacional de Salud de Colombia, como respuesta a la necesidad de homologar la terminología de esta práctica en nuestro país y plantear reflexiones y retos que, a futuro, el farmacéutico y las diferentes entidades ejecutoras deben adoptar, para que el ejercicio profesional obtenga los objetivos terapéuticos definidos por el equipo de salud y mejore la calidad de vida del paciente.

Pharmaceutical care is a healthcare practice that has been implemented recently worldwide. Its aim is the rational medication use and the achievement of desired therapeutic goals that improve the patient quality of life. This review see ks to define and relate the terms: pharmaceutical care, clinical pharmacy and pharmacotherapy follow-up, which are misunderstood in our field. Likewise, it seeks to show the transformation that has had this practice, from the traditional pharmacist (limited to the production and distribution of medicines) into the comprehensive pharmacist nowadays (active participant of interdisciplinary health teams and responsible for all the medication needs at a political, social and economic level). An approach of these terms to the National Health System context is also the goal of this review. Through this, it is intended to homologate the terminology of this practice in our country and to state future reflections and challenges that pharmacists and different entities will have to adopt, enabling this professional practice to achieve the desired therapeutic goals settled by the health team, thus improving the patient quality of life.

Heliconia curtispatha Petersen (Zingiberales) comúnmente conocida como platanillo, es usada en la medicina tradicional colombiana por su acción antiedematizante, antihemorrágica y neutralizante del veneno de Bothrops asper (mapaná) responsable del 95% de las mordeduras de serpientes en el país. Lo anterior destaca su utilidad y potencial función, como coadyuvante en el tratamiento del accidente ofídico. La propagación por cultivos in vitro, se convierte en una herramienta valiosa e interesante para su masificación, debido al difícil acceso al material vegetal en su ambiente natural y la carencia de estudios previos en multiplicación in vitro de esta especie. En el presente trabajo se obtienen plántulas a partir de semillas y se evalúa su propagación en medios de cultivo Murashige & Skoog, semisólidos y líquidos suplementados con reguladores de crecimiento tipo citoquinina. Experimentalmente, se favorece la propagación de la Heliconia (2 brotes semana-1) cuando se utiliza medio Murashige & Skoog líquido sin adición de reguladores de crecimiento o al emplear Murashige & Skoog semisólido adicionándole 2 mg.L-1 6-Bencilaminopurina 0.93 brotes.semana-1. Este es el primer reporte de propagación in vitro de H. curtispatha y el primer paso para el estudio de metabolitos secundarios con potencial antiofídico que pueden producirse bajo tales condiciones.

Heliconia curtispatha Petersen (Zingiberales) commonly known as platanillo, is used in colombian traditional medicine by its anti-edema, antihaemorrhagic and neutralising action of Bothrops asper (mapaná, X) venom, responsible for 95% of snakebites in the country. The previous, emphasizes its utility and potential function as helper in the treatment of the ophidian accident. The in vitro propagation techniques becomes an interesting tool for plant and metabolites production, because of the hazardous accessibility to plants in their natural environment and the deficiency of previous studies on in vitro multiplication of the specie. In the present work, plantlets are obtained from seeds and its in vitro p ropagation is evaluated in Murashige & Skoog semi-solid and liquid medium without or in combination with citokinines-like. Experimentally, it promotes the propagation of Heliconia (2 weeks outbreaks -1) when using Murashige & Skoog liquid medium without added growth regulators or by using Murashige & Skoog semisolid adding 2 mg.L-1 6-benzylaminopurine 0.93 week outbreaks -1. This is the first report of in vitro propagation of H. curtispatha and the first step for the study of secondary metabolites with potential venom that can occur under such conditions.