ABSTRACT The cultural importance of medicinal plants has been measured in terms of popularity (number of people who know a plant) and versatility (number of therapeutic indications mentioned for a plant). Previous works have provided evidence about some drivers of medicinal plant importance, such as attributes of availability, efficiency, palatability and taste. The present study tested whether local perception of efficiency, availability (ease of acquisition), palatability (degree of pleasantness), and taste influence the popularity and versatility of medicinal plants in two rural communities of Buíque, Brazil. Free-listing was applied to identify the medicinal plants known/utilized in the communities, while semi-structured interviews were performed to collect more information about the plants. Informants participated in exercises to score the plant-parts that they knew and used. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple linear regressions, with none of the models retaining all variables as explanatory for popularity and versatility. However, availability and efficiency jointly explained versatility in one of the communities, while palatability was inversely related to versatility and popularity in the other. This study demonstrated that the studied individuals select plants differently, which makes exposing the driving forces of such differences a challenge.

ABSTRACT We employed a biocultural approach to understanding the dynamics of knowledge ans use of natural resources associated in immaterial aspects of culture. We investigated whether factors such as sex, income, age, religion, occupation and time of participation in cultural practice influence the richness of species known and used by members of Cavalo Marinho, expression of the popular culture of the Brazilian Northeast that brings together theater, music and dance. We recorded a total of 111 ethnospecies (95 plants and 16 animals), based on information obtained from 56 informants. .There was a predominance of native plants and domestic animals in the knowledge of the participants in this cultural expression, although effective use is restricted to few species. Men had greater knowledge of the species than women, while people with greater schooling and income, and those whose occupation is related to agriculture, homecare and art, used more resources than other participant. The influence of socioeconomic factors on the knowledge and use of natural resources related to intangible aspects of culture differs, in some respects (schooling, gender and occupation), from that reported for the use of natural resources for subsistence purposes.

This work describes the local knowledge of the medicinal use of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae, according to informants in two areas of the Araripe bioregion, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. We used interviews to investigate the ethnomedicinal use of the local species to determine the mode of use, frequency of administration, duration of treatment and restrictions of use. In traditional medicine, the use of S. rotundifoliumis associated with the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. The part of the plant most used was the stem bark (86.11%), the predominant mode of preparation was immersion in water (52.83%), and oral administration was the most cited (48.43%). For inflammatory and infectious diseases, the treatment lasted 3-10 days and the frequency of administration was 2-3 times/day. For gastroprotective effects, treatment lasted up to 30 days, and the herb was administered 1-3 times/day. For pain complaints, the therapy varied from 2-3 days to continuous administration.The informants (46.87%) did not mention restrictions of use, except for pregnant women, with a rate of 25%. A comparison of these results with the ethnopharmacological information from other studies showed that some of the traditional indications are scientifically supported by the literature or clinical studies. Nevertheless, the results showed that pharmacologists have not fully investigated all the possible bioactivities that healers credit to this plant.

Atribuir valor econômico a um dado recurso ambiental e avaliá-lo a níveis comparáveis com preços de mercado poderá auxiliar propostas para sua conservação e facilitar o estabelecimento de políticas ambientais. Assim, esta pesquisa estabelece um valor econômico para M. urundeuva Allemão, baseado na disposição máxima a pagar (DAP) das pessoas que freqüentam a feira de Caruaru, situada no Nordeste brasileiro, utilizando-se o método da Valoração Contingente. A maioria dos entrevistados concordou em participar de propostas para viabilizar a conservação da espécie, muito embora a DAP encontrada seja relativamente baixa, comparando-se a outros trabalhos conduzidos no Brasil. Muitos entrevistados apresentaram baixa renda mensal. Destaca-se o elevado número de pessoas (98,5% dos informantes) que demonstraram preocupação com a conservação da biodiversidade e muitos indicaram que a preservação da biodiversidade não é uma tarefa exclusiva do governo ou da sociedade, mas de todos juntos. Conseqüentemente, esta pesquisa pode incentivar, juntamente a outras pesquisas ou ações governamentais, o implemento de propostas públicas para a conservação ambiental financiada por uma sociedade que tenha a disposição a pagar. Este é o primeiro estudo de valoração econômica de uma espécie vegetal da caatinga que se configura em listas atuais de plantas ameaçadas de extinção.

Assigning an economic value to a given environmental asset has helped conservation proposals, and valuing these assets at levels comparable to market rates facilitates the establishment of environmental policies. Thus, this research aimed to assess the value of the species Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão, using the method of contingent valuation to determine the maximum willingness to pay of frequent visitors to the Caruaru Fair, located in northeastern Brazil. Our results show that most interviewees agreed to participate in proposals to support species conservation, although the average willingness to pay (WTP) was relatively low compared to other surveys conducted in Brazil. However, a significant number of the interviewees had exceptionally low monthly incomes. Another relevant aspect of this research was the high number of people (98.5% of the informants) who were concerned about biodiversity conservation; many interviewees stated that the preservation of biodiversity is not a duty exclusive to the government or the people but rather a collective responsibility. Therefore, these findings may encourage the provision of public proposals for environmental conservation, along with other surveys or government actions funded by a society that has the willingness to pay for them. This study is the first economic valuation of a caatinga species, many of which are under threat of extinction.

The plants used in traditional medicine have been considered an important source of molecules with pharmacological activity, including antitumor. The aim of this study was to present a pharmacological description and the phytochemical components related to antitumor activity of thirty plants commonly cited in Brazil to treat tumors as well as offering an overview of approaches that are necessary for the development of herbal medicines from these resources. In the search for studies with these plants, five database were used (SciELO, Scirus, Scopus, Biological Abstracts and Web of Science), with the following keywords: tumor AND Species AND cancer. We consider all the scientific synonyms of species available in the Tropicos® database (http://www.tropicos.org/). We surveyed papers from the period between 1980 and 2008. Twnety one species (70%) have at least one evaluation of a class of molecule or metabolite isolated against a pharmacological model. Most species (60%) has in vivo studies. Of the thirty plant species, two stood out for having pharmacological studies in vitro, in vivo and clinical with positive results: Chelidonium majus L., Papaveraceae, and Aloe arborescens Mill., Xanthorrhoeaceae. Although there is generally a good activity of species presented here, there is a need for further studies in order to evaluate the possibility of developing some byproduct.

The peer review process is the dominant system adopted in science to evaluate the quality of articles submitted for publication. Various social players are involved in this process, including authors, editors and reviewers. Much has been discussed about the need to improve the scientific quality of what is published. The main focus of these discussions has been the work of the authors. However, the editors and reviewers also fulfill an important role. In this opinion article, we discuss some proposals to improve the peer review system, emphasizing the role of reviewers and editors.

Resumo A obsessão pelo Fator de Impacto (FI) tem levado a grandes mudanças nas políticas científicas de muitos países, especialmente nos últimos anos no Brasil. Apesar de todas as críticas e discordâncias dessa medida para avaliar as publicações científicas, e a sua extensão na avaliação de pesquisadores e instituições, o Brasil tomou o FI como um importante elemento para avaliar a pós-graduação brasileira. Neste artigo de opinião, procurou-se demonstrar brevemente que o FI pode ser uma fonte de muitos vieses que parecem ser completamente ignorados ou desconhecidos.

Abstract A collective obsession with the Impact Factor (IF) has led to major changes in political science in many countries, and in recent years, these changes have been especially visible in Brazil. Despite critiques of both this measure's ability to evaluate the scientific publications and its spread in the evaluation of researchers and institutions, Brazil has taken the IF as an important element in evaluating Brazilian graduate programs. In this article, we briefly try to demonstrate that the IF can be subject to many biases that seem to be completely ignored or unknown.

The present study examined the optimization of stabilization and extraction processes of the flavonoids of Bauhinia cheilantha (Bongard) Steudel. Four drying temperatures (room temperature, 40, 60 and 80 ºC) and seven extraction systems (distilled water, 100% methanol, 80% methanol, 100% ethanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone and 60% acetone) were examined. The results demonstrated a reduction in flavonoid levels with increasing drying temperatures; and 80% acetone, 80% ethanol, and methanol p.a extraction systems were found to be most efficient and its weren't differents statisticaly (p<0.05).

Esta nota científica objetivou testar o poder da hipótese da aparência para explicar a seleção de plantas medicinais em uma comunidade rural assentada na Caatinga do Estado de Pernambuco. Foram estudadas 61 plantas, consideradas medicinais pelas pessoas, que passaram por uma triagem fitoquímica para atender as premissas da hipótese. Concluiu-se que a "aparência" não explica a totalidade dos achados reportados neste trabalho.

This scientific note examines the ability of the apparency hypothesis to explain the selection of medicinal plants by members of a rural community located in the Caatinga dryland region of Pernambuco state. A total of 61 plants considered to be medicinal were examined phytochemically to test the premises of this hypothesis. It was concluded that apparency does not completely explain our findings.

A Etnobotânica moderna é produto de mudanças históricas ocorridas dentro e fora da academia. O trabalho buscou traçar a trajetória dessa disciplina e suas tendências no Brasil. Para tal foi realizado um levantamento dos trabalhos, no período de 1968-2007, desenvolvidos por pesquisadores brasileiros no país e publicados nas revistas científicas de circulação nacional, internacional e em eventos nacionais. O artigo discute sobre o desenvolvimento da Etnobotânica e sobre a crescente valorização do conhecimento construído por populações não-industrializadas. Neste contexto destaca-se a influência das mudanças de interesses científicos e econômicos ao longo dos períodos avaliados e, especialmente, da implementação da Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica. O desenvolvimento da Etnobotânica teve um impacto sobre a produção científica brasileira e refletiu em um notório incremento de trabalhos nesta área do conhecimento, porém ainda com predominância de estudos relacionados a plantas medicinais e/ou abordagens descritivas. Por fim, são tecidas algumas considerações sobre a atual situação da Etnobotânica no Brasil face às regulamentações legais determinadas pela Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica.

Modern Ethnobotany is a product of historical changes occurring inside and outside of the academy. The following article aimed to trace the trajectory and tendencies of Ethnobotany in Brazil. For this purpose, a review was performed of works which were developed by Brazilian researchers between 1968-2007, and published in scientific journals of either national or international scope and during national events. The article discusses the development of Ethnobotany and the increased value of the knowledge of non-industrialized peoples. In this context, the influences that stand out are changes in scientific and economic interests during the period evaluated and, especially, the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The development of Ethnobotany had an impact on Brazilian scientific production and caused a notable increase of works in this knowledge area, yet with the predominance of studies still regarding medicinal plants and/or descriptive approaches. Finally, we discuss the current situation in Brazilian Ethnobotany, in the context of the legal regulations determined by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

A qualidade das publicações científicas vem sendo discutida na atualidade considerando diferentes perspectivas. Neste texto, examina-se alguns dos principais problemas relativos à produção textual em ciência, com ênfase para os considerados de má conduta. Adicionalmente, são apresentadas sugestões para autores, revisores e editores no sentido de evitar condutas inadequadas no processo de publicação de trabalhos científicos.

Quality of scientific publications is being currently discussed considering different perspectives. In this text, we examine some of the main problems concerning textual production in science, emphasizing those considered of bad behaviors. Additionally, we present suggestions for authors, reviewers and editors in order to avoid misconducts in the publication process of scientific papers.

Os laboratórios de fitoterápicos necessitam de metodologias que assegurem o controle de qualidade de seus produtos quando os mesmos não constam em farmacopéias ou monografias oficiais. Baseando-se neste fato, o presente estudo visou validar uma metodologia analítica para quantificação de flavonóides contidos nos extratos da pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia cheilantha [Bongard] Steudel), através de espectrofotometria no visível, como equivalentes de Rutina (µg/mL). Todos os parâmetros exigidos pela ANVISA foram avaliados. No teste de especificidade, observou-se a existência de pico máximo a 420 nm. O método foi considerado linear e com alta sensibilidade de quantificação (2,51 µg/mL). O método também mostrou-se robusto e com elevada recuperação (98,36%). Os resultados obtidos para repetibilidade (intra-corrida), precisão intermediária (inter-corridas) e reprodutibilidade certificaram a precisão do método com valores entre 0,31 e 3,58%, sendo também considerado exato (95,71-105,50%). Com este estudo, o método proposto foi considerado específico, preciso, reprodutível, exato, de baixo custo e fácil execução.

Phytotherapeutic laboratories require access to methodologies that guarantee quality control for their products when these items are not already registered in pharmacopeias or official monographs. As such, the present study sought to validate analytical methodologies for quantifying natural flavonoids contained in extracts of "pata-de-vaca" (Bauhinia cheilantha [Bong.] Steudel) using visible light spectrophotometry and a rutin standard (µg/ml). All of the parameters required by ANVISA were evaluated. The specificity test revealed a maximum absorption peak at 420 nm. The methodology was considered linear and of high quantification sensitivity (2.51 µg/ml). The methodology also proved to be robust, and had high recovery levels (98.36%). The results obtained for repeatability, intermediate precision (intra- and inter-day), and reproducibility all certified the precision of the method, with values between 0.31 and 3.58%; the methodology was also considered exact (95.71-105.50%). This study demonstrated that the proposed methodology can be considered specific, precise, reproducible, exact, of low cost, and easy to perform.

Numerosas espécies de plantas são usadas para alterar estados de consciência. Algumas são utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, como Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. (Mimosaceae) conhecida como "jurema-preta", uma planta alucinógena, tradicionalmente utilizada pelos índios no nordeste do Brasil. Nesta revisão, são considerados diversos aspectos do uso, fitoquímica e farmacologia desta planta.

Numerous plant species are used throughout the world to achieve the modified states of conscientiousness. Some of them have been used for the therapeutic purposes, such as Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. (family Mimosaceae) known as "jurema-preta", an hallucinogenic plant traditionally used for curing and divination by the Indians of northeastern Brazil. In this review, several aspects of the use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of this plant are considered.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade de produtos a base de plantas medicinais, analisou-se dez amostras de castanha-da-índia, onze de capim-limão e seis de centela, comercializadas em farmácias da cidade do Recife, provenientes de indústrias de várias partes do país. Analisamos as informações técnico-científicas nos rótulos e/ou bulas de acordo com as exigências e obrigatoriedades da legislação brasileira (RDC n. 140 de 29/05/2003 e na RDC n. 102 de 30/11/2000), e embasamento da literatura científica. Também avaliou-se as características organolépticas, a autenticidade e a pureza dos produtos. Constatou-se ausência das informações obrigatórias em 92,59% das amostras. Dentre os termos vedados, foi comum a sugestão da inexistência de efeitos colaterais ou adversos. Quanto as indicações terapêuticas não se observou padronização técnica dos termos nem comprovação científica para algumas das atividades atribuídas pelos fabricantes. Todas as amostras foram consideradas autênticas com base nos testes fitoquímicos e farmacobotânicos. Na análise da pureza 59,26% das amostras foram reprovadas, devido principalmente ao elevado teor de umidade e cinzas totais. Constata-se que além dos produtos comercializados carecerem de informações e qualidade adequadas, há necessidade urgente de uma fiscalização efetiva por parte dos órgãos competentes.

Aiming to evaluate the quality of products made from medicinal plants, there were analyzed ten samples of horsechestnut, eleven samples of lemongrass, and six samples of gotu kola commercialized in pharmacies from the city of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil), coming from industries of several parts of the country. We analyzed the technical-scientific information on the labels and/or directions according to the requirements and obligations of Brazilian law (laws "RDC 140 of 29/05/2003" and "RDC 102 of 30/11/2000") and to scientific literature embasement. The products' organoleptic characteristics, authenticity, and purity were also evaluated. The absence of obligatory information was verified in 92.59% of the samples. Among the blacked terms, it was common to find products that suggested inexistent collateral or adverse effects. Technical terms were not standardized and the manufacturers did not provide scientific proof for some of the activities credited to the products. All samples were considered authentic based on the phytochemical and pharmacobotanical tests. The purity analysis considered 59.26% of the samples inappropriate, mainly due to the high total levels of humidity and ashes. It was verified that besides the lack of adequate information and quality of the commercialized products, there is an urgent need for an effective inspection by the suitable agencies.

A presente pesquisa foi realizada na zona rural do município de Caruaru, tendo como objetivo estudar a diversidade florística e a contribuição de quintais agroflorestais para a conservação da diversidade local. O trabalho foi conduzido a partir de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, associadas à técnica da turnê-guiada, realizada com os mantenedores dos quintais. Paralelamente, fez-se medição da área do quintal e de todos os indivíduos lenhosos com DNS (diâmetro ao nível do solo) > 3 cm. Registrou-se 25 quintais, nos quais foram relacionadas 84 espécies, pertencentes a 68 gêneros e 35 famílias, destacando-se as famílias Euphorbiaceae (10 spp.), Anacardiaceae (7 spp.), Caesalpiniaceae (6 spp.), Mimosaceae (6 spp.) e Myrtaceae (6 spp.). As espécies introduzidas (55 espécies) dominaram nos sistemas em relação às nativas. Apesar destas terem sido menos freqüentes nos quintais agroflorestais, elas são importantes para conservação da diversidade local devido, principalmente, ao uso madeireiro, o que poderia implicar na redução do impacto na vegetação local. Este dado é um indicativo de que por meio de um plano de manejo adequado, os quintais agroflorestais constituem uma alternativa, de baixo custo, para a conservação da diversidade local.

The research presented here was undertaken in a rural area within the municipality of Caruaru. It was designed to evaluate the floristic diversity of homegardens and their role in conserving local diversity. Semi-structured interviews with the people responsible for these plots were carried out, in association with the technique of guided excursions. The sizes of the homegardens were measured, and all woody plants with a DGL (Diameter at Ground Level) > 3 cm were recorded. A total of 25 plots were examined, containing 84 species of plants, belonging to 68 genera and 35 families. The most species rich families were Euphorbiaceae (10 species), Anacardiaceae (7), Caesalpiniaceae (6), Mimosaceae (6), and Myrtaceae (6). Introduced species (55 species) were most prevalent. Eventhough native species were less frequent than introduced species in these homegardens, these plots are important for the conservation of local diversity, principally because of the protection they provide to local woody species by reducing the impact of tree harvesting. This information indicates that, when properly managed, homegardens represent a low-cost alternative for conserving local diversity.