Perfil etnofarmacológico do mel de uruçú (Melipona scutellaris, Latreille 1811) comercializado nas feiras livres e meliponários do Brejo Paraibano.

Abstract

The present research consists of an ethnopharmacological a survey which aims to examine the pharmacological understanding of the popular annatto honey (Melipona scutellaris, Latreille 1811) and its forms of use by indigenous communities, aimed at the revitalization and sustainability of the beekeeping and traditional medicine in the moorland. The characterization and standardization of the annatto honey (M. scutellaris), taking into account the environmental conditions in which it is produced and marketed, could influence the composition by changing its physic-chemical and pharmacological properties. Thus, it was necessary an ethnopharmacological study with a critical eye on the conditions under which the honey is stored, location and exposure to be marketed as well as colour and viscosity features, which are key to improving the quality of the final product for the consumer. Through the use of questionnaires filled in by beekeepers and honey sellers in free markets as well as the photographic record of storage conditions, packaging and exposure of the honey in retail outlets, and physico-chemical and microbiological product samples, The profile ethnopharmacological stroke concluded that honey annatto (M. scutellaris) is effective in treating various diseases and conditions, especially those associated with the respiratory system such as bronchitis, phlegm in the chest, sore throat, flu, cold and cough. This adds