Conhecimento popular e a utilização de plantas medicinais no tratamento de úlceras de perna.

Abstract

The treatment of wounds using extracts of plants is as old as its use for other diseases. Consider the popular knowledge is valuable because it enables rapprochement between the patient and the healthcare professional. The occurrence of vasculogenic wounds is a public health problem of great impact on the quality of psychosocial and economic life of the patients. The health system suffers losses in relation to public spending dispensed for treatment of these injuries. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic profile of the participants; characterized the main leg ulcers of participants; list the main medicinal plants used in the treatment of leg ulcers as reported by the participants and investigate the knowledge of survey participants regarding the indication of medicinal plants for the treatment of leg ulcers. Methodology: Research descriptive, exploratory and observational nature with quantitative approach. Data collection was performed in January 2015 period, in which we used a semi-structured form. Results and discussion: Sample 41 participants, mean age 63.3 years; 58.54% female and 41.46% male; relatively low degree of schooling, 53.66 with incomplete primary education and 24.39% illiterate; 63% retired. 36% have vascular insufficiency, 32% hypertension, 22% diabetes mellitus and 10% other pathologies. Prevalence of varicose ulcers with 53.66% of affected respondents majority in the left lower limb. The sample 80% claim to have used medicinal plants in the treatment of injuries, but 20% never practiced. Plants and herbal mentioned were: Stryphnodendron adstringens, Ximenia amiricana L, Punica granatun, Coffea arabica, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Aloe vera, Matriaria recutita, Ruta graveolens, Anacardim occidentale L., and Cocos nucifera, in addition to essential fatty acids. The most widespread form of preparation among those surveyed was the decoction. Conclusion: The plants acquis, as well as knowledge of the respondents about the specimens used in the treatment of leg ulcers is very wide, but there is a lack of information regarding the risks of the indiscriminate use of these. The unconscious and uncontrolled practice comprises an eminent problem.