Exploring the diversity and use of legumes with medicinal potential in coastal communities in Piauí: a review

Abstract

Several people use plants as medicinal resources to treat illnesses around the world, contributing to traditional knowledge and the development of herbal medicines. In this sense, it is relevant to obtain information on the use of medicinal plants by coastal communities, mainly due to the constant anthropogenic threats to these ecosystems, which compromise the maintenance and conservation of native species. In this context, we sought to identify the legumes most used as medicine in coastal communities in Piauí, based on the Value of Use and the Informant Consensus Factor. For this, qualitative research was carried out with a literature review. Scientific articles on medicinal plants occurring in the coastal municipalities of Piauí, published in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases, were consulted. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten publications were selected, which mentioned 30 species of legumes, distributed in 17 genera. The results highlighted the value and frequent use of these plants to treat illnesses. The consensus reached reflects the vast traditional knowledge transmitted and the trust in local medical practices, which reinforces the importance of this plant group, both in the context of health and in local culture.