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Table 3 The 12 categories of use comprising the 41 complaints, their total and partial number of plants cited by the five migrants.

From: Ethnopharmacological survey among migrants living in the Southeast Atlantic Forest of Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil

Category of use

Complaints (number of plants cited)

Total number of plants

1- Gastrointestinal disturbances

To combat worms (1), ulcer (1), diarrhoea (1), bellyache (2), heartburn (1), intestinal infections (1), liver pain (3), to improve digestion (1), hemorrhoid (1), as laxative (10) and for stomach purify (2)

24

2- Inflammatory processes

As anti-inflammatory (3) and healing (6), to treat sty/conjunctivitis (2), inflammation in the mouth/throat (3), rheumatism (2), sinusitis (2) and gingivitis (1)

19

3- Respiratory problems

To combat cough (1), bronchitis (15) and as expectorant (2)

18

4- Anxiolytic/hypnotics

As sedative (11)

11

5-O steomuscular problems

To ease back pain (1), muscles pain (6), hip pain (1), prevent osteoporosis (1) and to treat lesions in bone (1)

10

6- Dermatological problems

To combat external allergies (2), wounds in the body (5) and inhibits the growth of skin stains (1)

8

7- Genitourinary disturbances

As diuretic (5), to combat kidney stone (2) and treating urine with blood (1)

8

8- Endocrine system

To reduce cholesterol (1) and diabetes (3)

4

9- Cardiovascular problems

Treat heart problems (1) and as blood purifier (2)

3

10- Immunological problems

To combat breast cancer (1) and stomach cancer (1)

2

11- Analgesics

Earache (2)

2

12- Fever

To combat fever (1)

1

Total

 

110*

  1. * Some plants have been cited for more than one complaint, so the total number of plants above (110) is higher than the ones indicated by the interviewees.