Quantitative Analysis of Q'eqchi' Medicinal Plants in Belize, CA

摘要

In a participatory research project with nine Q'eqchi' Maya healers in Belize, 169 collected medicinal plant species were identified. Results of usage were analyzed with quantitative and consensus methods. The results showed a high use of species belonging to the Piperaceae family, which is well known worldwide for its biological activities and its importance in traditional medicine. Most of the collected plants originated from primary rainforests, which are well represented in Belize. A well-defined traditional knowledge of this community was confirmed by a high consensus among the healers.Resume: Lors d'un projet de recherche au Belize avec la participation de neuf guerisseurs Maya Q'eqchi', 169 plantes medicinales ont ete identifies. Les donnees ont ete analysees a l'aide de methodes quantitati-ves et de consensus. Les resultats montrent une utilisation importante d'especes appartenant a la famille des Piperacees qui est bien connue a travers le monde pour ses activites biologiques et son importance en medecine traditionnelle. La plupart des plantes collectees proviennent des forets tropicales humides pri-maires qui sont bien representees au Belize. Une connaissance traditionnelle bien defurie au sein de cette communaute a ete confirmee par un haut consensus parrni les guerisseurs.