RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ethnopharmacology is at the intersection of the medical, natural, and social sciences. Despite its interdisciplinary nature, most ethnopharmacological research has been based on the combination of the chemical, biological, and pharmacological sciences. Far less attention has been given to the social sciences, including anthropology and the study of traditional knowledge systems. METHODS: I reviewed the literature on traditional knowledge systems highlighting its potential theoretical and methodological contributions to ethnopharmacology. RESULTS: I discuss three potential theoretical contributions of traditional knowledge systems to ethnopharmacological research. First, while many plants used in indigenous pharmacopoeias have active compounds, those compounds do not always act alone in indigenous healing systems. Research highlights the holistic nature of traditional knowledge systems and helps understand plant's efficacy in its cultural context. Second, research on traditional knowledge systems can improve our understanding of how ethnopharmacological knowledge is distributed in a society, and who benefits from it. Third, research on traditional knowledge systems can enhance the study of the social relations that enable the generation, maintenance, spread, and devolution of cultural traits and innovations, including ethnopharmacological knowledge. At a methodological level, some ethnopharmacologists have used anthropological tools to understand the context of plant use and local meanings of health and disease. I discuss two more potential methodological contributions of research on traditional knowledge systems to ethnopharmacological research. First, traditional knowledge systems research has developed methods that would help ethnopharmacologists understand how people classify illnesses and remedies, a fundamental aspect of folk medicinal plant selection criteria. Second, ethnopharmacologists could also borrow methods derived from cultural consensus theory to have a broader look at intracultural variation and at the analysis of transmission and loss of traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical considerations in the ethnopharmacology of the 21st century should go beyond the recognition of the Intellectual Property Rights or the acquisition of research permits, to include considerations on the healthcare of the original holders of ethnopharmacological knowledge. Ethnopharmacology can do more than speed up to recover the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples to make it available for the development of new drugs. Ethnopharmacologists can work with health care providers in the developing world for the local implementation of ethnopharmacological research results.
Asunto(s)
Antropología Cultural , Investigación Biomédica , Etnofarmacología/métodos , Medicina Tradicional , Fitoterapia , Proyectos de Investigación , Etnofarmacología/ética , HumanosRESUMEN
Although in vivo models give a more accurate reflection of the activity of substances used in traditional medicine, their use in many countries is severely restricted due to economic and ethical concerns, and this has resulted in the widespread use of in vitro tests in ethnopharmacological studies. Such tests are very useful where the identity of compounds responsible for the biological activity of an extract is being investigated and where limited supplies of material are available, but it is important to consider a variety of factors before making over-predictive claims of that activity in one particular system explains the traditional use. The use of only one bioassay gives a very incomplete picture of the effect of the extract on the whole system involved. A symptom may be due to a number of disease states and, consequently, a variety of mechanisms may serve as targets for bioassays. In a similar way, it is very unusual for there to be only one target for a particular disease so a variety of test systems must be employed. Examples are given of batteries of test systems used to test plants and other materials with a reputation of being useful in wound-healing, diabetes, cancer and to treat cognitive decline associated with old age. In addition, consideration must be given to factors such as absorption into the body and metabolism of any substances present, either to decrease or increase the effect of the 'actives'.
Asunto(s)
Bioensayo/métodos , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Etnofarmacología/métodos , Plantas Medicinales , Bioensayo/ética , Etnofarmacología/economía , Etnofarmacología/ética , Medicina Tradicional , Modelos Biológicos , Fitoterapia , Extractos VegetalesRESUMEN
A discussion is offered of the future potential role of ethnopharmacology in global health care.
Asunto(s)
Etnofarmacología/tendencias , Salud Global , Medicina Tradicional , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Etnofarmacología/ética , Predicción , Humanos , Propiedad Intelectual , Plantas MedicinalesRESUMEN
Publication of the 100th issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology offers a strategic juncture to reflect on what, intellectually and practically, substantiates ethnopharmacology as a domain of inquiry and what its future might be. We characterize ethnopharmacology through the diversity of its practitioners, and review critiques that challenge researchers to set their sights on a theory-driven and context-sensitive study of the pharmacologic potential of species used by indigenous peoples for medicine, food, and other purposes. The conclusion suggests themes that will inspire an integrated, transdisciplinary ethnopharmacology for the future.
Asunto(s)
Etnofarmacología/tendencias , Países en Desarrollo , Ecosistema , Ética en Investigación , Etnofarmacología/ética , Predicción , Humanos , Grupos de Población , Investigación/tendenciasRESUMEN
Ethnobotany/ethnopharmacology has contributed to the discovery of many important plant-derived drugs. Field explorations to seek and document indigenous/traditional medical knowledge (IMK/TMK), and/or the biodiversity with which the IMK/TMK is attached, and its conversion into a commercialized product is known as bioprospecting or biodiversity prospecting. When performed in a large-scale operation, the effort is referred to as mass bioprospecting. Experiences from the mass bioprospecting efforts undertaken by the United States National Cancer Institute, the National Cooperative Drug Discovery Groups (NCDDG) and the International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) programs demonstrate that mass bioprospecting is a complex process, involving expertise from diverse areas of human endeavors, but central to it is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that recognizes issues on genetic access, prior informed consent, intellectual property and the sharing of benefits that may arise as a result of the effort. Future mass bioprospecting endeavors must take heed of the lessons learned from past and present experiences in the planning for a successful mass bioprospecting venture.