Traditional medicinal plant knowledge and biocultural relevance in a rural community of Veracruz, Mexico

Authors

  • Minerva Hernández Lozano Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana
  • Gabriel Eduardo Espinoza Aparicio Centro Estatal de la Transfusión Sanguínea Veracruz, Boca del Río, Veracruz, México
  • Marcos Fernando Ocaña Sánchez Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana
  • Gabriel Arturo Soto Ojeda Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana
  • Mauro Antonio Villanueva Lendechy Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana
  • Yeyetzy Citlally Cano Callejas Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana
  • Erick Joaquin Corro Mendez Facultad de Biología, Universidad Veracruzana

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicinal plant knowledge is a key component of biocultural heritage and remains central to primary health care in many rural communities. Ongoing social and environmental changes underscore the urgency of documenting and analyzing this knowledge.

Methods: We documented and quantitatively assessed the diversity, cultural relevance, and therapeutic structure of medicinal plants used in a rural community of central Veracruz, Mexico. Semi-structured surveys were applied to 150 adult residents selected through snowball sampling. Data on health conditions, plant uses, plant parts, preparation methods, and species origin were recorded. Use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to evaluate cultural importance and therapeutic associations. A complementary literature-based toxicological screening was conducted.

Results: Forty medicinal plant species were recorded. Use reports were concentrated in a limited group of culturally salient species, with Artemisia absinthium (UV = 0.20), Justicia spicigera (UV = 0.17), and Psidium guajava (UV = 0.13) showing the highest cultural relevance. Digestive and respiratory conditions represented the most prominent therapeutic domains. PCA revealed both generalist use patterns and selective associations at the family level. Toxicological screening identified documented risks in six species, primarily dose- or preparation-dependent.

Conclusions: The medicinal system documented is structured, socially shared, and centered on culturally salient species. Integrating quantitative ethnobotanical metrics with safety considerations provides a baseline for future pharmacological research and biocultural conservation strategies.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Traditional knowledge; Biocultural conservation.

Author Biographies

Minerva Hernández Lozano, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana

Minerva Hernández Lozano is a Full-Time Tenured Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry at Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico. She holds a Licentiate in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry and both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Neuroethology with honors from Universidad Veracruzana. Her academic experience includes research and teaching, as well as participation in scientific committees and academic validation bodies. Her work spans interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of biochemistry, neuroscience, and pharmacological science, with contributions to research and education in laboratory sciences. Hernández Lozano is also a member of national academic committees and holds certifications in scientific communication and related competencies.

Gabriel Eduardo Espinoza Aparicio, Centro Estatal de la Transfusión Sanguínea Veracruz, Boca del Río, Veracruz, México

Gabriel Eduardo Espinoza is a licensed Chemical Pharmacist Biologist (QFB), graduated from the Faculty of Chemical Pharmacobiology at Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. He currently works as a chemist at the Centro Estatal de la Transfusión Sanguínea in Veracruz, where he is involved in laboratory analysis, quality control, and biochemical procedures supporting blood collection and safety. His professional work focuses on analytical methods in clinical and transfusion settings, emphasizing rigorous laboratory standards and public health support. Espinoza’s background in chemical and biological sciences informs his contribution to multidisciplinary research and community health initiatives in the region.

Marcos Fernando Ocaña Sánchez, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana

Marcos Fernando Ocaña Sánchez is a Professor and Researcher at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry (QFB) of Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Neuroethology, and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. His academic work integrates biological, pharmacological, and ecological approaches, with research interests that include natural products, experimental biomedical models, and interdisciplinary studies linking biology and health sciences. He has extensive experience in teaching, research supervision, and academic management, and is an active member of national research and academic evaluation systems.

Gabriel Arturo Soto Ojeda, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana

Gabriel Arturo Soto Ojeda is a Full-Time Professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry (QFB) of Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico. He holds a Master’s degree in Neuroethology and a PhD in Engineering. His academic work integrates biological sciences with analytical and engineering-based approaches, contributing to teaching and applied research in pharmaceutical, biological, and interdisciplinary scientific fields. His experience includes laboratory-based education and the application of quantitative and technical methodologies in higher education.

Mauro Antonio Villanueva Lendechy, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana

Mauro Antonio Villanueva Lendechy is a Professor and Academic Technician at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry (QFB) of Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Neuroethology, and a PhD in Engineering. His academic and technical work integrates biological sciences with analytical and engineering-based approaches, supporting laboratory teaching, applied research, and interdisciplinary scientific activities within pharmaceutical and biological education.

Yeyetzy Citlally Cano Callejas, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana

Yeyetzy Citlally Cano Callejas is a Chemical Pharmacist Biologist (QFB) and a Master’s student in Neuroethology at the Institute of Neuroethology, Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. Her academic training focuses on biological and chemical sciences, with research interests related to experimental approaches in neuroethology and laboratory-based analysis. She contributes to interdisciplinary research through data collection, analysis, and the integration of biological knowledge within applied scientific studies.

Erick Joaquin Corro Mendez, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Veracruzana

Erick Joaquín Corro Méndez is a Full-Time Professor and Researcher at the Faculty of Biology of Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a PhD in Biological Sciences, with academic training and research experience in ecology and biodiversity studies. His work focuses on plant–animal interactions, community ecology, and the analysis of ecological and biocultural systems, integrating field research with quantitative approaches. He has extensive experience in teaching, research supervision, and academic management, and actively participates in national research and academic evaluation systems.

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Published

2026-05-30

How to Cite

Hernández Lozano, M., Espinoza Aparicio, G. E., Ocaña Sánchez, M. F., Soto Ojeda, G. A., Villanueva Lendechy, M. A., Cano Callejas, Y. C., & Corro Mendez, E. J. (2026). Traditional medicinal plant knowledge and biocultural relevance in a rural community of Veracruz, Mexico. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 34, 1–17. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8115

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Research

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