Capsicum in the hands of tradition: ethnobotanical knowledge and conservation in Indigenous and Quilombola communities

Abstract

Background: Capsicum peppers are among the oldest domesticated native crops in South America, with their dispersal and usage deeply embedded in the cultural traditions of Indigenous and Quilombola communities. Brazil stands as a significant center of Capsicum diversity, however, ethnobotanical knowledge regarding the relationships between these peppers and the communities that shaped their cultural preeminence remains limited. This study reviews the literature on ethnobotanical knowledge documented in previous studies involving Indigenous and Quilombola communities in Brazil, aiming to elucidate the role of these traditional communities in the diversification and conservation of the Capsicum genus.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using academic databases, compiling ethnobotanical studies and cookbooks to assess the historical and current uses of peppers. Medicinal applications were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was carried out to evaluate ex situ conservation coverage of landraces cultivated by the communities.

Results: The cultural significance of Capsicum is reflected in its diverse uses. We identified 95 traditional Brazilian food recipes incorporating Capsicum fruits, with higher concentration in regions strongly influenced by Indigenous and Quilombola heritage. Medicinal applications were documented across twelve categories of ICD, and transcendental uses are expressive within these communities. There is underrepresentation in ex situ strategies due to bureaucratic barriers that limit research and conservation in Indigenous and Quilombola territories.

Conclusions: The study highlights the need for integrated policies that promote germplasm conservation, valuing traditional knowledge and strengthening community participation in agrobiodiversity preservation, contributing to food security, health care, and the maintenance of cultural traditions in Brazil.

Keywords: Plant genetic resources; traditional knowledge; in situ/on farm conservation; native landraces