Xamanismo e plantas medicinais: princípios ativos e/ou eficácia simbólica - a utilização da planta saracura-mirá (ampelozyziphus amazonicus, ducke) entre os usuários de Belém do Pará

Abstract

Symbolism is something striking in societies, especially in the context of societies with a simpler structure. The effectiveness of shamanism is based on the symbolic representation of the illness-healing process, not only in relation to the patient and the shaman, but in relation to the community as a whole. Many of the plants used in traditional medicine have substances that act on the body, which contributes greatly to the isolation of important active ingredients. The present work aims to verify the effects of the plant saracura-mirá (Ampelozyziphus amazonicus, Ducke) on users in Belém do Pará, observing the presence of symbolic efficacy and active principles, contributing to a better understanding of the relationship between mythology, shamanism and plant. A bibliographic survey, interviews with botanical professionals and medicinal herb traders, preliminary observations with users, as well as technical procedures and exchanges with MPEG's Botany Department were carried out. Other steps will still be accomplished, regarding the phytochemical part, the users in Belém and the comparison with the use of the plant in the Negro River Valley.