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

In many of the healing rituals found in traditional medicine, such as in shamanism, several plant species are used, several of which are chemically effective, due to the presence of the so-called active substances. However, the isolation of such products does not devalue the power of symbolic representation, strongly involved in healing processes, since the insertion of such plants in these rituals is based on an experience guided by 'symbolic logic'. Even in the city of Belém do Pará, where access to modern medicine is relatively easy, a large part of the population resorts to the use of homemade teas, influenced by a regional culture. And among the various plant species used in this city, we highlight the saracura-mirá (Ampelozyziphus amazonicus, Ducke), due to the great and sudden interest that an article published in 1993 in the newspaper 'O Liberal' provoked in the general population. The present work seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between mythology, shamanism and plant, verifying the pattern of use of saracura-mirá among users in Belém do Pará, considering the possible existence of active principles and/or symbolic efficacy. To this end, a bibliographic survey was carried out, as well as interviews with botanical professionals, medicinal herb traders, and users of the saracura-mirá, in addition to technical procedures and exchanges with the Botany Department of the Emílio Goeldi Museum of Pará, and the Natural Products Laboratory of the Federal University of Pará. It was verified that the demand for this plant has been decreasing, even to the point of being practically null today. The lack of a consistent local tradition regarding the use of this plant, contrary to what occurs in the Rio Negro region (AM), is certainly what most contributes to this fact.