Etnobotánica de Piper aduncum L.

Knowledge related plants use in traditional medicine becomes an untangible resource, that can be of great importance in pharmacognostic research for new bioactive products. Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae), is a medicinal little tree common in The Antilles, South America and other regions; that is why it is of interest to systematized the information related to its traditional use as medicine. Main objective of this study is  to research pharmacognosticaly P. aduncum concerning ethnobotany. A thorough  ethnobotanical search of P. aduncum was carried out by using available specialized literature and information included in several databases. In the search P. aduncum synonymy was also included. Systematized ethnomedical information of this specie is exposed, in Cuba, 32 different traditional uses were found, and 50 from other countries. In general there is coincidence in complaints clusters, mainly in dermatological, infectious diseases and those related wit genitourinary and cardiovascular systems. Aspects related therapeutic traditional use of this plant in Cuba and other countries are discussed. Synonymy search yield information of importance, as synonym it is noticeable references as P. angustifolium R. et Pav. (“Mático del Perú”). Problematical topic of the ethnomedical uses of the two infraspecific taxa that occur in Cuba it is also revealed, one of them seem to be without ethnomedical published studies. This Piperaceae have a great used as medicinal plant by several people of the world in different health conditions. With this specie it is evidenced the importance of including synonymy in ethnobotanical search strategy. 

Key words: Piperaceae; Pharmacognosy; Medicinal Plants; Traditional Medicine