Abstract

ROMERO-CASTILLO, Pilar América et al. Use of corongoro bark Ziziphus amole (Sessé & Moc.) M.C. Johnst. in traditional xochipalense medicine. Polibotánica [online]. 2011, n.32, pp.207-218. ISSN 1405-2768.

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and medicinal use of corongoro, Ziziphus amole (Sesse & Moc.) M.C. Johnst., as reported by the inhabitants of Xochipala, Guerrero, through a questionnaire and to analyze their responses through statistical analysis. Fruits, leaves, stems, and bark were collected, and botanical specimens were prepared for taxonomic confirmation. A stratified random sampling was performed, and a questionnaire with general questions was given to 107 respondents. Data analysis was based on a binary assessment by assigning a value of zero (0) for "No" and one (1) for "Yes." The maximum potential knowledge value of each respondent about the plant (OP) was calculated. Subsequently, a canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was carried out to assess the conditions for which the tree bark was used by means of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program. The OP was 0.63, which showed that the informants have a broad knowledge of the biology and medicinal uses of the plant. The CDA showed that the percentage of variation for the use of Z. amole bark was as follows: 38.1% for wounds, 27.7% for diabetes, diarrhea, asthma, hemorrhoids, and other conditions, 15.2% for stomach pain, and 11.3% for grains. The average weight of the bark used in preparations was 9.29 g L^-1. Respondents aged 60 or over use corongoro bark for wounds and less frequently for grain, whereas those aged 15 to 23 use it for diabetes, diarrhea, asthma, hemorrhoids, stomach pain, and other conditions. No cases of poisoning due to the use of the bark have been reported.

Keywords : bark; binary assessment; canonical discriminant analysis (CDA); corongoro; maximum potential knowledge value (OP); Ziziphus amole.

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