Traditional medicinal knowledge of tropical trees and its value for restoration of tropical forests

Background

Tropical regions host the planet's greatest biodiversity, much of which is maintained by Indigenous and local communities through traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK). In Mexico’s Tabasco region, deforestation and habitat fragmentation have severely degraded tropical forests, threatening both biodiversity and cultural practices. TMK, which supplies up to 80% of primary health care globally, is increasingly recognized for its potential to inform conservation and restoration. Despite this, TMK is being lost due to modernization, migration, and the replacement of traditional remedies with commercial pharmaceuticals.

Goals and Methods

The study aims to evaluate the relevance of TMK in selecting culturally and ecologically important tree species for forest restoration. Fieldwork was conducted in 2015 across four Zoque-Maya communities in the Sierra of southern Tabasco. Researchers compiled a regional checklist of medicinal trees through literature review, and collected ethnobotanical data via semi-structured interviews and community workshops. They assessed species using two indices: the Index of Knowledge Richness (IKR), measuring how widely known each species is, and the Index of Cultural Significance (ICS), evaluating use intensity, perceived efficacy, and exclusivity.

Conclusions and Takeaways

The study identifies 45 medicinal tree species, mainly used to treat gastrointestinal issues, pain, and fever. Adult and elderly women possess the richest TMK. However, cultural importance does not always align with restoration priority. Species like Gliricidia sepium and Piper auritum have high cultural significance but are common and easy to propagate, while less culturally valued trees like Brosimum alicastrum and Manilkara zapota are scarce and prioritized for restoration. The authors conclude that TMK is a valuable guide for identifying species that support both ecological recovery and community engagement. They recommend integrating local knowledge into forest restoration strategies for long-term sustainability.