Permanencia y transmisión del acervo botánico etnomedicinal en la Isla de Ometepe (Nicaragua)

Abstract

In this study, we document the use of medicinal plants among the indigenous population of Tilgüe on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. Field investigations included structured interviews and field trips. This research is important because it is the first systematic ethnobotanical study in Ometepe Island, a region undergoing tremendous changes where the people are highly acculturated, but with very little documentation of their ethnobotanical heritage. Based on the results of this study we believe that for the near future, the Tilgüe community –mainly women– will continue to rely on medicinal plants as a primary source of health care.