Estudo etnobotânico de ficus Insipida willd. (caxinguba) utilizado pela população da comunidade Nova Jesuanea no município de Amaturá-AM

Abstract

This paper presents an ethnobotanical study of Ficus insipida Willd. (caxinguba), a species native to the Amazon region, focusing on its use by the population of the Nova Jesuanea community. The main objective was to investigate the traditional use of Ficus insipida Willd. (caxinguba), highlighting local knowledge, therapeutic practices, and cultural applications among the residents of the Nova Jesuanea community, in the municipality of Amaturá, Amazonas. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local residents, especially elders and holders of traditional knowledge. The results demonstrated that Ficus insipida Willd. is widely recognized in the community for its medicinal properties, being used in the treatment of respiratory conditions, digestive disorders, and as a healing agent. In addition to its medicinal uses, non-medicinal applications were also identified, such as the creation of artifacts and the use of parts of the plant in cultural rituals. The research highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and local biodiversity, emphasizing the appreciation of popular practices and the promotion of the sustainable use of natural resources.