Ichthyofauna Used in Traditional Medicine in Brazil

Abstract

Fish represent the group of vertebrates with the largest number of species and the largest geographic distribution; they are also used in different ways by modern civilizations. The goal of this study was to compile the current knowledge on the use of ichthyofauna in zootherapeutic practices in Brazil, including ecological and conservational commentary on the species recorded. We recorded a total of 85 species (44 fresh-water species and 41 salt-water species) used for medicinal purposes in Brazil. The three most commonly cited species were Hoplias malabaricus, Hippocampus reidi, and Electrophorus electricus. In terms of conservation status, 65% of species are in the “not evaluated” category, and 14% are in the “insufficient data” category. Three species are in the “vulnerable” category: Atlantoraja cyclophora, Balistes vetula, and Hippocampus erectus. Currently, we cannot avoid considering human pressure on the population dynamics of these species, which is an essential variable for the conservation of the species and the ecosystems in which they live and for the perpetuation of traditional medical practices.

Ethnoichthyology of the indigenous Truká people, Northeast Brazil

“…In Brazil, the use of animals, including fish, as medicinal resources is a fairly widespread and ancient phenomenon. Fish are among the most frequently used vertebrates for medicinal purposes in fishing and riverine communities [ 43 , 44 ]. Although continental and semi-arid areas have a lower diversity of fish species in relation to the coastal areas, some of these species are used in folk medicine [ 45 ].…”

“…The use of fishes in popular medicine has been recorded in fishing communities in Brazil and many other countries in Latin America [ 44 , 46 – 54 ]. The multiple use of fishes by humans is common [ 43 , 55 ] and reinforces the importance of fish in the culture, livelihood and economic activities of fishing communities [ 5 ]. The reliance on traditional uses of animals as food and as medicine by communities around the world highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research in ethnozoology which can be used in strategies to conserve biodiversity [ 55 ] In the surveyed area, it was not registered food taboos associated to fishes mentioned by interviewees.…”

“…Previous studies indicate that in addition to the whole animal, other parts of the fish are also used, including the fat, epidermal secretion, stomach, head, scales and meat. These products are prescribed to treat the following diseases: alcoholism, earache, inflammation, high cholesterol, sore throat, inflammation of the umbilical cord, bruising, ear inflammation, hearing problems, eye inflammation, urinary tract infection, deafness, asthma, muscle aches, erysipelas, wounds, bleeding, snake bite, conjunctivitis, oedema, rheumatism, glaucoma, and stroke [ 25 , 43 , 59 – 62 ]. This broad range of zootherapeutic uses and the various locations where such use has been recorded make H. malabaricus one of the fish species most extensively used in Brazilian folk medicine [ 59 , 63 , 64 ].…”

Fish-based remedies in Spanish ethnomedicine: a review from a historical perspective

“…Brazil is the country where a greater number of species are used as medicines (85): 44 fresh-water species and 41 salt-water species [ 19 ]. According to a recent review [ 123 ], 77 species are consumed as food medicines.…”

“…For example, they can help us in the understanding of the human behavior toward health care and the use-consumption of fish resources. As well, in many developing countries these studies have a great value in fish diversity conservation [ 17 - 19 ].…”