Natural Products from Ethnodirected Studies: Revisiting the Ethnobiology of the Zombie Poison

Abstract

Wade Davis's study of Haitian “zombification” in the 1980s was a landmark in ethnobiological research. His research was an attempt to trace the origins of reports of “undead” Haitians, focusing on the preparation of the zombification poison. Starting with this influential ethnopharmacological research, this study examines advances in the pharmacology of natural products, focusing especially on those of animal-derived products. Ethnopharmacological, pharmacological, and chemical aspects are considered. We also update information on the animal species that reportedly constitute the zombie poison. Several components of the zombie powder are not unique to Haiti and are used as remedies in traditional medicine worldwide. This paper emphasizes the medicinal potential of products from zootherapy. These biological products are promising sources for the development of new drugs.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) fixed oil presents hypolipemic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro

“…The name "pequi" has an indigenous origin; pychi, py ( ¼skin, bark), qui (¼ thorn), meaning "spiny skin", due to the endocarp spines. The species Caryocar coriaceum Wittm., is found in the "Chapada do Araripe" where, fruit and woods were explored commercially and, plays an important socio-economic role in the region (Albuquerque et al, 2011;de Oliveira Campos et al, 2015;Júnior et al, 2013;Silva et al, 2015). Its fruit is used in food, and in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and to promote healing (Ribeiro et al, 2014).…”

ESTRESSE SALINO NO CRESCIMENTO INICIAL E METABOLISMO DE NITROGÊNIO EM PLANTAS DE ARROZ (Oryza sativa L.)

“…Em entrevistas conduzidas em 2017 pelo Programa Amigos da Onça, 78% dos respondentes indicaram que as presas naturais das onças escassearam e para o avistamento é necessário adentrar mais na caatinga do que até cinco anos atrás (ENEL, 2018). Esse fato corrobora pesquisas já publicadas apontando para o declínio das populações das espécies de mamíferos de maior porte (ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2012a(ALBUQUERQUE et al, , 2012bALVES et al, 2012;ALVES et al, 2016;BARBOZA et al, 2016) ABSTRACT: Environmental Education is dynamic, permanent and participatory, where those involved become transforming agents in seeking alternatives and social control for the use of natural resources, especially for Caatinga, which emerges as a natural environment threatened by its own natural or natural characteristics by anthropic actions. Thus, the circular economy emerges as a strategy for social and environmental change, aimed at eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products /materials in use cycles and regenerating natural systems.…”

An Appraisal of Antidotes’ Effectiveness: Evidence of the Use of Phyto-Antidotes and Biotechnological Advancements

“…Generally, investigations into ethnomedicinal plants have demonstrated the presence of saponins, tannin, alkaloids, sulphur, anthraquinones, terpenoids, oleanolic acid, flavonoids, mannitol, glycosides, urosolic acids, pyrrolidine, formic acids, essential oils and steroids bioactive components [112,113]. These compounds are plant secondary metabolites that may act singly or synergistically to bring about their antidotal effects.…”