Urban trading of medicinal plants in San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina): How does species composition vary between different biocultural supply sites?

Abstract

Studies on the biocultural variation of medicinal plant use in urban contexts are necessary for public health purposes. We asked: What are the main supply sites of medicinal plants in the pluricultural city of San Salvador de Jujuy, and how can we characterize them? What are the most important medicinal plants commercialized in the city? How does species composition vary between commercial suppliers? We also studied the relationship between plants’ therapeutic versatility and their commercial importance, the main illnesses treated and the botanical families involved. Ethnobotanical techniques were employed, particularly participant observation and semi-structured and structured interviews with salespersons. Three types of supply site were identified: pharmacies, herbal stores and traditional informal sales stalls (informal vendors). Eighty-two medicinal species, mainly belonging to the Asteraceae family, and two algal species were the most sold. Total species richness differed between supply site types with herb stores selling the highest richness (54 species). The most frequently used species were the most versatile, the most sold native species being more therapeutically versatile than the exotic species. Through a GLM we found that the supply sites most likely to sell native plants were informal vendors. These traditional vendors are fundamental in Jujuy for the supply of unique native species. This has marked consequences for public health, highlighting the essential biocultural role played by this supply point in maintaining the traditional Andean health system. Furthermore, having diverse medicinal plant supply sites may contribute to inhabitants’ social-ecological resilience, helping them face changes with autonomy and diversity.