Biocultural understanding of medicinal plants in Mexico

Abstract

Mexico has diverse climates, influenced by its latitude and complex topography, fosters a rich variety of wildlife and plants. Situated between North and South America, Mexico serves as a convergence point for species that were once isolated, contributing 70% of the world's flora and fauna. In Mexico, there's a long history of using plants for healing, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The study of medicinal plants relies significantly on traditional healers, known as 'curanderos,' and individuals with knowledge of these plants. Pioneers like Roberto Escalante and Efraim Hernández X have shaped ethnobotany in Mexico, exploring human-plant relationships from anthropological and biological perspectives. The establishment of the National Medical Institute in 1890 was a significant moment for ethnobotany, currently known as National Herbarium of Mexico. Ethnobotany continues to contribute to discovering and developing medicines, connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements, where medicinal plants remain crucial in drug discovery.