Diversity and distribution of the Huastec Mayan medicinal plants: hotspots for bioprospecting and conservation

Abstract

The multi-ethnic biocultural region Huasteca in Mexico has a variety of practices, including the use of traditional plant-based medicine. Here, we analyse the diversity and distribution of the medicinal plants used by the Tenek culture, to identify hotspots for bioprospecting and conservation. We describe their diversity, growth forms, origin and endemism, classes of diseases, parts used and conservation risk status. A total of 468 plant species used for medicinal purposes were recorded, from 113 families and 350 genera. More than 50% of the species richness is concentrated in 10 families and 11 genera. A total of 418 species are native, 23 of them are endemic, while 50 are nonnative. These species are obtained from one or more habitats, including 356 from the wild, 237 from home gardens, 111 from milpas, 20 from sugarcane plantations and 16 from disturbed habitats. The most common growth form is herbaceous and the most commonly used parts are leaves. Geographic hotspots with high species richness, disease classes diversity and high ethnomedicinal index values occur in Aquismón, San Antonio and Tantoyuca. Our results show that the biocultural region Huasteca is a reservoir of current benefits and future option values for bioprospecting and preserving of biocultural heritage. Further studies should employ phylogenetic approaches to elucidate evolutionary patterns and processes implied selection of medicinal plants by local people of medicinal plants. This will help identify lineages with phytochemicals, improve bioprospecting and ensure benefits for local people. As knowledge holders, they contribute to the conservation of medicinal plants.