TRAMIL ethnomedicinal survey in Jamaica

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• The TRAMIL network methodology was employed in Jamaica to document medicinal plant use.
• Previous research focused on safety aspects of medicinal plant and pharmaceutical drug interactions.
• This paper details the ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants in Jamaica.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants in Jamaica.
• To identify frequently used medicinal plants and trends in their utilization.
• To contribute findings to the TRAMIL database for scientific evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 407 randomly selected adults using a modified TRAMIL questionnaire.
• Data collection involved systematically selected households within randomly selected clusters.
• Plant identification and informant consensus factor (ICF) analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• 107 botanically identified medicinal plants were reported for treating various ailments and maintaining health.
• Fourteen plants showed significant use (≥20%) for specific health issues, forming Jamaica's initial TRAMIL submission.
• High ICF values were observed for mental health, respiratory issues, and health maintenance; leaf and fresh materials were predominantly used.
• Andrographis paniculata (Rice Bitters) was identified as a significant new remedy in a TRAMIL survey.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plant use remains integral to primary healthcare in Jamaica.
• Fourteen significant plant remedies were identified, with eight new to TRAMIL for specific health conditions.
• Future research will involve literature reviews, laboratory screening, and community outreach.