XVI International Botanical Congess

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania spp. and transmitted by flies (Lutzomyia spp., Psychodidae). In thirld world countries where it is prevalent, treatment cost per patient is high and has to be administered by a specialist. The objective of this study is to identify plants that have been traditionally used in Petén to treat leishmaniasis and evaluate in vitro antileishmaniasis activity. Ethnobotanical interviews were made in 6 localities in the Petén's Mayan Biosphere Reserve where leishmaniasis is endemic. After applying Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception (KAP) methodology, 1 kg of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), Thevetia ahouai (Apocynaceae), Vitex gaumeri (Verbenaceae), Cecropia peltata (Moraceae) and Hamelia patens (Rubiaceae) were collected. Extractions in dicloromethane and ethanol were prepared and in vitro antileishmaniasis activity was tested using promastigotes (Leishmaniasis braziliensis and L. mexicana ). Experiments are in progress (Aug. 1998), and data will be included in this.