Use of invertebrates in Brazilian traditional medicine and its implications for conservation

Animal-based remedies constitute an integral part of Brazilian traditional medicine both in rural and urban areas in Brazil. Nevertheless, the use of animal species as remedies, although representing an important component of traditional medicine has been much less studied than medicinal plants in the country. The present study is a review of the information on medicinal invertebrates in Brazil. The result reveals that at least 81 species of invertebrates from five taxonomic groups are used for the treatment of different illnesses in Brazil. The groups with the greatest number of species were insects (n=41 species), mollusks (n=17) and crustaceans (n=16). This results stress the importance of medicinal invertebrates as therapeutic alternative. Some of the traded animals are listed in the Brazilian list of threatened species. This suggests an urgent need to consider zootherapy in the context of biodiversity conservation in Brazil. Conservation efforts should not only be directed to endangered species but also to those species whose use is widespread in the country. Aparta from biological aspects, economical and sociocultural factors influence the relationship of the people and the zootherapy resources usage. Hence, new studies on the medicinal fauna of Brazil will result in a better understanding of this form of traditional therapy, linking ecological, cultural and pharmacological aspects. © Rômulo R. N. Alves and Thelma L. P. Dias.