COP30 - From ancient traditional medicine, to tradicional herbalism and innovative medicine used in Phytotherapy.

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Welcome to Phytotalk!

Today, we deep dive in the fascinating world of Ethnopharmacology, the science that connects our ancestral knowledge to modern laboratories, transforming traditional medicine, into groundbreaking and innovative phytotherapeutic products.

With COP 30 in the horizon this theme gains even more relevancy, highlighting the importance of biodiversity, and the traditional indigenous and tribal communities in search for sustainable solutions in regards to health.

In this edition, Dr. Sérgio Tinoco Panizza, renown specialist in phytotherapy, shares with us his journey through the medicinal knowledge acquired by the indigenous and tribal communities.

Make sure to follow us on our social media to be part of this movement that values nature and the wisdom of lost cures!

What is Ethnopharmacology?

Ethnopharmacology is the science that studies biologically active agents – substances found in plants, animals, fungi and minerals – used traditionally by different cultures for medicinal or toxic purposes.

More than just plants, ethnopharmacology ranges far; from the secretion of frogs (like the Canuanu species), to minerals like the sand used in coastal communities to alleviate stings from stingrays.

This science, combines, cultural anthropology, botany, zoology, and pharmacology to rescue the knowledge of indigenous and tribal communities, transforming them into modern medicines.

For example, have you ever heard of the hairs of the “Quati” animal used as aphrodisiacs or a bird’s nest as a remedy?

These are some examples of the vast universe that Ethnopharmacology explores.

Let's start with the journey of ancestral knowledge… Ethnopharmacology, not only recovers traditional knowledge, but also validates it scientifically. Imagine an indigenous woman tying a plant to her belly to conceive a son or another to conceive a daughter. How can this be tested in a laboratory?

Dr. Panizza explains that the process begins in the field with:

Identification:

Collecting plant samples (leaves, flowers, and fruits) and identifying their scientific names with the help of taxonomists.

For example, the plants called “Cro” by a community might be Chenopodium ambrosioides (santa-maria herb).

Documentation: interview local populations to understand, it's uses, indications and contraindications.

Testing:

Take the material to the laboratory for chemical analysis and animal testing, verify the efficacy of active substances.

Innovation:

Transform this knowledge into herbal remedies or medicines, often resulting in patents.

This process is truly challenging. Dr Panizza reminds us: “ it's not enough to say that a plant makes your hair grow 10 centimeters per minute. You need to name it scientifically and prove its effects.”

Ethnopharmacology and Ethnobotany: what's the difference?

Many people confuse Ethnopharmacology with Ethnobotany. Ethnobotany studies uses of plants by a culture - medicines to ornaments or boat building.

Ethnopharmacology, on the other hand, focuses on substances with medicinal or toxic potential, not only in plants, but also animals, fungi and minerals. It is a science more focused on the discovery of new medicines.

Why is Ethnopharmacology so effective?

Ethnopharmacology significantly increases the chances of finding new medicines. Compared to random collection (which has only a 1 and 10,000 chance of success), it increases the odds by using the knowledge accumulated by traditional indigenous and tribal people.

For example:

Antineoplastics (against cancer): from 6% with random collection to 25% with Ethnopharmacology.

Antihypertensives: from 31% to 44%.

Anthelmintics (against worms): from 9.8% to 29.3%.

Aids: from 8.5% to 71.4%.

This success stems from the fact that indigenous and tribal communities have tested the substances for centuries, functioning as true forest laboratories.

Criteria for Discovering New Medicines.

The search for new medicines uses five main criteria:

Random Collection: Plants are collected randomly, with a low chance of success (1 in 10,000).

Chemotaxonomy: Focuses on plant families with known properties, such as Solanaceae (atropine producers).

Zoopharmacognosy: Observes how animals use plants, such as monkeys that eat certain leaves, to alleviate discomfort.

Ethnopharmacology: Recovers the knowledge of traditional populations, such as the use of “Protim sp” as a vermifuge.

Chemical Ecology: Studies the chemical defenses of plants against herbivores, which may have medicinal potential.

Brazil:

A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity. Brazil is the world champion in biodiversity, with approximately 55,000 species of angiosperms

(fruit-bearing plants), compared to 45,000 in Colombia and 27,000 in China.

Furthermore, the country has a high rate of endemism – species that only exist there, such as the 25,000 to 30,000 in the Amazon and 8,000 in the Atlantic Forest.

This wealth, combined with the cultural diversity of 232 indigenous ethnic groups and 1,340 quilombola communities, makes Brazil a natural laboratory for Ethnopharmacology.

Why is this important for COP30?

Biodiversity conservation and respect for traditional peoples are fundamental to

combating climate change and promoting global health.

Ethnopharmacology unites science, sustainability, and culture, showing how nature and ancestral knowledge can offer solutions for the future.

Stories from the Forest: The Canuanu Frog and Other Treasures.

Dr. Panizza shares fascinating stories from his research.

One is about the canuanu frog (bicolor Phyllomedusa), whose secretion, known as "frog vaccine," is used by indigenous peoples as a painkiller and tonic.

After years of study, scientists discovered that it contains dermorphin and deltomorphin, substances similar to morphine, with the potential to treat Parkinson's, depression, and even cancer.

Another example is propolis, a resin produced by bees that has been used for millennia as a natural antibiotic.

In the Amazon, riverside communities know of 18 types of similar resins, still little studied, that could revolutionize medicine.

Challenges and Precautions in Ethnopharmacology.

Ethnopharmacology requires patience and respect.

The researcher must live with the communities for at least a year to gain their trust and understand their cycles. "You don't just ask to see the plants. You need to create bonds, like a relationship," explains Dr. Panizza. Furthermore, it's crucial to avoid misinterpretations. A famous example is water hyacinth, which a researcher thought was a painkiller but was actually used as a "hat" to protect from the sun. Another concern is contraindications.

Plants such as mint, lemon balm, and senna can be dangerous for pregnant women, as they induce uterine contractions.

Traditional Medicine and Modern Science

Ethnopharmacology reveals how indigenous people, such as the “Krahó of the Cerrado” or the riverside communities of the Amazon, developed sophisticated medical systems.

They use signature theory—the idea that a plant's appearance indicates its function,

such as “pau-de-leite” for fortification or “kapran-kohiré” for relaxation.

These practices, combined with intuition and observation of nature, form knowledge that science now validates.

The Future of Ethnopharmacology.

With only 1% to 3% of the world's plants studied, there is a universe to be explored.

Projects like the study of Umbanda smokers or frog vaccines show how

science can learn from tradition.

Join the Phytotalk!

Ethnopharmacology teaches us that healing lies in nature and in people’s wisdom.

With COP30, it's time to value biodiversity and traditional knowledge for a healthier and more sustainable future.

What do you think about reclaiming this knowledge?

Follow Phytotalk on social media and join the movement!

Expert Presentation: Dr. Sérgio Tinoco Panizza

Who is Dr. Sérgio Tinoco Panizza?

Dr. Sérgio Tinoco Panizza is an industrial pharmacist, entrepreneur, and national leader in strategic green bioeconomy, with expertise in medicinal plants, herbal medicines, and macroalgae.

Qualifications and Experience:

Dr. Sérgio has a consolidated career, with distinguished performances in several areas:

• Advisory Board Member of the 5 Elements Institute – Education for Sustainability.

• Specialized Consultant in strategic green bioeconomy, focusing on medicinal plants, herbal medicines, and macroalgae.

• Member of the Technical Group for Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines, Industry, and Food Supplements of the Regional Pharmacy Council of São Paulo (CRF-SP).

• Honorary President of the Brazilian Phytotherapy Association (ABRAPHYTO).

• Acupuncture Specialist from the Center for Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies Studies.

• Former President of ABRAPHYTO and the Brazilian Council of Phytotherapy (CONBRAFITO).

• Member of the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Committee of the Federal Council of

Pharmacy.

• Served as Agriculture Representative on the National Committee for Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics

of the Federal Government, representing CONBRAFITO.

Literary Contributions:

Dr. Sérgio is the author of fundamental works in the field of phytotherapy, medicinal plants, and phytotherapeutics, widely recognized for their technical and practical relevance:

• How to Prescribe or Recommend Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics: Official reference at ANVISA.

• Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics: Official reference at ANVISA.

• Amazon: In Search of the Lost Cure.

• Prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine Products.

Distinguishing Features

• Unique Expertise: Combines ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants with modern science, offering innovative solutions for health and sustainability.

• Transformative Impact: As a consultant and educator, he promotes the responsible use of natural resources and strengthens the green bioeconomy. Academic and Regulatory Recognition: His books are indispensable tools for professionals, enthusiasts, and agencies such as ANVISA. 

• Integrative vision: Unites science, nature, and well-being in projects that inspire positive change.

Objectives: Dr. Sérgio dedicates his career to:

• Inspiring professionals and businesses.

• Fostering sustainability.

• Connecting science and nature.

Contact and Networks: Follow Dr. Sérgio Tinoco Panizza's work through:

• Website: www.fitoterapia.com.br

• Email: sergio@panizza.com.br

We were moderated by Marcos Gomes, journalist.

See you at the next Phytotalk!