Medicinal plants and traditional practicesin immune system modulation against COVID-19 among afro-descendant communities in Chocó, Colombia

This study documents the use of medicinal plants and traditional practices in the Afro-descendant community of La Grande, Chocó, Colombia, where limited access to healthcare and resources complicates disease management, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Household surveys were conducted, and 23 plant species were identified, collected with the support of traditional healers, and classified at the Herbarium of the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. Eight percent of households reported COVID-19 cases, treated exclusively with 13 plant species possessing immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, such as Gliricidia sepium, Citrus aurantifolia, Lippia alba, and Zingiber officinale. The research underscores the relevance of integrating traditional knowledge into public health policies, promoting its scientific validation and preservation, particularly in vulnerable regions with limited access to conventional healthcare. It advocates for a participatory and equitable approach to traditional medicine.