Plantas medicinales como recurso terapéutico en el cantón Riobamba

The traditional use of medicinal plants is an ancestral practice that continues in many communities across Ecuador, including both rural and urban areas of the Chimborazo province. However, it faces challenges due to urbanization and the gradual loss of knowledge about their healing properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the traditional use of medicinal plants by the population of Riobamba canton, Chimborazo province, with the objective of preserving ancestral knowledge. To this end, an ethnobotanical study was conducted through surveys and interviews with key informants from the urban population of Riobamba, identifying and classifying the plant species used, the parts employed, preparation methods, and the ailments treated. A total of 49 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 botanical families were identified, with the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae families being the most frequently cited. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, and infusions were the predominant method of preparation, with gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments being the most frequently treated conditions. In conclusion, a valuable ancestral tradition in the use of medicinal plants was observed, although its continuity is threatened by low social recognition and increasing urbanization. Consequently, it is recommended to promote community-based programs that support the preservation of this traditional knowledge and encourage the scientific validation of its therapeutic applications, aiming at its integration into the healthcare system and its transmission to future generations.