Format: ORAL

Sergio A. Salazar I, Olga Y. Coronel R, Carlos A. Mndez P.

Departamento de ciencias exactas y naturales, programa de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Surcolombiana, Neiva, COLOMBIA

The flora species belonging to the categories of aromatic and medicinal use commercialized in the urban area of the city of Neiva were characterized, with 73 plant species, 61 genera and 38 families reported. The reported taxa were: Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Myrtaceae families, these represented by more than 3 genera. It was evident that the most used plant resources are the leaves, inflorescences and stems as the most commonly used parts. Therapeutic actions mentioned to a greater extent were antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, antitussive, bronchodilator, diuretic, expectorant and hepatoprotective actions. In addition to, decoction and infusion technique of the fresh plant material were highlighted as the method of use most applied by the population. About 63% of the reported species are grown and obtained in the district of Ulloa province of Rivera, 10% of the plant species are grown in district of Cerro-Neiva province of Neiva in the same department of Huila, and 27% of the plant species must be imported from the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyac, Tolima and Cauca, showing that 70% of the interviewed people commercialize plants as their main socioeconomic activity, 24% commercialize plants due to lack of job opportunities, and 6% as an indirect economic resource.