This study aimed to identify the native medicinal species in a forest fragment located at Azulão Farm in Dourados/ MS, based on the popular knowledge of the bushmen of the region, aiming to generate data to perpetuate the preservation, diversity and variability of the species, as well as to encourage local people to value and preserve these natural resources, slowing the impact on biodiversity. Samples of plants indicated as medicinal were collected, and then identified by the specialized literature and by comparison with plants deposited in the Herbarium of the University City of Dourados. We identified 61 species belonging to 35 families and 53 genera.The Asteraceae (9), Fabaceae (5) and Piperaceae (4) showed the largest number of species. Among the life forms found in the local native vegetation, the medicinal species of shrubby habit (39.34%) were the ones that presented the highest values, followed by the herbaceous (27.86%), trees (24.6%), and lianas (8.2%). The most frequently used plant parts are the leaves, followed by the roots and bark. Based on the results of this study, the indications of use of medicinal plants can provide subsidies for biochemical and pharmacological studies, reducing the costs and the time for the extraction of active ingredients, also contributing with the cultural knowledge of the local community, encouraging environmental preservation of many medicinal species used in the region. Further studies should be conducted in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, in order to ensure the registration of more accurate data on the existing medicinal species.
medicinal plants; forest fragment; regional culture; Azulão Farm
