Study of the use of medicinal plants in veterinary medicine on virtual platforms

Abstract

In order to verify the use of medicinal plants in animals, in groups specialized in the theme present on Facebook, WhatsApp and DogHero application, a descriptive observational cross-sectional study was carried out between August 17 and 23, 2018 using Google Forms. 124 questionnaires were answered, of which 53.22% used medicinal plants as a treatment for animals. All respondents who used the plants received indications, with 54.5% from families and friends, 31.5% from veterinarians, 9% from groups on social networks and 5% from articles. The largest number of responses for the use of medicinal plants in animais was from the Federal District with 56.92% (Center-West region), followed by Pernambuco with 10.60% (Northeast region) and Rio Grande do Sul with 7.5% (South region). Uses were mentioned in dogs (37%), rodents (20%), felines (14%), reptiles (10%), birds (9%), cattle (4%), horses (4%) and fish (1%). Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) was the plant with the highest reported use (19.60%), followed by 14.28% of green tea (Camellia sinensis), 10.78% of aloe (Aloe vera), 9.80% of capim-santo (Cymbopogon citratus) and 9.80% of catnip (Nepeta catari). The greatest use of medicinal plants was for the treatment of anxiety (23.2%) followed by the treatment of problems in the liver and stomach and 10.4% for bloating and 6.4% for obesity. Self-cultivation was the main form of acquisition (36%), followed by handling pharmacies (28.78%), fairs (18%) and stores (8%). It is concluded that the use of medicinal plants occurs in several species of animals and in the most distinct regions of the country, demonstrating the importance of deepening studies and disseminating ethnoveterinary.