Is Guaiacum Sanctum Effective Against Arthritis?
An Ethnobotany Case
Author(s)
Abstract
Dr. Beth Tonoany, a tropical population ecologist, is studying an unusual tree, Guaiacum sanctum, in the tropical forests of Central America. Interestingly, several local Ticos have told her that they use the tree for medicinal purposes. Students read the case and then answer questions designed to explore the process of screening and testing the medicinal value of plants identified as having potential health benefits. This case can be used in an introductory biology course, an introductory botany course, or any course which encounters ethnobotany as a component, such as a tropical biology course or a plant ecology course.
Objectives
- To encourage students to think about the lengthy process required before a drug can be made available in Western medicine.
- To give students practice in designing experiments and analyzing data.
- To force students to consider the implications of somewhat ambiguous results and side effects in medicine.
Keywords
Ethnobotany; experimental design; guaiacum sanctum; guayacan; lignum vitae; lignumvitae; medicinal plants; rheumatoid arthritis; tropics; Central America; TicosTopical Areas
EthicsEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Botany / Plant Science | Ecology |
Date Posted
01/16/04Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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