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Q’eqchi’ Maya Reproductive Ethnomedicine pp 71–86Cite as

Use of Phytoestrogens in Q’eqchi’ Maya Ethnomedicine

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Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Plant Science ((BRIEFSPLANT))

Abstract

Findings from this research contribute to the literature on Q’eqchi’ Maya ethnomedicine by associating the biological activity with the traditional remedies, subsequently further validating traditional Maya medicine and broadening the understanding of the efficacy of these plants. Documentation of traditional medical treatments aids in preserving the knowledge of these traditions and creates documents that can be used in the training of new apprentices in traditional Maya medicine, in addition to the long tradition of studying one on one with an elder traditional healer. We hope that in demonstrating the associated bioactivity in the medicines that are being used in this traditional medical system, these results will further validate and return prestige to traditional Maya medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Plant & Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

    Jillian De Gezelle

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  1. Jillian De Gezelle
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Correspondence to Jillian De Gezelle .

Conclusion

Conclusion

Findings from this research contribute to the literature on Q’eqchi’ Maya ethnomedicine by associating the biological activity with the traditional remedies, subsequently further validating traditional Maya medicine and broadening the understanding of the efficacy of these plants. Documentation of traditional medical treatments aids in preserving the knowledge of these traditions and creates documents that can be used in the training of new apprentices in traditional Maya medicine, in addition to the long tradition of studying one on one with an elder traditional healer. We hope that in demonstrating the associated bioactivity in the medicines that are being used in this traditional medical system, these results will further validate and return prestige to traditional Maya medicine.

Q’eqchi’ Maya reproductive ethnomedicine is using phytoestrogens to treat many reproductive health ailments including menopause, menstrual difficulties, and infertility. Biomedical systems have much to learn from the ancient and contemporary wisdom of traditional medical systems. A meta-analysis of 174 studies using randomized controlled trials, found that phytoestrogen supplements have a safe side-effect profile with only moderately elevated rates of gastrointestinal side effects (Tempfer et al. 2009). In addition to contributing to the validation of traditional Maya medicine, this work also contributes to the data regarding plant sources for hormone-mimicking medicines, which may be safe and efficacious for humans.

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De Gezelle, J. (2014). Use of Phytoestrogens in Q’eqchi’ Maya Ethnomedicine. In: Q’eqchi’ Maya Reproductive Ethnomedicine. SpringerBriefs in Plant Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10744-8_3

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