COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DE PRODUTOS NATURAIS MEDICINAIS ORIUNDOS DO ESTADO DO AMAPÁ

The present study investigated the medicinal natural products with greater market potential in the main public markets in the city of Macapa, State of Amapa, northern Brazil. For this purpose, five public markets were selected in downtown, north, south, east and west of the city. In each market, we selected two vendors of medicinal plants that signed the Free and Clear Consent Form (FCCF). Thus, 10 vendors were interviewed. The list of the most popular plants was constructed through the free listing technique, in which each informant cited the most sold plants and its main therapeutic indications. For the determination of the values we used the highest and lowest value quoted by the vendors. Between 30-200 natural products from animals and plants (predominantly plants) are marketed for medical purposes in Macapa. The product with the highest demand was copaiba oil, from Copaifera sp. trees, due to its multiple uses. However, it is sold for low prices compared to its potential. Therefore, it is necessary to add treatments and standardize the raw materials to produce products with higher added value. Furthermore, it is important to research also the products toxicity. The Amazon Forest has enormous potential for production from its biodiversity, but it is necessary to invest in research and technology to do so. Keywords: Macapa; Amazon; biodiversity; copaiba; economic value added.