Ocorrência de plantas medicinais e tóxicas em residências de escolares e seu impacto sobre a saúde The occurrence of medicinal and poisonous plants in residential of schoolchildren and its impact on health

Introduction: The domestic use of plants for therapeutic purposes is widely used in different societies. However, the indiscriminate use of medicinal plants poses health risks such as the possible ingestion of toxic plants, associated with little specific knowledge. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of medicinal and toxic plants found in the homes of students. Methods: We surveyed seven fifths series of Municipal School Professor Eurico Silva in UberlândiaMG. The present study was conducted in three stages. In the first information sessions were held. In the second phase, students samples were collected from plants used in traditional medicine known to be toxic and present in their homes. And the third time, the students filled out forms containing specific data sampled specimens from name until indications and effects. The forms were made available for inspection at the school library. Results: The study included 193 students. 127 samples were collected. 110 (86.6%) specimens of toxic medicinal plants and 17 (13.4%) were detected. Of the 127 samples, 46 species were found, 42 (91.3%) medicinal, three (6.5%) and toxic (2.2%) of mixed character. Conclusion: It was found that, in the homes of school retains the tradition of using plants for therapeutic purposes, although without proper clarification. This work helped to further clarify how to use medicinal plants as well as to the health hazards of toxic plants, and even to a greater knowledge about the identification and classification of plants used as herbal medicines. Descriptores: Toxic Plants. Medicinal plants . Students. Level of health.