[Use of medicinal plants among older people attending a public primary care center].

BACKGROUND: The use of medicinal plants is common among a significant part of the elderly population. In addition, at present, the use of medicinal plants has been introduced in Primary Health Care centers, and is becoming increasingly popular, especially in this population.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the main medicinal plants consumed by the elderly attending a primary care unit (Puente Alto, Chile), considering main indications for use, preparation, frequency of use, place of obtaining and the possibility of drug interactions.

METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in a primary care unit. The questionnaire on the use of medicinal plants was applied in self-reliant elderly patients.

RESULTS: Were interviewed 310 elderly users who attended primary health care centers in Puente Alto (Chile) and met the eligibility criteria. About 83% were women and 17% men. The first 10 most used plants comprise 70% of the total citations and correspond to mint (15.80%), chamomile (7.96%), rue (7.96%), matico (6.98%), plantain (6.85%), boldo (5.99%), lemon balm (5.80%), pennyroyal (5.06%), paico (4.69%), and lemon verbena (2.72%). The reasons for the use of medicinal plants were mainly gastrointestinal, nervous system, dermal, respiratory, metabolic and genitourinary problems. Home-growing was the most cited method and infusion the most popular form of preparation. The main plants mentioned have some possible interaction already described.

CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the importance of knowing the plant species used by the population and the correct orientation on their rational use, potential benefits, adverse effects and interactions.