# Ethnomedicinal Knowledge of Trichocentrum ascendens (Orchidaceae) in an Indigenous Region of Oaxaca, Mexico

## TL;DR

This study documents traditional uses of Trichocentrum ascendens by the Chinantec people in Mexico for treating various ailments and preserving cultural practices.

## Contribution

The study provides new ethnobotanical insights into the medicinal and ritual uses of Trichocentrum ascendens by the Chinantec people.

## Key findings

- Trichocentrum ascendens is used to treat headaches, toothaches, and other health conditions.
- The plant is prepared as infusions or crushed leaves for topical application.
- Traditional knowledge highlights potential bioactive compounds for further pharmacological research.

## Abstract

Trichocentrum ascendens, commonly known as “cola de rata”, is an orchid traditionally used by Indigenous communities to remove warts and heal wounds and in cultural cleansing rituals (“limpia”). However, additional medicinal uses preserved by the Chinantec people of Oaxaca, Mexico, remain largely undocumented and are at risk of disappearing, as this knowledge is now held by only a few individuals. This study gathered information on the therapeutic applications of T. ascendens in the Chinantla region through semi-structured interviews with key collaborators. Information was collected regarding the socio-demographic profiles of the collaborators, as well as the conditions treated, plant parts used, preparation modes, and doses. The species is used to alleviate headaches, toothaches, stomach pains, menstrual pains, body aches, kidney diseases, and inflammation, as well as to treat cultural diseases known as “mal de orin” and “sangre sucia”. Infusions made from mature or developing leaves, along with topical application of crushed leaves, are the main forms of administration. The traditional knowledge documented here underscores the importance of further research to identify the bioactive compounds in T. ascendens and to evaluate their potential inflammatory and analgesic effect. Such studies could lead to the discovery of new pharmacologically active molecules while preserving valuable traditional knowledge.