The ten most important species among all plants used as medicinal by the residents and Communitary Agents of Health from the Family Health Office of Ponta Grossa neighborhood, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil were selected. A bibliographical review for these species was accomplished, finding studies about the chemical constitution for all species and some pharmacologic activity for nine of them. Clinical studies for four species and therapeutic uses approved by international organisms for three species were found. It was verified that according to the literature, adverse effects for five of the ten researched species and for six of these the use is dissuaded during the gestation.
Ethnobotany; medicinal plants; pharmacology
