Phytochemistry and Bioactivity from Huperzias, used by Healers from Saraguro Community, in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

Several members from the genus Huperzia (Lycopodiaceae) form part of the millenary traditions from the Saraguros, an ethnic group located in the southern Ecuadorian highlands. In their culture, plants play a key role for maintaining physical and spiritual health. The “yachaks” or visionaries treat specific health disorders associated with supernatural causes. Huperzias are collected in the paramos that surround the community and used as ingredients for preparations used in healing rituals. In the present chapter, we present a revision of the current knowledge of the ethnobotany and phytochemistry from Huperzias used in traditional medicine by the Saraguro community, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive metabolites.