Evaluation of knowledge and perception of pharmacy students on phytotherapy at a public university, Brazil

Abstract

Brazilian popular medicine, in relation to phytotherapy/herbal medicine, is characterized by a great biodiversity and the contribution of different ethnic groups, allied to the transmission of knowledge by successive generations. In this context, the use of complementary medicines in health supplies a large part of the population's needs, and so it should be promoted in a rational way. Thus, a descriptive observational study was carried out on the knowledge of complementary medicines, with an emphasis on phytotherapy, among pharmacy students at a university in Brazil, with the objective of making a diagnosis of knowledge and perception on this topic. Among them, most did not demonstrate mastery of the subject, which is mainly due to the lack of addressing it during graduation, which is also the reason why they do not consider themselves able to work professionally with complementary medicines. However, most consider this practice important, making use of it and showing interest in courses on the subject. These studies corroborate with other Brazilian studies, demonstrating the need for a greater discussion on complementary medicines  and phytotherapy in the academic field to enable the education of qualified professionals to work in this area.