The Tupinambá of Maranhão State, Brazil, and medicinal plants described in the 17th century chronicles of the Capuchins Claude d'Abbeville and Yves d'Évreux.

BACKGROUND: Information concerning contact with the Tupinambá indigenous people and the flora in the state of Maranhão (Brazil) during the period of French occupation (17th century) is recorded in the chronicles of the Capuchin missionaries Claude d'Abbeville (?-1632) and Yves d'Évreux (1577-1632). These chronicles interrelate characters, spaces, environments, times, and events, based on the conceptual model of historical ethnobotany and memory. The aim of this work was to identify the vernacular names of medicinal plants found in the chronicles, considering a diachronic approach to investigate whether these medicinal species reported by the Tupinambá and mentioned by the missionaries are still present and used in the state of Maranhão today. METHODS: The translated Portuguese versions of the chronicles "History of the Mission of the Capuchin Fathers on the island of Maranhão and their surroundings" and "Journey to Northern Brazil", were analyzed. Information was extracted on medicinal plants and their uses, and botanical identifications were made based on similarities between vernacular names and morphological characteristics, medicinal indication, and area of ​​occurrence. Using scientific nomenclature, a search was made in databases and specialized literature on traditional uses. RESULTS: Nine vernacular names were located in the chronicles, eight of which were identified. Fabaceae was the most represented family. Most identified species are native to Brazil (n = 6). Medical indications included, among others: digestive and dermatological problems, infections, and mood disorders. According to data found in the literature, some plants and their indications are still part of the traditional medicine systems in the current territory of the State of Maranhão. CONCLUSIONS: The documentary analysis of the information recorded by the missionaries in their chronicles more than 400 years ago highlighted the timelessness of the Tupinambá indigenous knowledge. This study brought to light elements of indigenous cultural heritage that can strengthen and value traditional knowledge about native flora.