Living Pharmacies and Medicinal Plants of Dermatological Interest in SUS: Biocultural Innovation for Public Health

Abstract

Living Pharmacies represent an innovative strategy within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), integrating the cultivation, processing, and dispensing of medicinal plants with emphasis on traditional knowledge and regional specificities. This study analyzed the Living Pharmacy initiative and the Popular Pharmacopoeia of the Cerrado as tools for consolidating Public Policies on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines in Brazil, focusing on the dermatological potential of Cerrado species. Through documentary research with content analysis, the implementation of these initiatives was evaluated. The results show that Phytotherapy Programs are concentrated in the South, Southeast, and Northeast regions (92% of the total), with uneven distribution across the national territory. In the state of Goiás, incipient implementation was identified, with only two ongoing projects. The potential of native species such as Cochlospermum regium and "pé-de-perdiz", documented in the Popular Pharmacopoeia of the Cerrado for treating skin conditions, was highlighted, in addition to species officialized in SUS such as Aloe vera and Schinus terebinthifolius with proven dermatological action. The integration between popular knowledge and scientific evidence proves to be an important tool for Collective Health, promoting autonomy and access to healthcare. It is concluded that the expansion of Living Pharmacies and the dissemination of the Popular Pharmacopoeia of the Cerrado are fundamental for consolidating a more equitable and culturally appropriate health policy, especially for the care of prevalent dermatological conditions in Primary Health Care.