Use of black vulture (Coragyps atratus) in complementary and alternative therapies for cancer in Colombia: A qualitative study

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

Andrés L González-Rangel¹  Magda R Gamba-Rincón¹  Ricardo Sánchez-Pedraza¹ 

[1] Clinical Research Group, National Cancer Institute, Ave 1 # 9 – 85, Bogotá, DC, Colombia

关键词: Zootherapy;    Falconiformes;    Qualitative research;    Neoplasms;    Complementary therapies;   

Others  :  862914
DOI  :  10.1186/1746-4269-8-20

 received in 2012-01-11, accepted in 2012-05-12,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

Although Coragyps atratus has been used as a traditional therapy for patients with cancer, the scientific literature does not contain enough information on how this therapy is used or the mechanisms that explain this therapeutic practice.

Objectives

To understand the methods of use and the reasons given by patients and caregivers for the use of Coragyps atratus in cancer treatment.

Methods

This study used a qualitative design based on twenty in-depth interviews of patients with cancer or caregivers of patients with the disease. The analysis of the text was based on an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Resistance to disease and immune enhancement are properties attributed to Coragyps atratus when used for cancer treatment. The most recommended method of use is fresh blood ingestion, and the associated mechanism of action is transfer of immune factors to the individual who consumes it.

Conclusions

Use of Coragyps atratus as a treatment for cancer is a popular alternative therapy in Colombia. More studies are needed to understand the clinical effects of this intervention in cancer patients.

Spanish abstract

Introducción

Aunque Coragyps atratus se usa tradicionalmente como terapia para pacientes con cáncer, no existe suficiente información en la literatura científica sobre su forma de utilización ni sobre los mecanismos explicativos que subyacen a esta práctica terapéutica.

Objetivos

Conocer métodos de utilización y mecanismos explicativos dados por los pacientes y cuidadores de pacientes sobre el uso de Coragyps atratus en el tratamiento del cáncer.

Materiales y métodos

Diseño cualitativo basado en veinte entrevistas en profundidad de pacientes con cáncer o cuidadores de pacientes con esta enfermedad. Análisis de texto basado en enfoque temático inductivo.

Resultados

Al Coragyps atratus se le atribuyen propiedades de resistencia y fortalecimiento del sistema inmune de personas enfermas de cáncer. La forma de utilización mas común es la ingesta de la sangre fresca y el mecanismo de acción asociado es la transferencia de defensas a quien lo consume.

Conclusiones

La utilización del Coragyps atratus como tratamiento para el cáncer es una terapia alternativa usada popularmente en Colombia. El uso de este animal debe estudiarse más a fondo para conocer los efectos clínicos en los pacientes con cáncer.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Sanchez Pedraza et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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