Quilombola Ancestral Knowledge as a Source for Cardiovascular Drug Discovery

Background/Objectives: Quilombola communities preserve knowledge about medicinal plants that may help identify compounds relevant to cardiovascular drug discovery. This study examined agreement between cardiovascular uses reported by elders in the Mumbuca and Prata communities in Tocantins, Brazil, and published pharmacological evidence. Methods: In October 2025, the authors interviewed 10 elders recognized by their communities as holders of medicinal-plant knowledge. The authors collected and botanically identified cited plants and searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciELO for pharmacological and phytochemical studies of species associated with cardiovascular conditions. Results: The field study cataloged 81 medicinal-plant taxa. Elders associated 11 (13.6%) taxa with cardiovascular treatment or protection. The literature review identified at least 21 potentially cardioactive substances among these species. Evidence was most consistent for antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and cardioprotective effects. Conclusions: Traditional recommendations and published evidence converged for several species, supporting careful, community-engaged investigation of quilombola knowledge as a source of hypotheses for cardiovascular drug discovery. Evidence gaps identify priorities for pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical research conducted with ethical safeguards and equitable recognition of knowledge holders.