Reflexión bioética sobre especímenes vegetales: trascendencia de los intereses antropocéntricos ligados a las plantas medicinales

Abstract

Purpose/ Context. This article exposes the enigma regarding certain cultural perspectives that have encompassed medicinal plants, from their intrinsic value and use in different social panoramas, taking into account two lines of action: holistic and anthropocentric. Methodology/Approach. A review of bibliographic material was made, from the qualitative approach of cultural analysis and the technique of documentary analysis, taking into account the ethical thematic axes of the earth, anthropocentrism and medicinal plants. Results. Medicinal plants have generated a high incidence in the field of health, compared to their intrinsic value, visualized from autopoiesis and its importance in the ecosystem. On the other hand, the uses established in different areas of knowledge (medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, among others); and practices exercised (cultural), achieve benefits for man from the physical, biological and understanding dimensions. Discussion/Conclusions. The bioethical position was supported from the environmental foundations visualized in the Ethics of the Earth of A. Leopold and the global bioethics of V. Potter; without neglecting authors such as F. Jahr, G. Cely, among others. The approaches analyzed emphasize the need to promote the transition from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism, based on a responsible interaction between humans and non-humans, generating harmony, interrelation and balance that must be consolidated within an ecosystem, where it is essential to live with medicinal plants and their intrinsic value.