Helicteres genus, Malvaceae, has pantropical distribution, encompasses about 60 species, 31 of them found in Brazil. Species belonging to this genus are used for treatment of various diseases and aroused scientific interest in search for bioactive compounds present in these plants. In this context, this review aims to provide a complete and concise overview of scientific advances in phytochemical and pharmacological studies of these species and their use by folk medicine. The presented data were collected from scientific databases, 'Web of Science', 'Scifinder', 'Pubmed', 'Sciencedirect', and 'Google Scholar', using the keyword 'Helicteres'. The species H. isora and H. angustifolia, found in Asia, are the most explored scientifically, whereas studies of species of this genus found in Americas are still rare, being possible to highlight studies carried out in Brazil with H. velutina and H. eichleri. About 149 compounds were isolated and characterized in the genus, being emphasized terpenoids, flavonoids and lignoids. These species have demonstrated various pharmacological properties in vitro and in vivo, incluinding insecticide, antidiabetic, antitumor and hepatoprotective activities. The presented data show the importance of studies carried out isolating bioactive compounds from this genus that may be used in several diseases' treatment or/as prototypes to development of new drugs.

Incidents involving plants have been a major problem for public health over the years and represent the fourth leading cause of poisoning in Brazil, leading to death many people, especially children. This study aimed to carry out an ethnobotanical survey of plants with toxic active constituents, grown in the municipality of Cuité, Paraíba, correlating the popular and scientific knowledge. This study conducted an exploratory and descriptive field research by applying semi-structured questionnaires to city dwellers who maintained frequent contact with plants. The identification of 19 toxic species and 18 potentially poisonous species was possible. Prevalent plants in homes were ornamental. Most respondents were senior women who carried out this practice over ten years, and this interest in cultivation had come through relatives. The survey showed that most interviewees unaware the toxic potential of cited plants, which indicates the need to carry out educational and preventive work among the population.Keywords: plants; public health, poisoning, ethnobotany RESUMOIncidentes envolvendo plantas têm sido um grande problema para a saúde pública ao longo dos anos e representam a quarta principal causa de intoxicação no Brasil, levando à morte muitas pessoas, especialmente crianças. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento etnobotânico de plantas com constituintes ativos tóxicos, cultivadas no município de Cuité, Paraíba, e correlacionar o conhecimento popular com o científico. Realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo exploratória e descritiva, aplicando questionários semi-estruturados para os moradores da cidade que mantinham contato freqüente com plantas. A identificação de 19 espécies tóxicas e 18 espécies potencialmente tóxicas foi possível. As plantas prevalentes nas residências foram as ornamentais. A maioria dos entrevistados eram mulheres idosas, realizam esta prática ao longo de dez anos e o interesse pelo cultivo surgiu através de parentes. A pesquisa mostrou que os moradores desconhecem o potencial tóxico das plantas citadas, o que indica a necessidade de realizar um trabalho educativo e preventivo junto à população.Palavras-chave: plantas; saúde pública, envenenamento, etnobotânica

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