Abstract
BackgroundAlthough 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.ObjectivesTo understand the methods of use and the reasons given by patients and caregivers for the use of Coragyps atratus in cancer treatment.MethodsThis 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.ResultsResistance 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.ConclusionsUse 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 abstractIntroducciónAunque 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.ObjetivosConocer 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 métodosDiseño 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.ResultadosAl 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.ConclusionesLa 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.
Highlights
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
The American Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a species of scavenger bird first described by Johann Matthäus Bechstein in 1793, which is widely distributed throughout the Americas (Figure 1)
In a prevalence study performed at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (National Cancer Institute) in Colombia, 73.5% of 264 people surveyed reported to have used some type of complementary and alternative medicine for cancer treatment, and 2.2% of those surveyed had used Coragyps atratus for treating the disease [6]
Summary
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. In Colombia, Coragyps atratus is commonly called “chulo”, “gallinazo”, “zamuro”, or “golero” These birds are generally found in open and semi-open areas and are most numerous in the outskirts of cities, primarily in garbage dumps or landfills [1]. Use of the Black Vulture in medicine dates back to the Roman Empire, when it was mentioned as a health treatment in texts such as Naturalis Historia, written by naturalist and philosopher Pliny the Elder [3]. This species has not been widely studied in basic and clinical research on human health [4]. Articles on the use of the American Black Vulture or other similar species in cancer are scarce [7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
