Without question, the Apocynaceae is one of the most interesting and promisingly biodynamic families of plants. It is the family reputedly richest in alkaloids. Consequently, it is to be presumed that such a family would loom significantly in native pharmacopoeias, especially in an area - such as the northwest Amazon - extraordinarily rich in species and genera of the Apocynaceae. Yet, in relation to the representation of the family in this region, the number of species with alleged medicinal properties is disappointingly small.