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Diabetes mellitus is a growing problem in many developing countries and the financial burden associated with it is enormous. In traditional African communities, majority of people relies on traditional medicines and Traditional Health Practitioners as the primary source of health care. Hence, this study was undertaken in the Lower Eastern province...
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Context 1
... of these species could not be identified to species level due to lack of reproductive features. Table 2 shows the plant species, the vernacular names, the parts used, the number of interviewees citing each species and mode of preparation. The families with the most reported plant species were Caesalpiniaceae with 4 species: Ebenaceae, Solanaceae and Labiatae families had 3 species each while Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Oleaceae and Passifloraceae had 2 species each and the rest had one species each ( Table 2). ...Context 2
... 2 shows the plant species, the vernacular names, the parts used, the number of interviewees citing each species and mode of preparation. The families with the most reported plant species were Caesalpiniaceae with 4 species: Ebenaceae, Solanaceae and Labiatae families had 3 species each while Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Oleaceae and Passifloraceae had 2 species each and the rest had one species each ( Table 2). ...Context 3
... Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Table 2). Other medicinal plants that were mentioned by at least four respondents were Senna singueana Del., Ajuga remota Benth., Eucalyptus spp. ...Context 4
... reported that the appropriate plant parts were collected when needed without any time specification. The herbal medicines were mainly prepared as decoctions which were orally given ( Table 2). It was noted that some plant species shared vernacular names (Table 2). ...Context 5
... herbal medicines were mainly prepared as decoctions which were orally given ( Table 2). It was noted that some plant species shared vernacular names (Table 2). Mukinyei could be referring to Euclea divinorum, Euclea natalensis or Euclea racemosa. ...Context 6
... of the commonly cited mixtures included: Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Momordica foetida and Cassia abbreviata; Croton megalocarpus, Ormocarpum kirkii and Senna singueana; Solanum incanum, Ocimum basilicum and Senna singueana; Azadirachta indica, Zanthoxylum chalybeum and Cassia abbreviata. The method of preparation employed primarily for single plant parts used were decoction (76%) and infusion (20%) ( Table 2). A decoction is prepared by boiling plant parts of single plant species in water. ...Citations
... The studies revealed that medicinal plants, common to several countries, were used to manage DM treatment (Table 2). Among the common plants, Allium sativum was prominent across the continent [2,39,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55]. This indicates that the plant is likely effective against DM, and certain communities share the same knowledge about this medicinal plant. ...
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common non-communicable and chronic metabolic disorder regarded as a global epidemic with high morbidity and mortality. Although, conventional medicines are available for the management of DM, Indigenous knowledge, including the use of botanicals, has contributed to the management of this life-threatening disease in Africa. This is due to the perceived effectiveness and minimal side effects associated with plants and plant-derived compounds as an affordable remedy against DM. This review focuses on the contribution of Indigenous African plants to the management of DM. Relevant literatures were reviewed from online scientific databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, using keywords singly and in combination. The review revealed that Indigenous health practitioners use several medicinal plants in the management of DM, with a range of 14–255 botanicals recorded. Approximately 80 compounds with antidiabetic potency have been isolated from different parts of African medicinal plants, with the majority belonging to flavonoids and terpenoids. Particularly, compounds such as apigenin, combretin B, convallatoxin, kaempferol, and quercetin remain the most promising antidiabetic compounds isolated from African medicinal plants. Limited clinical trials have been conducted on these compounds despite these milestones. There is, therefore, the need for further investigations to explain their antidiabetic effects, particularly under clinical conditions. Plants from which these compounds were isolated were selected based on ethnopharmacological knowledge. With these developments, medicinal plants and Indigenous knowledge remain an integral part of the global strategy to combat DM.
... The studies revealed that medicinal plants, common to several countries, were used to manage DM treatment (Table 2). Among the common plants, Allium sativum was prominent across the continent [2,39,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55]. This indicates that the plant is likely effective against DM, and certain communities share the same knowledge about this medicinal plant. ...
Citation: Asong, J.A.; Ndhlovu, P.T.; Olatunde, A.; Aremu, A.O. Uses of African Plants and Associated Indigenous Knowledge for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetology 2024, 5, 476-490. https:// Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common non-communicable and chronic metabolic disorder regarded as a global epidemic with high morbidity and mortality. Although, conventional medicines are available for the management of DM, Indigenous knowledge, including the use of botanicals, has contributed to the management of this life-threatening disease in Africa. This is due to the perceived effectiveness and minimal side effects associated with plants and plant-derived compounds as an affordable remedy against DM. This review focuses on the contribution of Indigenous African plants to the management of DM. Relevant literatures were reviewed from online scientific databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, using keywords singly and in combination. The review revealed that Indigenous health practitioners use several medicinal plants in the management of DM, with a range of 14-255 botanicals recorded. Approximately 80 compounds with antidiabetic potency have been isolated from different parts of African medicinal plants, with the majority belonging to flavonoids and terpenoids. Particularly, compounds such as apigenin, combretin B, convallatoxin, kaempferol, and quercetin remain the most promising antidiabetic compounds isolated from African medicinal plants. Limited clinical trials have been conducted on these compounds despite these milestones. There is, therefore, the need for further investigations to explain their antidiabetic effects, particularly under clinical conditions. Plants from which these compounds were isolated were selected based on ethnopharmacological knowledge. With these developments, medicinal plants and Indigenous knowledge remain an integral part of the global strategy to combat DM.
... This finding is in line with previous results [55,58] in that single species were more common for remedy preparations, while mixtures were used rarely. However, this result is in contrast with the findings of Ketera and Mutiso [59], who indicated that high amounts of remedy preparations were from combined plant species. ...
Introduction: For many years, medicinal plants have been used in Ethiopia to manage a wide range of diseases. Documenting use of the plants for traditional medicine is necessary bases for obtaining new lead bioactive plant based natural products for the discovery of allopathic drugs, preserving the associated local knowledge and medicinal plants. This study aimed to document ethnobotanical knowledge associated with medicinal plants, parts used, route of preparations, and mode of administration. Methods: The study was conducted from February 2017 to March 2018. The data were collected by interviewing 177 (139 male and 38 female) informants. Semistructured interviews, group discussions, guided field waks and quantitative approaches, such as informant consensus factors and ranking were used to collect and quantify the data. The data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A total of 57 medicinal plant species belonging to 51 genera in 36 families were used by local people to prevent various ailments. The Asteraceae was the dominant family contributing the greatest number of medicinal plants. Leaves were the most widely used plant parts for treating human ailments (20, 56.7 %). Most of the collected traditional medicinal plants were used for treating human ailments directly (11, 28 %), while crushing was the most common method of preparation for treating livestock ailments (42, 70.2 %). Half of the herbal medicines were prepared for internal use, accounting for 31 (54.4 %). The findings showed that Cynoglossum coeruleum was the most preferred species for treating febrilosis, accounting for 33 cases. The highest informant consensus factor (0.83) was obtained for diseases related to febrilosis, and the lowest (0.56) was obtained for diseases associated with livestock (leech infestation and ectoparasites). Conclusions: This study showed that medicinal plants in the study area, coupled with rich indigenous knowledge, were used by a large member of the population and are the most important means of treating some common ailments. However, medicinal plants in the study district are under pressure due to both natural and anthropogenic influences. Hence, the declining medicinal plants in the area require the application of complementary on-site and off-site conservation approaches.
... Literature suggest that, more than 80% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa relies on medicinal plants and Traditional Health Practitioners as the primary source of health care due to accessibility and cultural acceptance 2 . A number of phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants are directly used as drugs 2,3 . For example, Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent isolated from medicinal plant Galega officinalis that was used historically in medieval Europe for the treatment of diabetes 3 . ...
Background: Traditional healers utilize the roots of Suregada zanzibariensis for managing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, evaluation of toxic properties of this plant is important. Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity of S. zanzibariensis root extract on Wistar rats and to screen phytochemical compounds of the EAESZ. Methods: GCMS analysis of the plant extracts were performed by using GCMS-2010 Shimadzu and mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the data in the library of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Acute oral toxicity testing was carried by administering a single Distilled water extract (DWESZ) and EAESZ to four different groups of rats at dosage of 300mg/kg and 2000mg/kg in each extract to the separately group of rats Results: The GC-MS analysis of S. zanzibariensis roots extract revealed the presence of 10 major compounds. A higher single dose (2000mg/Kg) of EAESZ and DWESZ extract did not produce any sign of toxicity throughout 14 days of study, in terms of changes in behaviour or mortality in tested rats. No significant (p > 0.05) hematological, liver histological, biochemical changes were noticed between rats treated and control rats Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the plant extract can be classified as non-toxic. Keywords: Phytochemical profiling; acute oral toxicity; Suregada zanzibariensis (Baill) root extract.
... Allium sativum, is a versatile and widely used plant with both culinary and potential medicinal applications. As a staple ingredient in Kenyan cuisine, garlic adds flavour and enhances the taste of a diverse array of dishes, spanning from soups and stews to vegetable and meat-based meals [27]. Beyond its culinary role, garlic features prominently in traditional herbal remedies, where it is believed to offer potential antidiabetic and cardiovascular benefits [28]. ...
... Azadirachta indica is employed for potential antidiabetic purposes through various methods in Kenya. Neem leaves are widely used in Kenyan traditional remedies and are either chewed or prepared as a tea or infusion, with neem leaf tea believed to possess antidiabetic properties and often consumed regularly [16,27]. Neem extracts, encompassing neem leaf extracts and neem oil, are harnessed for their potential medicinal benefits and consumed in controlled amounts. ...
For decades, patients in East Africa have used herbal medicine as an alternative and affordable therapeutic option for the treatment of diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). As a result, the primary objective of this research was to thoroughly investigate the plants employed for treating DM in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and gather pertinent ethnopharmacological and ethnomedicinal knowledge that could be applied in the development of therapies for DM.
The study is aimed at critically reviewing the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medicinal plants used for treating diabetes in East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A search for relevant articles was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Open Theses, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus, and the identified articles were evaluated for quality, relevance, and taxonomical accuracy before undergoing review.
The study identified 140 plant species used by local communities for the management of DM in East Africa, with decoction and infusion being the most common preparation methods. The leaves, root, and stem bark were the most frequently used parts. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants such as Kigelia Africana, Hagenia abyssinica (Rosaceae), Physalis peruviana among other plants used for herbal treatment elicited via stimulation of insulin release, and gluconeogenesis. Phytochemicals present were mainly flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides.
The local communities in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo use herbal medicine for managing DM, but only a fraction of these species have scientific evidence. This necessitates additional research to establish the effectiveness, safety and potentially develop novel therapeutics for the management of DM.
... These 5 plants are present in other African countries, including Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Regarding their traditional uses, (i) M. natalensis is reported to be used in South African Zulu, Sotho and Xhosas traditional medicines (Hutchings and van Staden 1994;Mhlongo and Van Wyk 2019); (ii) U. massaica in Rwanda (Nahayo et al. 2008) and Kenya (Kamau et al. 2016;Keter and Mutiso 2012;Njoroge and Bussmann 2006); and (iii) H. congolanum in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Latham and Ku Mbuta 2014). Apart from a few papers on U. massaica (Nahayo et al. 2008) and limited data on M. natalensis (Koorbanally et al. 2004), these plants have not so far been the subject of biological or phytochemical studies. ...
... The results of our survey are consistent with previous work. These include treatment of diarrhea, measles and dysentery by J. nyassana (Ngezahayo et al. 2015), treatment of ringworm (Ngezahayo et al. 2015, Polygenis-Bigendako 1990, skin rashes (Ngezahayo et al. 2015) and dermatoses (Polygenis-Bigendako 1990) by S. maranguensis, treatment of dermatoses (Polygenis-Bigendako 1990), ringworm (Ngezahayo et al. 2015) and skin infections (Latham & ku Mbuta 2014) by H. congolanum, treatment of cough with M. natalensis (Hutchings & van Staden 1994, Mhlongo & Van Wyk 2019, treatment of wounds with S. maranguensis (El-Kamali 2009) as well as treatment of diabetes (Kamau et al. 2016, Keter & Mutiso 2012 and diarrhea (Gahamanyi et al. 2021;Munyaneza & Bigendako 2008) with U. massaica. (Mukazayire et al. 2011, Ngezahayo et al. 2015, Shannon et al. 2003. ...
Background: In Burundi, five plants, namely Urtica massaica Mildbr., Mikania natalensis DC., Senecio maranguensis O. Hoffm., Justicia nyassana Lindau and Helichrysum congolanum Schltr. & O. Hoffm., are widely cited for the treatment of infectious diseases. The present work aims to compare the local knowledge and uses of these five popular anti-infectious plants. Methods: A survey was carried out among 43 traditional healers from different regions of Burundi to fully repertory the uses of these five medicinal plants and define consensus in their uses through their fidelity levels and use values for each cited disease. Phytochemical analyses of these plants allowed to identify their main classes of secondary metabolites. Results: For the five investigated plants, the leaves and aerial parts are the organs mainly used. Preparation methods include maceration, decoction and squeezing of juice, powdering and calcination. From their fidelity levels and use values, the studied plants appear extensively reported for infectious diseases, except for U. massaica, that is mainly used in inflammatory conditions. The phytochemical classes we detected in these plants [terpenoids, (poly)phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins, saponins] may explain their uses and warrant further studies. Conclusions: The survey indicates that the five plants studied are widely used in the treatment of infectious diseases. The convergence of some usages indicates a plausibility of efficacy and safety, coherent with the EU concept of "Traditional Herbal Medicine", which points to possible rational recommendations of treatments. A study of the antimicrobial activities of these plants would complete this work. Keywords: Medicinal plants, traditional medicine, infectious diseases, phytochemistry, Burundi.
... This situation leads to a deterioration in the patient's health status, increases the risk of treatment failure and hospital visits, resulting in a financial burden for both the patient and the healthcare system [8]. Several factors contribute to the incidence of T2DM, particularly the consumption of high-fat or sugary foods, lifestyle changes, obesity, imbalanced diets, and sedentary behavior [9,10]. The administration of T2DM involves the utilization of a variety of antihyperglycemic agents, among which various medicinal plants are utilized. ...
... Additionally, a research initiative in southern Morocco highlighted Allium cepa, Ajuga iva, Carum carvi, Lepidium sativum, Artemisia herbaalba, Olea europaea, Nigella sativa, Phoenix dactylifera, Peganum harmala, Zygophyllum gaetulum and Rosmarinus officinalis, as frequently cited plants in traditional medicine for T2DM treatment [22]. The images of the 3 species with the highest RFC are illustrated in Fig. 3. contrasts with previous findings in Khénifra [73], Pakistan [65], Kenya [10], and Togo [36], which suggested that leaves are the plant component most frequently employed. The utilization of leaves in treating diseases depends on their availability and therapeutic substance richness, and so, the collection remains easier compared to fruits, roots, or flowers [74]. ...
Background
Morocco faces a substantial public health challenge due to diabetes mellitus, affecting 12.4% of adults in 2023. The Moroccan population makes extensive use of phytotherapy and traditional medicine to address the difficulties this chronic condition poses. The aim of this study is to document the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for managing type 2 diabetes in the provinces of the Casablanca-Settat region.
Methods
The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. A study was conducted between August 1st and September 30th, 2023, and 244 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were invited to take part in the research, all of whom used at least one medicinal plant to manage type 2 diabetes, by visiting primary healthcare facilities in Morocco. The analysis included the use of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) to scrutinize the data.
Results
A total of 47 plant species belonging to 25 families were documented. Notably, the Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae families were frequently mentioned in the context of treating type 2 diabetes in Morocco. Prominent among the cited plant species were Sesamum indicum L., Lepidium sativum L., followed by Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Seeds emerged as the plant part most commonly mentioned, with infusion being the prevailing preparation method and oral consumption being the most frequently depicted method of administration.
Conclusion
This research underscores the practicality of incorporating traditional medicine into the healthcare framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. The findings not only offer valuable documentation but also have a vital function in safeguarding knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants in this locality. Moreover, they provide opportunities to delve deeper into the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of these plants.
... Traditional healers in Africa use various plants to treat diabetes mellitus [4]. Plants with bitter taste have been linked to improved symptoms of diabetes mellitus [5].V. amygdalina, a mediumsized shrub with abundant bitter principles, is extensively harnessed in Nigeria for therapeutic and nutritive goals due to its therapeutic potentials. ...
Introduction: Vernonia amygdalina is a common shrub that is widely used and extracts from them have been traditionally used as remedies for treating diabetes mellitus in various parts of the world. The use of V. amygdalina to synthesize MgO nanoparticles has been used for various biomedical applications and it is compatible with anti-diabetic studies. This research investigates the in vitro anti-diabetic potentials of biosynthesized from aqueous V. amygdalina leaf extract. Methodology: Aqueous extract of V. amygdalina-MgO nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared, X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques. FTIR validated the presence of functional groups, the crystallization and size (66nm) of the nanoparticles was validated by XRD while SEM confirmed the shape of the nanoparticles synthesized. Result: Qualitative screening confirmed the presence of saponin, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides while their concentrations were evaluated quantitatively. V. Amygdalina-MgONPs extract and acarbose showed significant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 55.05% and 20.0% respectively. Conclusion: The study found that biosynthesized MgONPs-V. amygdalina aqueous extract has strong anti-diabetic properties, indicating its potential for diabetes treatment and management.
... Despite significant improvements in allopathic medicine and modern healthcare facilities, according to a reports [2,20], 80% of people worldwide still primarily treat medical conditions with herbal remedies. The mainstay of primary healthcare in Ethiopia continues to be complementary and alternative medicine, which is still practiced by about 80% of the population [2,[21][22][23]. Due to poverty, the scarcity of hospitals, and the fact that it is a part of their culture, people frequently use traditional medicines [24]. ...
Abstract
Introduction
A wide range of floral resources are used in Ethiopia for primary healthcare. Unfortunately, due to inadequate documentation and the fact that they were verbally passed down from one generation to the next, these indigenous medicinal practices are being forgotten. The study's goal was to identify and record indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge of plant usage in the Abala Abaya District of Wolaita, Ethiopia.
Methods
The collection of ethnobotanical data used a cross-sectional research design involving focus group discussions and semistructured questionnaires between January 2021 and April 2022. From each selected kebele (ward; smallest administrative unit), 50 informants (a total of 200) were selected as representative sample using a systematic random sampling technique.
Results
More than 50 different human and animal illnesses have been documented to be treated by seventy-two species of plants grouped in thirty-two families. The most abundant families were Poaceae and Asteraceae (8 taxa in each). The two most often used plant parts were leaf (29%) and herbs (54%), respectively. Oral administration was the most typical mode of delivery (75%). For treating stomachache in the category of gastrointestinal illnesses, Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel got the greatest fidelity level scores (FL = 100%).
Conclusions
In Abala Abaya District, there is broad access to traditional medicinal plants that can treat ailments in both humans and animals. This study, therefore, might be a baseline piece of information for further botanical related studies in the region. Plants with the highest FL values are highly recommended for novel drug discovery.
... In Morocco, this species is more widespread in the wild state than in the cultivated state of which it occupies an area of 1,070,000 ha in cultivated areas. The surveys established previously in Morocco have all marked the increased use of the leaves of the olive tree as an antidiabetic [44,46,48,[58][59][60][61][62]64,65,67,68,[70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81]83,[85][86][87]89,98,99,113]; similar uses are recorded outside Morocco, namely Algeria [56,57,90,91], Kenya [53], Pakistan [55] and Turkey [97,106]. The antidiabetic activity has also been experimentally proven by in vivo or in vitro studies [119][120][121][122][123][124]. ...
Diabetes and hyperlipidemia are major human health problems due to their high levels of mortality and morbidity. During the last decades, people affected by metabolic diseases are turning more and more to traditional medicine due to the undesirable side effects of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic drugs. Morocco has a wide floral diversity, which offers a wide range of aromatic and medicinal plants with potential application in the nutraceutical and
pharmaceutical market. In this survey, we are going to highlight the medicinal plants used traditionally by the Rabat community for the treatment of metabolic diseases like hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. A total of 475 participants were interviewed in this survey using a semi-structured questionnaire form. The results obtained were interpreted through the ethnopharmacological parameters such as UV, RFC and FUV. The results revealed 83 and 41 floristic species
recorded as a remedy against diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, respectively. The most cited species are: Olea europaea,
Solanum melongena and Linum usitatissimum. Leaves and seeds are the most used plant parts, while the oral administration of powder is the most common route of administration. It should also be noted that Moringa oleifera, Stevia rebaudiana, and Panax ginseng are not used by citizens but only by herbalists as anti-diabetic plants imported from outside Morocco, which implies that the people of Rabat region are not familiar with imported plants and are using the endemic and condiment species. The results of this study pave the way for phytochemical and pharmacological studies to confirm the activity of the highlighted species, and toxicological studies regarding the duration of treatment, dose and interaction with other drugs.
