Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Management of Diabetes Mellitus in the East of Khuzestan, Southwest Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a life-threatening disease with numerous dangerous complications. Several medicinal plants have been identified for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Hence, the aim of this article was to conduct an ethnobotanical study about medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes mellitus in the East of Khuzestan, South Iran. Methods: This study was performed in the East of Khuzestan, Southwest Iran. Ethnobotanical information was collected through interviews and questionnaires among 20 traditional healers. Demographic information was also received from traditional healers. Ultimately, the data were analyzed in Excel. Results: Our findings showed the most effective medicinal plants, such as Trigonella foenum- graecum L., Citrullus colocynthis, Urtiandrum dioica L., Solanum nigrum L., Arctium lappa L., Ranunculus arvensis L., and Amygdalus scoparia Spach in managing diabetes. We also observed that leaves, aerial parts, root and seeds of these plants play important roles in the management of diabetes. Furthermore, 60% of preparation methods of medicinal plants were based on decoction form. Infusion (40%) was observed as another type of preparation method. Conclusion: The identified medicinal plants displayed valuable effects against diabetes mellitus. Hence, more studies about the therapeutic role of phytochemical constituents presented in these medicinal plants could determine their therapeutic ability.

Keywords: Asteraceae, Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants