A Survey of Plants Used by Traditional Healers in the Management of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus

M J Moshi; F C Uiso; R L A Mahunnah; Z H Mbwambo; M C Kapingu

M J Moshi Institute of Traditional Medicine, MUCHS, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
F C Uiso Institute of Traditional Medicine, MUCHS, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
R L A Mahunnah Institute of Traditional Medicine, MUCHS, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Z H Mbwambo Institute of Traditional Medicine, MUCHS, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
M C Kapingu Institute of Traditional Medicine, MUCHS, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Keywords: ecurinega vinosa, Phyllanthus amarus, diabetes, traditional healers

Abstract

A survey to evaluate the knowledge and ability of traditional healers to recognise and manage patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was done in Handeni district Tanga region, Tanzania. Among 169 traditional healers interviewed 53.2% were treating one or more symptoms related to diabetes. Only 3% understood what diabetes mellitus is, but did not know plants used to treat any of the symptoms. Overall, 66 plant specimen, representing 31 families, 54 genera and 61 species were collected. Among these 26% are reported in literature as being used for the treatment of symptoms such as impotence or as aphrodisiacs and one is reported to have hypocholesterolemic activity. Only 2, Securinega virosa and Phyllanthus amarus, out of the 27 plants tested, improved glucose tolerance. They both lowered area under the oral glucose tolerance curve dose-dependently at doses between 0.1 - 1.0 g/kg body wt. Four plants, Croton macrostachys, Maytenus putterlickioides, Albizia versicolor and Lannea stuhlmannii worsened glucose tolerance. Further studies are required to determine other properties of these plants that may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus.