Ethnomedical and Ethnopharmacological Study of Plants Used For Potential Treatments of Diabetes and Arterial Hypertension by Indigenous People in Three Phytogeographic Regions of Cameroon

Abstract

Diabetes and arterial hypertension, two of the most important multifactorial, metabolic and chronic diseases, with fatal complications, remains two public health problems worldwide. So far, no studies have investigated the ethnomedical surveys to record plants used for both treatments of diabetes and arterial hypertension and their common derived manifestations. The objective of the present study was to collect and document information on herbal remedies traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and arterial hypertension and their signs, symptoms and complications in Cameroon. Detailed botanical prospection and ethnopharmacological thorough preparation was conducted nearby 1131 interviewers from 58 tribes of Cameroon, in a random distribution developed [1]. In total, 71 species of plants belonging to 58 genera in 30 families were reported to be used in the preparation of the herbal remedies. Plants that include Azadirachta indica, Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus niruri, Laportea ovalifolia, Ceiba pentandra, Allium cepa, Persea americana and Catharanthus roseus were revealed interesting in the potential management of diabetes and arterial hypertension. Many plants like Irvingia grandifolia, Copaifera religiosa and Strombosiopsis tetrandra are documented for the first time for their uses in the treatment of diabetes and arterial hypertension complications. Eighteen plants species are recognized by some informants in the direct or usual treatment of diabetes and arterial hypertension. The results provide the basis for further preparation of phytodrugs for diabetes and arterial hypertension and their complications.