Research from the North-West University (NWU) and partner institutions has highlighted the role of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting millions globally. 

The study, published in the journal Diabetology, explains how traditional practices provide an alternative to conventional medications used to treat diabetes.

“Diabetes mellitus is characterised by high morbidity and mortality rates, leading to a growing interest in alternative management strategies. While conventional medicines are available, many individuals in Africa rely on traditional remedies derived from local plants,” says Dr John Asong, a researcher from the NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

This reliance stems from the effectiveness of plant-based treatments and their minimal side effects, making them appealing options for managing diabetes, he says.

The review examined literature from various scientific databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, and revealed a wealth of indigenous knowledge about the use of medicinal plants for managing diabetes mellitus.

The selection of plants studied was informed by ethnopharmacological knowledge, emphasising the importance of traditional practices in identifying treatments.

Among the findings, approximately 80 compounds with known anti-diabetic properties were isolated from various African medicinal plants. These compounds primarily belong to the flavonoid and terpenoid families. Notable compounds include apigenin, combretin B, convallatoxin, kaempferol and quercetin.

Potential benefits need further research

However, as Dr Asong notes, the efficacy and safety of these compounds in managing diabetes has not been assessed under clinical conditions. “Despite the potential benefits, there is a notable absence of research in this area.”

Thus, further research is needed to validate the anti-diabetic effects of the compounds studied and understand their mechanisms.

As diabetes remains a global health challenge, integrating indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants offers a strategy in the fight against the disease. The authors call for increased recognition of traditional medicine, suggesting that combining it with modern scientific approaches could enhance diabetes management strategies worldwide.

Dr John Asong