Assessment of the Diversity of Antidiabetic Plants and Local Practices Used in the Traditional Treatment of Diabetes in Benin

Abstract

Traditional medicine was, and still is, used by people who rely on the popular use of medicinal and aromatic plants and who are unable to bear the burdens of modern medicine. It is in this context that this study was initiated. The aim is to assess the biological diversity of anti-diabetic plants and local practices used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Benin. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among diabetic patients in Benin, using a questionnaire. A total of twenty-three anti-diabetic plants in North Benin and twenty-two in South Benin, thought to be effective and used by diabetics, were identified. These included Phyllanthus amarus, Moringa oleifera, Bridelia ferruginea, Khaya senegalensis, and Momordica charantia. Phyllanthaceae, Moringaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Cucurbitaceae are the dominant botanical families. However, it should be noted that these plants are geographically distributed (North and South Benin). In addition, there is a low diversity and equipartition of individuals between the different species used in the treatment of diabetes in the two regions of Benin. It is important to note, however, that there is no specific local practice adapted to a supposedly effective anti-diabetic plant. The leaves of Bridelia ferruginea, Phyllanthus amarus, and Moringa oleifera are more commonly used and prepared by infusion or maceration in the traditional treatment of diabetes in North Benin. On the other hand, the fruits, barks, roots, and sometimes the seeds of Catharanthus roseus, Momordica charantia, Sarcocephalus latifolius, and Khaya senegalensis are the plant organs prepared by decoction or directly eaten in the traditional treatment of diabetes in southern Benin. This study also reveals that knowledge of local practices in the traditional treatment of diabetes is not identical according to ethnic group and the patient's religion. Indeed, the Bariba, Dendi, Idatcha, Lokpa, Warma, and Wèmin, who practice the Muslim religion, have identical knowledge in North Benin, unlike the Gourmantché, Adja, Fon, Goun, Mahi, Minan, Peul, and Yoruba, who are either Christian or of the traditional religion in South Benin.