Hypoglycaemiac Medicinal Plants Used by Diabetics at CNHU-HKM

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem. Medicinal plants are frequently used either combine with industrial treatment or exclusively, in Africa and particularly in Benin. Our study aims to identify the different medicinal plants used by diabetic patients at the CNHU-HKM. Method: we carried out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. It took place at the University Clinic of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition of CNHU-HKM over a of 3 months period from 20th of June to 16th of September, 2022, over diabetic followed-up. Results: One hundred and seventy-three (173) patients were gathered using an anonymous inquiry form. In the study population, the age of the patients varied between 31 and 75 years with an average age of 59 +/− 1.43 years, women represented 59% with a sex ratio (male/female) of 0.69. Sixty-five (65) or 37.6% of the population had used medicinal plants. Among given reasons for using medicinal plants were, mainly the positiveness on a third party. Data analysis outcome twenty-nine species of plants belonging to twenty (20) botanical families, the most represented being the Annonaceae and Fabaceae. The most used species are Phyllanthus amarus (hlenwé in fon), Mangifera indica (mangatin in fon), Momordica charantia (gninsikin in fon), Combretum micranthum (kinkéliba in fon), and Picralima nitida (ayorkpè in fon). Most used parts of the plants are the leaves. The recipes are prepared mainly by infusion and are administered exclusively by mouth. Most of the patients who used the hypoglycaemic medicinal plants were satisfied and no adverse effects were reported by them. Conclusion: Hypoglycaemic medicinal plants could be subjected to pharmacognosy and marketed due to their richness in active components, after further toxicological studies.