Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Ikorodu, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is common among populace in many developing countries, including Nigeria. This study reports an ethnobotanical survey used in the management of Diabetes mellitus in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Nigeria. This was done through the administration of questionnaires in the six (6) Local Council Development Areas of Ikorodu division of Lagos State, South-west Nigeria, reputed for the treatment of diabetes. 300 male and female respondents (50 from each LCDA) were given the questionnaire in 60:40 percentage ratios respectively. Many of the respondents were either herbalists or herb sellers with many years of experience in treating diabetes using mainly herbs. 94 different plant species and 44 polyherbal formulations were revealed for the treatment of Diabetes. Many of these plants are prepared by infusion or decoction and administered in liquid form without any observable side effects. The commonest plants used to treat Diabetes mellitus include Vernonia amygdalina (15%), Ocimum gratissimum (7%), Carica papaya and Citrus aurantifolia (6% each), as well as Monoratica charantia and Bidens pilosa (5% each). In conclusion, this study documented medicinal plants and recipes in Ikorodu that may be useful for the management of Diabetes mellitus. The outcome suggests the rich and diverse potentials of herbs and plants present in Ikorodu that may be used in the management of diabetes after proper investigations.