An ethnopharmacological study of plants used for treatment of diabetes in the Southern and Tribal regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan

摘要

Background In the southern and tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mainly reside Pashtun ethnic cultures that preferably use local plants to combat various health issues. We conducted surveys in this terrain to make an inventory of plants used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. Methods A purposive sampling method was applied in the selection of participants; and semi-structured interviews were used for the collection of data. Voucher specimen of each plant species was preserved in the Herbarium Department of Botany University of Science and Technology Bannu, Pakistan. Results A total of 57 plant species, belonging to 31 plant families, were used to treat diabetes. Among plant parts, leaves were frequently used in the remedies. Similarly, decoction was the most common mode of preparation. Conclusions People living in this area commonly use medicinal plants in the traditional medicines to treat diabetes. However, they use such medicines without looking at their toxicological effects. Another matter is the immense use of some plants that has created a threat to the loss of their biodiversity in the area, and therefore requires to prioritizes plant resources for conservation and sustainable use.