Heliyon · 4 authors, 2 centres
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This cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey of 36 herbalists in Ghana documented 39 plant species used in traditional medicine for managing diabetes and hypertension. The study identifies key plants with high fidelity levels and notes that three species are reported for hypertension use for the first time, emphasizing the need for clinical validation.
An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 36 herbalists in Ghana using questionnaires and conversations to document medicinal plants for diabetes and hypertension. Botanical specimens were collected and identified, and data were analyzed using Fidelity Level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). The highest ICF was for plants treating both diseases (0.82). High FL values were noted for Carica papaya, Moringa oleifera, and Khaya senegalensis for both conditions. Tetrapleura tetraptera had the highest FL for hypertension, and Momordica charantia for diabetes. Three species were mentioned for hypertension use for the first time. Medicines were typically prepared as boiled decoctions. The authors state there is substantial preclinical evidence supporting these herbs but stress that clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in patients.
