Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on the medicinal plants frequently used for the management of diabetes mellitus in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape of South Africa. Information was obtained through structured questionnaire administered to traditional healers and herbalists in the region. The study revealed 15 species of plants belonging to 13 families namely; Hyacinthaceae, Asphodelaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Aloaceae, Loganiaceae, Portulaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Hypoxideae, Menispermaceae, Alliaceae, Celastraceae and Lamiaceae. The decoction of the roots leaves and barks of these plants are the most commonly used while the extracts are taken orally for long period of time usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the severity of the ailments. Strychnos henningsii and Leonotis leonorus of the familiesLoganiaceae and Lamiaceae respectively, were repeatedly mentioned by the traditional healers as the two mostly used for the management of diabetes mellitus in the study area.

Key words: Medicinal plants, diabetes mellitus, herbal medicine.