O uso de plantas medicinais por indivíduos com diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate which medicinal plants are used by individuals diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus in a city on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul. Methodology: This study refers to a cross-sectional research, in a Family Health Strategy, in which users diagnosed with diabetes participated. The interviews were conducted at home visits, where a semi-structured questionnaire was applied containing variables: socioeconomic, types of plants used as hypoglycemic agents, mode of use, source of indication, as well as source of procurement. Results: Seventy-six diabetic patients were interviewed, of which only 18.4% reported using medicinal plants, having as plant species cited: Cissus sicyoides L., Bauhinia forficata, Morus nigra L., Caesalpinia férrea, Annona muricata, Carica papaya e Petroselinum crispum. Of the patients who use plants, most 42,8% (n=6) reported using five times a week or more and having received indications 78,5% (n=11) to use them from neighbors/relatives. Finally, all reported noticing improvement with use, while none reported worsening. Conclusions: The use of medicinal plants becomes a more affordable way to treat diabetes and several other diseases. However, studies are still needed to prove the effectiveness of various species, as many individuals do not yet know the correct part of the plant to be used, the dose, the dosage and their possible interactions.