Work

Medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of diabetes-related symptoms: an ethnobotanical study among traditional practitioners in twenty-five markets in Burundi

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Type 2 diabetes is a growing global challenge. Access to modern treatments is scarce, so many patients turn to traditional medicine despite little scientific validation. This study documents plants that are traditionally used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and their applications. Methods An ethnobotanical survey was conducted throughout the national territory from February to August 2024; 64 traditional practitioners from 25 public markets used a semistructured questionnaire centered on the treatment of symptoms typical of diabetes. The participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis was based on the frequency of citations, the relative frequency of citations, and the fidelity level. Results A total of 121 plant species from 51 families and 111 genera were identified. Asteraceae (14.87%) and Fabaceae (13.22%) were the most represented. The plants presented 30 diabetes-related symptoms, with 55 multiherbal recipes and eight monoherbal recipes. The most cited species were Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (FC 17%; RFC 0.27%; FL 26.56%), Dicoma anomala (FC 14%; RFC 0.22%; FL 21.9%), Erythrina abyssinica (FC 13%; RFC 0.20%; FL 18.8%) and Parinari curatellifolia (FC 12%; RFC 0.19%; FL 18.8%). Most species were phanerophytes (52.9%) and hemicryptophytes (22.3%), with leaves (52.4%) and bark (27%) being the most common. Decoction predominated (65.6%) and was mostly administered orally (97.6%). Conclusion Burundi’s ethnobotanical heritage is crucial for diabetes management. The documented plants are promising for developing effective, affordable, locally sourced phytomedicines, supporting indigenous knowledge and public health.

Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

DOI: 10.1186/s12906-026-05652-4

Authors: Anatole Bukuru, Jérémie Ngezahayo, Emmanuel Banzubaze, Frédéric Nsabiyumva, Pierre Duez, Jacques Nkengurutse

Institutions: Université du Burundi, Institut National de sante publique, University of Mons, Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural

Language: English

Topic: Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,195