Ethno-botanico-medicine in the Treatment of Diabetes by the Tribal Groups of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Diabetes is not a disease; it is a condition and metabolic disorder. An ethnobotanical investigation on antidiabetic plants used by primitive tribes of Visakhapatnam district was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires and personal interaction. The predominant indigenous tribes in the area are Kammara, Kondadora, Khondus, Kotia, Kulia, Malis, Mannedora, Mukhadora, Porja, Reddidora, and Nookadora. A total of 30 plant taxa pertaining to 28 genera and 19 families were recorded for the treatment of diabetes. The routine use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes either separately or in combination with other plant parts or either with honey or cow or goat milk/urine or lemon juice was documented. Mostly the tribal people prepare leaves or whole plant on top priority to cure the diabetes. The present study clearly indicates that the tribal groups have been using traditional knowledge since ancient times to cure or minimize the diabetic condition though hospital facilities were established in the region. The present paper suggests that further chemical and pharmacological investigations are much needed to validate the claims scientifically.