Exploring Moroccan Medicinal Plants: An Ethnobotanical Perspective on Diabetes Management

Abstract

Morocco is a country rich in medicinal plants, many of which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diabetes. Herbal treatment is often used as an alternative to synthetic drugs because they may be more affordable and accessible. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, and it is a major public health concern worldwide. Conventional treatments for diabetes can be expensive. This review aimed to document the traditional use of medicinal plants in the prevention and self-treatment of diabetes in Morocco based on ethnobotanical surveys and experimental studies <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. In Morocco, 263 botanical species belonging to 76 families have been used to treat diabetes, in which leaves represent the most used part. The most recommended plants are <i>Artemisia herba alba</i>Asso. <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i>(L.) Schrad.Trigonella foenumgraecum L. Marrubium vulgare L. <i>Salvia officinalis</i> L. <i>Ajuga iva</i> L. <i>Nigella sativa</i> L. Nerium oleander L. <i>Olea europaea</i> L. Ammi visnaga Lam. <i>Zizyphus lotus</i> (L.) Lamk. and Lupinus albus L. Many medicinal plants are used in Morocco against diabetes, but few pharmacological studies are carried out to determine the mode of action and the compounds responsible for the hypoglycemic effect.