Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants hypoglycemic in the neighborhood Maracanã in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.

Abstract

The use of medicinal herbs in the treatment of various diseases occur thousands of years, and are often the only therapeutic option for many communities and ethnic groups. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia associated with complications, disorders and failure of various organs. The present study aimed to perform an ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used as hypoglycemic by residents of the Maracanã neighborhood in São Luís-MA. 100 people, where we applied a semi-structured questionnaire containing the variables were interviewed: socioeconomic and demographic; plants used as hypoglycemic; parts of the plant; mode of use; dosage form employed; way of obtaining knowledge of the plant and indications, data collection was from August 2012 to January 2013, featuring an analytical, descriptive research with quantitative approach. It was observed that 71% of respondents were women, 29% had diabetes between the age group of 40-59 years (45%), and 39% had secondary education and wage income 1-3 minimum wages (61%). 27 plant species used as hypoglycemic purpose were mentioned, the most cited the pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia forficata L.), with 19.3% and insulin plant (Cissus sicyoides L.) with 15.3%. Several medicinal plants are used for the treatment of diabetes, thus evidencing the importance of ethnobotanical studies associated with ethnopharmacology, in order to prove the therapeutic action of plant species contribute to further ensure the effectiveness and safety in use by the population.