The Use of Medicinal Plants For Diabetes Patients of the Family Health Program in Mariluz PR Brazil

Abstract

Diabetes is a multiple etiology syndrome with high mortality rates and thus an important concern for public health. In spite of the development of new methodologies and synthetic medicines that give some respite to the disease’s effects, diabetic patients still seek alternative methods, such as medicinal plants, as a help for the disease’s symptoms. This is due to the side effects of conventional therapy and to the high costs of treatment especially in developing countries. Current research verified the use of medicinal plants by diabetic patients in Mariluz Pr Brazil. Interviews with questionnaires and objective questions were conducted with diabetic patients attended to at the government clinic. Most patients were females, aged 61-80 years old, with low schooling. Patients reported several plant species found in the region, such as a plant popularly called “insulin”. The patients believed that these plants combat diabetes and decrease glucose in the blood. Leaves of the plants were infused and administered twice a day. Diabetic patients sought and still seek medicinal plants as alternative treatment for the pathology’s symptoms. Most plants, however, have not been analyzed and the patients should be guided by health professionals with regard to the choice of the right plant and to the forms and quantity to be administered.