Ahoura Salehi Nowbandegani1, Sanaz Kiumarcy1, Fateme Rahmani1, Maryam Dokouhaki1, Sedigheh Khademian2, Mohammad Mehdi Zarshenas3, Pouya Faridi4. 1. Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran. 2. Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 3. Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 4. Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Electronic address: faridip@sums.ac.ir.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional herbal healers from Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region (Iran) for treatment of diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Field surveys were carried out during September 2013-February 2014 in Shiraz and Fasa. The data were collected through structured questionnaire in Persian. All plant species recorded for the treatment of diabetes mellitus were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and obtained a voucher specimens number and deposited in the Shiraz School of Pharmacy Herbarium. The information such as scientific name, family, local name, medicinal use(s), parts used and preparation method were provided. Literature review on available data about antidiabetic effect of the addressed plant species was done to highlight gaps in current knowledge and propose the next steps. RESULTS: In total, 50 informants were interviewed. Totally 39 plant species were recommended by herbal healers, of which 28 are native to Iran. The most recommended plants for diabetes were Trigonella foenum-graecam (28 Attars), Securigera securidaca (22 Attars), Vaccinium arctostaphylos (18 Attars). The most abundant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae. Plant parts used were mainly seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits. The most usual preparation methods were decoction, powder and distillation. Around 44% of all reported plants for diabetes are also in use for obesity management CONCLUSIONS: This study provided ethnopharmacological knowledge from Fars region in Iran for a specific disease and we have introduced important plant species which are recommended by local herbal healers for diabetes mellitus. For 23% of reported plants, clinical studies approved antidiabetic properties and for 61%, animal studies approved antidiabetic activity.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional herbal healers from Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region (Iran) for treatment of diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Field surveys were carried out during September 2013-February 2014 in Shiraz and Fasa. The data were collected through structured questionnaire in Persian. All plant species recorded for the treatment of diabetes mellitus were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and obtained a voucher specimens number and deposited in the Shiraz School of Pharmacy Herbarium. The information such as scientific name, family, local name, medicinal use(s), parts used and preparation method were provided. Literature review on available data about antidiabetic effect of the addressed plant species was done to highlight gaps in current knowledge and propose the next steps. RESULTS: In total, 50 informants were interviewed. Totally 39 plant species were recommended by herbal healers, of which 28 are native to Iran. The most recommended plants for diabetes were Trigonella foenum-graecam (28 Attars), Securigera securidaca (22 Attars), Vaccinium arctostaphylos (18 Attars). The most abundant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae. Plant parts used were mainly seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits. The most usual preparation methods were decoction, powder and distillation. Around 44% of all reported plants for diabetes are also in use for obesity management CONCLUSIONS: This study provided ethnopharmacological knowledge from Fars region in Iran for a specific disease and we have introduced important plant species which are recommended by local herbal healers for diabetes mellitus. For 23% of reported plants, clinical studies approved antidiabetic properties and for 61%, animal studies approved antidiabetic activity.