Efficacy, safety and phytochemistry of medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia: a systematic review

Despite tremendous developments in synthetic medicine, medicinal plants are still commonly used for the management of diabetes mellitus. This study synthesized scientific evidence on commonly used medicinal plants for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ethiopia. Databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and Google Scholar) have been thoroughly sought and evidence was synthesized. Thirty studies conducted anti-diabetic activities studies on 19 medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Most of the studies were in vivo studies (25). Others include; clinical study (1), in vitro studies (2), and both in vivo and in vitro study (2). Trigonella foenum-graecum L., clinical study, showed an improved lipid profile in type II diabetic patients. Comparable blood sugar level (BSL) lowering effect to glibenclimide was observed with Persea Americana and Moringa stenopetala. Noteworthy in vitro half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of Aloe megalacantha B and Aloe monticola R were observed. Animal model studies demonstrated the relative safety of the plants extract and phytochemistry studies showed various components. Medicinal plants used for management of diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia are worthy for further study for pharmacologically active ingredients and clinical evaluation.