Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for the treatment of diabetes in the town of Sidi Slimane (Morocco)

The study aimed to screen the antidiabetic plants used by 700 diabetic patients in the town of Sidi Slimane (northwestern Morocco). The results identified 59 species belonging to 28 botanical families, four of which are predominant (Lamiaceae: 9 species; Apiaceae: 7 species; Asteraceae: 5 species; Fabaceae: 4 species). The most used species are: Trigonella foenum-graecum, Oreganum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Marrubium vulgare and Olea europaea. Similarly, majority of the anti-diabetic recipes are prepared as infusion and decoction. Further, seeds and leaves are the most used parts and are administered orally. These results constitute a database for subsequent studies to experimentally assess the potential of these plants. Key words: Ethnopharmacological survey, medicinal plants, town of Sidi Slimane, diabetes mellitus.