Medicinal Plants in Diabetes Management: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition marked by ineffective insulin production or function, affecting millions worldwide and demanding both medical and public health attention. Despite advancements in modern diabetes management, traditional medicinal practices, particularly those involving plant-based remedies, are widely used across various cultures to manage blood sugar levels. This paper examines medicinal plants used for diabetes management across diverse cultures, highlighting traditional knowledge systems and therapeutic practices. By examining specific plant-based treatments and cultural rituals from multiple regions, this study aims to identify commonalities and differences in diabetes management approaches. The integration of traditional plant-based remedies into modern healthcare poses both challenges and opportunities, including standardization and safety concerns alongside respect for cultural diversity and sustainability. Future research directions suggest a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding plant-based treatments’ role in chronic disease management, with an emphasis on sustainable practices that align with local health beliefs. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, cross-cultural healthcare, ethnopharmacology