Ethnopharmacological study of an antidiabetic remedy used in traditional Ivorian medicine

Traditional medicine is becoming an increasingly popular therapeutic alternative. This study involved an ethnopharmacological investigation into two remedies, “Diabetes Free” and “Pancreas Free”, which were combined by an Ivorian traditional practitioner for the treatment of diabetes. The traditional practitioner was interviewed. The study involved semi-structured interviews, which were based on a questionnaire that covered the composition of the remedies, their organoleptic characteristics, indications, methods of administration, dosage, and duration of treatment. In addition, a phytochemical study of the remedies was carried out. "Diabetes Free" is said to contain six plants, including Allium sativum (garlic) and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon). "Pancreas Free" is said to contain four plants, including Panax ginseng (ginseng) and Gymnema sylvestre (gurmar). The remedies are available in the form of round white tablets with a smooth texture, no odor, and a bland taste for "Diabetes Free" and a salty taste for "Pancreas Free". "Diabetes Free" is said to have an antihyperglycaemic effect, and "Pancreas Free" is said to regulate pancreatic function. The dosage was based on blood sugar levels and the duration of treatment, which was three months for initial treatment and an additional three months for maintenance treatment. Clinical and biological monitoring were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, alkaloids, and saponins. The remedies "Diabetes Free" and "Pancreas Free" are improved traditional medicines. They are industrially produced. Dosages are prescribed by the traditional medicine practitioner according to biological and clinical monitoring. Key words: Diabetes, plants, ethnopharmacology, traditional medicine.