THE ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE AMONG DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENT AT UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL [UBTH] BENIN CITY, EDO STATE
Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
upload
Publication Type
Abstract
Background: - Herbal medicine, defined as the therapeutic use of plants and plant-based products, has long played a vital role in African healthcare systems. In Nigeria, where approximately 70–80% of the population depends on traditional remedies, medicinal plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum gratissimum are commonly used for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite their popularity, concerns remain regarding their clinical efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, and possible interactions with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Objectives:- This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and pattern of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients and to evaluate their knowledge regarding these therapies. Methods:- A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), specifically in the Consultant Outpatient Department (COPD) and Consultant Outpatient Department–National Health Insurance Scheme (COPD–NHIS). A total of 205 diabetic patients participated through structured interviews and questionnaires. Data were
analyzed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and the level of awareness among respondents. Results:- It shows that the majority of participants (93.2%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About one-fifth (20%) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines alongside conventional therapy, while 14.6% were currently combining both forms of treatment at the time of the study. Only a small proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions of herbal products with prescribed medications. Conclusion: - the study revealed a moderate prevalence of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients, often in combination with standard anti-diabetic drugs. These findings highlight the
need for enhanced patient education, improved regulation, and strengthened pharmacovigilance to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into diabetes management in Nigeria.
analyzed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and the level of awareness among respondents. Results:- It shows that the majority of participants (93.2%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About one-fifth (20%) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines alongside conventional therapy, while 14.6% were currently combining both forms of treatment at the time of the study. Only a small proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions of herbal products with prescribed medications. Conclusion: - the study revealed a moderate prevalence of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients, often in combination with standard anti-diabetic drugs. These findings highlight the
need for enhanced patient education, improved regulation, and strengthened pharmacovigilance to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into diabetes management in Nigeria.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor