Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus in the Urmia, Northwest Iran

ObjectiveTo collect and document information on anti-diabetic plants traditionally used in the treating of diabetes in Urmia at Northwest Iran because ethnomedicines are considered as valuable sources to find new potential drugs.MethodsWe used the method of direct observation and interview (35 traditional healers) along with gathering herbarium specimens mentioned plants in site.ResultsThere were 30 medicinal plants from 17 families for the treatment of diabetes. The family with most plants was Lamiaceae (20%). Leaves (20%) are often used and its form is decoction (70%). It was also found that Citrullus colocynthis has the most frequency of use among traditional healers.ConclusionsFurthermore, base on current findings many of the mentioned plants have potential active ingredients to influence diabetes.