Planta Med 2009; 75 - SL43
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234298

Herbs for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension: remedies from traditional and ethnic formulations

H Ibrahim 1, MM Yusoff 2
  • 1Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Lebuhraya Tun Razak, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia

Patients with diabetes have a much higher rate of hypertension than would be expected in the general population. In general, only 25 percent of patients with hypertension have adequate control of their blood pressure. Fortunately, reductions in blood pressure can decrease the risk of this complication. Malaysia has rich and biologically diverse natural resources with over 15,000 flowering plants and 2,000 medicinal plants. An inventory of selected ethnic communities in East and West Malaysia was undertaken in an effort to identify potentially antidiabetic and antihypertensive plant species used within the traditional pharmacopoeia of the communities. Respondents were randomly selected and interviews were conducted with community elders and persons knowledgeable in traditional medicine. Specific questionnaires were used and whenever possible plants documented in the survey were processed for voucher specimens. The data revealed that there are variations and differences in the method of preparation and utilization of plants as remedies for diabetes and hypertension. While there has been a notable decrease in the practice of using plant-based remedies by the ethnic communities; interest in developing product based on such knowledge is on the upsurge around the world. Twenty species common to the ethnic communities studied are selected for discussion in this presentation.

Acknowledgements: University of Malaya, University Malaysia Pahang.

References: [1] Epstein, M. and Sowers, J.R. (1992) Hypertension 19:403–418.

[2] Bakris, G. et al. (2000) Postgrad Med. 107:53–56, 61–64.

[3] Goh, S.H. et al. (1995) Malaysian Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Pelanduk Publications, Kuala Lumpur.