Potentials of Raunvolfia vomitoria as a medicinal plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus among agroforestry farmers in Edo State

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Thus, the study was carried out to evaluate the potentials of the use of Raunvolfia vomitoria in the treatment of diabetic patients. The study involved the preparation and administration of an infusion produced with the leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria to eight volunteers who already have been diagnosed to have diabetes. Futhermore 150 respondents were also selected from where Raunvolfia vomitoria was majorly planted to know their level of awareness about Diabetes mellitus. Findings showed that the diabetic patients responded positively to the Rauvolfia vomitoria infusion, in that their blood glucose level reduced considerably. Also, results showed that 94% had the knowledge of diabetes while only 4% have not heard about diabetes. 80.67% were between the ages of 15 and 30 years while 2% were between the ages of 61 and 75 years. The study proved that people are aware of diabetes mellitus but do not check their sugar level or take that aspect of their health serious except in severe conditions.