Publications

Diabetes mellitus is an escalating public health concern in rural West Africa, where limited access to conventional healthcare and financial constraints drive widespread reliance on herbal remedies. This review explores the role of medicinal plants in diabetes management, highlighting commonly used species such as Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina, and Momordica charantia, and examining their mechanisms of action, including enhanced insulin secretion, improved glucose uptake, inhibition of carbohydrate absorption, and antioxidant protection. Socio-cultural factors, including traditional knowledge systems, cultural beliefs, and trust in local healers, strongly influence herbal remedy utilization. Despite their potential benefits, challenges related to efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, drug-herb interactions, and weak regulatory frameworks persist, underscoring the need for scientific validation and policy support. Integrating herbal medicine with modern healthcare, alongside community education and collaboration with traditional healers, offers a promising pathway for culturally sensitive and effective diabetes management. Strategic research, regulation, and capacity building are essential to optimize patient outcomes and strengthen rural health systems in West Africa.