Abstract

This study reports an ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension in six divisions of Souk Ahras District in Algeria. A total of 200 informants, including some healers, were interviewed throughout different divisions of the district. These ethnobotanical investigations allowed the development of an inventory of 59 medicinal plants belonging to 35 families; 28 of the plants are used for diabetes, 15 for hypertension, and 16 for both diseases. In this region, the most frequently used plants to treat diabetes include Olea europea, Ajuga iva, Allium cepa, A. sativum, Myrtus communis andTrigonella foenum graecum. The plants used to treat high blood pressure include A. cepa, A. sativum, Artemisia herba-alba, Nigella sativa, Oleaeuropea, andRosmarinus officinalis. Ethnomedical documentation and sustainable plant uses can support drug discovery efforts in developing countries.

Key words: Diabetes, hypertension, ethnobotanical, traditional medicines.