Traditional remedies from Aceh for diabetes mellitus treatment: Patterns of use in rural-urban areas in Aceh

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to a decrease in the function of the insulin hormone in lowering blood sugar levels or insulin resistance. In Aceh, Indonesia, traditional medicine remains integral to the healthcare practices of its communities, including for managing DM.

Objective

This research aims to analyze the prevalence of medicinal plant use, identify the underlying reasons for their utilization, and determine the most commonly used traditional plants in managing DM in the Acehnese community in urban and rural areas. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 164 DM patients was conducted in two community health centers in Banda Aceh using a questionnaire-assisted face-to-face interview.

Results

The findings revealed that 47 % of respondents used medicinal plants, with women (p = 0.007, OR = 2.85) and patients with comorbidities (p = 0.002, OR = 2.81) considerably more likely to take herbal medicines. 85.71 % of respondent expressed satisfaction with herbal therapies, and the primary reasons for use were trust in their effectiveness (67.53 %) and accessibility (23.37 %).

Conclusion

The most commonly used plant materials are Moringa oleifera (19.48 %), Syzygium polyanthum (18.18 %), and Annona muricata (12.98 %). However, 37.66 % of participants did not consult healthcare professionals about their herbal use. Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in DM management among Acehnese communities, driven by cultural norms.