Some antidiabetic medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: The work described plants collection, preparation and administration for diabetes cure in Ado Ekiti in Nigeria. METHODS: Twenty three plant samples were identified for the use in the treatment of diabetes by the herbalists. The plants that are common among the healers are Anthocleista djalonensis, Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Momordica charantia. RESULTS: The most preferred method of preparation by the healers is concoction and decoction of fresh leaves, stem bark and roots. However, for emergency sake, some healers dried these plant parts, ground to smooth powder and packaged in brown bottles or in nylon which are either sold or given to people, but must be soaked in cold or warm water before use. CONCLUSION: The use of medicinal plants in healing diabetes is a common practice by traditional healers in Ado Ekiti and never treat their patients in conjunction with modern medicines