Ethnobotanical survey of antidiabetic plants used by Maasai traditional practitioners in Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania
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Date
2026-03-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Abstract
Traditional medicines, particularly medicinal plants, are valuable sources of antidiabetic therapy
for many rural populations. However, there is limited documentation of the plants used by rural
traditional healers, including the Maasai traditional practitioners (MTPs) in Tanzania. This study
aims to document the traditional knowledge and antidiabetic plants used by MTPs in Monduli
District, Arusha, Tanzania. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from January to July 2024
among 55 MTPs in Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania. The majority (70.9%) of MTPs had over
20 years of traditional experience of practice. The MTPs diagnose diabetes through signs and
symptoms, and they identified physical inactivity (36%), high blood pressure (19%), and un-
healthy diet (16%) as key risk factors for the development of diabetes. More than half (58.2%) of
MTPs treat 1–10 diabetic patients per month. The study identified 41 species belonging to 21
plant families. The family Fabaceae represented the highest number of species (17%), followed by
Combretaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, and Solanaceae (7%). The most frequently cited antidiabetic
plants were Rhamnus staddo (RFC = 0.56, FL = 80.6), Zanthoxylum chalybeum (RFC = 0.49, FL=
85.2), Physalis peruviana (RFC = 0.49, FL = 77.8), Albizia anthelmintica (RFC = 0.47, FL= 80.8),
and Pappea capensis (RFC = 0.47, FL = 69.2%). Roots (41%) and barks (31%) were the most
harvested plant parts. Decoction was the primary method of remedies preparation with oral
administration being preferred route. This study highlights the extensive antidiabetic knowledge
of MTPs in the treatment of diabetes using medicinal plants. Of the 41 identified plants, over
81.5% have demonstrated promising antidiabetic activity in preclinical studies; however, further
research is needed to isolate their bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-2: Zero Hunger
SDG-3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG-15: Life on Land
Keywords
Diabetes, Maasai traditional practitioners, Monduli district, Arusha, Tanzania