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Review
. 2024 Oct 9;12(10):246.
doi: 10.3390/diseases12100246.

A Comprehensive Review of Moroccan Medicinal Plants for Diabetes Management

Hanane Boutaj  1   2
Affiliations
Review

A Comprehensive Review of Moroccan Medicinal Plants for Diabetes Management

Hanane Boutaj. Diseases. .

Abstract

Moroccan flora, renowned for its diverse medicinal plant species, has long been used in traditional medicine to manage diabetes. This review synthesizes ethnobotanical surveys conducted during the last two decades. Among these plants, 10 prominent Moroccan medicinal plants are evaluated for their phytochemical composition and antidiabetic properties through both in vitro and in vivo studies. The review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds identified in these plants, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Phytochemical investigations revealed a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. In vitro assays demonstrated the significant inhibition of key enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while in vivo studies highlighted their potential in reducing blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin secretion. Among the ten plants, notable examples include Trigonella foenum-graecum, Nigella Sativa, and Artemisia herba-alba, each showcasing distinct mechanisms of action, such as enzymatic inhibition and the modulation of glucose metabolism pathways. This review underscores the necessity for further chemical, pharmacological, and clinical research to validate the antidiabetic efficacy of these plants and their active compounds, with a view toward their potential integration into therapeutic practices.

Keywords: Morocco; ethnobotanical survey; in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic; medicinal plants.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The botanical families used for diabetes management in Morocco.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The distribution of plants species families per Moroccan regions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The distribution of plants species per Moroccan regions.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The distribution of plants species origin per Moroccan regions.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The distribution of the percentage of different parts used for diabetes management in Morocco.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The distribution of the percentage of different preparation methods used for diabetes management in Morocco.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Most useful medicinal plants for diabetes management. (A) T. foenum-graecum, (B) N. oleander, (C) S. officinalis, (D) O. europeae, (E) N. sativa, and (F) M. vulgare.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Chemical structures of the known natural compounds useful against diabetes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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