Ethnomedicines for Urinary Problems and Diabetes in Trinidad and Tobago
Author Information
Author(s): Cheryl A Lans
Primary Institution: BCICS, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Hypothesis
The study aims to validate the safety and effectiveness of ethnomedicinal plants used for urinary problems and diabetes in Trinidad and Tobago.
Conclusion
Several plants have sufficient evidence to support their traditional use for urinary problems and diabetes, but more formal evaluations are needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Chamaesyce hirta, Cissus verticillata, Kalanchoe pinnata, Peperomia spp., Portulaca oleraceae, Scoparia dulcis, and Zea mays have sufficient evidence to support their traditional use for urinary problems.
- Plants used for hypertension, jaundice, and diabetes that may be safe and justify more formal evaluation include Annona squamosa, Aloe vera, and others.
Takeaway
People in Trinidad and Tobago use many plants to help with urinary issues and diabetes, and some of these plants might actually work, but we need to study them more.
Methodology
The study involved ethnobotanical interviews with thirty respondents over four years, focusing on the plants used for urinary problems and diabetes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-experimental nature of the validation and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study did not include statistical analysis and relied on qualitative data from interviews.
Participant Demographics
Thirty male and female respondents from Trinidad and Tobago.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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