Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an escalating public health concern in rural West Africa, where limited access to conventional 
healthcare and financial constraints drive widespread reliance on herbal remedies. This review explores the role of 
medicinal plants in diabetes management, highlighting commonly used species such as Moringa oleifera, Vernonia 
amygdalina, and Momordica charantia, and examining their mechanisms of action, including enhanced insulin 
secretion, improved glucose uptake, inhibition of carbohydrate absorption, and antioxidant protection. Socio-cultural 
factors, including traditional knowledge systems, cultural beliefs, and trust in local healers, strongly influence herbal 
remedy utilization. Despite their potential benefits, challenges related to efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, 
drug-herb interactions, and weak regulatory frameworks persist, underscoring the need for scientific validation and 
policy support. Integrating herbal medicine with modern healthcare, alongside community education and 
collaboration with traditional healers, offers a promising pathway for culturally sensitive and effective diabetes 
management. Strategic research, regulation, and capacity building are essential to optimize patient outcomes and 
strengthen rural health systems in West Africa.