L'usage des plantes médicinales chez les patients atteints de diabète de type 2 dans la région de Laghouat

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem in Algeria, with an estimated prevalence of 17.5%. Despite conventional treatments, the use of herbal medicine remains widespread in Algerian culture, often practiced alongside prescribed medical treatment without informing the treating physician. The aim of this study is To assess the use of herbal medicine among type 2 diabetic patients in the Laghouat region, by identifying the medicinal plants used and their impact on glycemic control.. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical observational study using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, conducted from 01/12/2025 to 01/05/2026 at the Djoudi Ahmed polyclinic in Laghouat. It included 251 type 2 diabetic patients. Data were collected using a digitized questionnaire via Google Forms and analyzed using Excel software. Results: Of the 251 patients included 158 (62.9%) use phytotherapy alongside their conventional antidiabetic treatment. The study identified 26 plant species belonging to 16 botanical families. Wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba) was the most frequently cited species (48.75%), followed by cinnamon (7.5%), coriander (6.67%), and fenugreek (5.83%). Leaves and aerial parts were the most commonly used, prepared as infusions or decoctions and administered exclusively orally. The main motivation for use was a positive experience reported by a close relative (78.6%). Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was observed in 51.9% of users compared to 65.3% of non-users, a statistically significant difference. However, 93.7% of users had not disclosed this practice to their physician, exposing them to toxic effects and potential drug interactions. The vast majority (93%) perceived phytotherapy as effective. Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of phytotherapy use among type 2 diabetic patients in Laghouat, deeply rooted in cultural practices and family transmission. Although users showed relatively better glycemic control, the near-systematic non-disclosure to physicians represents a major clinical risk. These findings highlight the need to systematically incorporate questioning about complementary medicine use into diabetic care and to develop appropriate therapeutic patient education.