Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and is considered a disturbance in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, due to lack of insulin produced by the pancreas and / or reduction in its action. This condition is the sixth leading cause of hospitalization as primary diagnosis and contributes up to 50% to other causes such as heart diseases, stroke and hypertension, among others. An alternative treatment, which in recent years had an increase in interest and research, is the herbal medicine, which can be equalled and added to conventional therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of medicinal plants in treating individuals with diabetes mellitus in the city of Herval D' Oeste, Santa Catarina State, Brazil and also present the importance of safe intake of medicinal plants. The obtained results showed that consumption of medicinal plants occurs erroneously, where only 19% of the cited plants had scientific evidence for diabetes therapy. In addition, most users of medicinal plants (89.4%) choose the plant species by family culture. Thus, further research focused on this therapy is needed, as well as further information to the public and health professionals regarding the correct use of plants, preparation and quantity to be ingested.
diabetes mellitus; alternative; medicinal plants; herbal medicine