Use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetic foot in rural communities

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the use of medicinal plants associated with traditional therapeutic methods in the treatment of diabetic foot in rural communities. This is a descriptive study, carried out in a municipality in the interior of Ceará, with a sample of 21 participants. Of the total, 47.6% used plants and 60% of them associated with traditional therapeutic methods. The plants reported were: Aroeira, Ameixeira, Goiabeira, Matruz and Corama, with emphasis on the predominance of the use of Aroeira, which has scientifically proven healing activity. The most used traditional therapeutic methods were topical antibiotics. There was an indiscriminate use of plants in the management of diabetic foot. There is a need for research that reports the real effects of such species on diabetic foot ulcers, for scientific support of the health professional during guidelines for the care of the feet and lesions, preserving and encouraging cultural aspects at the step and maintaining patient safety.