title: Ethnopharmacological knowledge of Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region of Iran for diabetes mellitus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study provides ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional herbal healers from Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region (Iran) for treatment of diabetes mellitus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Field surveys were carried out during September 2013-February 2014 in Shiraz and Fasa. The data were collected through structured questionnaire in Persian. All plant species recorded for the treatment of diabetes mellitus were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and obtained a voucher specimens number and deposited in the Shiraz School of Pharmacy Herbarium. The information such as scientific name, family, local name, medicinal use(s), parts used and preparation method were provided. Literature review on available data about antidiabetic effect of the addressed plant species was done to highlight gaps in current knowledge and propose the next steps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 50 informants were interviewed. Totally 39 plant species were recommended by herbal healers, of which 28 are native to Iran. The most recommended plants for diabetes were Trigonella foenum-graecam (28 Attars), Securigera securidaca (22 Attars), Vaccinium arctostaphylos (18 Attars). The most abundant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae. Plant parts used were mainly seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits. The most usual preparation methods were decoction, powder and distillation. Around 44% of all reported plants for diabetes are also in use for obesity management
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provided ethnopharmacological knowledge from Fars region in Iran for a specific disease and we have introduced important plant species which are recommended by local herbal healers for diabetes mellitus. For 23% of reported plants, clinical studies approved antidiabetic properties and for 61%, animal studies approved antidiabetic activity.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahoura
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salehi Nowbandegani
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran.
authors.forename: Sanaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kiumarcy
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran.
authors.forename: Fateme
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rahmani
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dokouhaki
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Sedigheh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khademian
authors.affiliation: Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Mehdi
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Zarshenas
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Electronic address: faridip@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Pouya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Faridi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020834:Ethnopharmacology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations
keywords: Diabetes; Ethnopharmacology; Fasa; Iranian traditional medicine; Securigera securidaca; Shiraz; Trigonella foenum-graecam; Vaccinium arctostaphylos