Volume 161, 23 February 2015, Pages 233–237
Ethnopharmacological communication
Traditional local medicines in the republic of Palau and non-communicable diseases (NCD), signs of effectiveness
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Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The
aim of this survey was to describe which traditional medicines (TM) are
most commonly used for non-communicable diseases (NCD – diabetes,
hypertension related to excess weight and obesity) in Pacific islands
and with what perceived effectiveness. NCD, especially prevalent in the
Pacific, have been subject to many public health interventions, often
with rather disappointing results. Innovative interventions are
required; one hypothesis is that some local, traditional approaches may
have been overlooked.
Materials and methods
The
method used was a retrospective treatment-outcome study in a
nation-wide representative sample of the adult population (about 15,000
individuals) of the Republic of Palau, an archipelago of Micronesia.
Results
From
188 respondents (61% female, age 16–87, median 48,), 30 different
plants were used, mostly self-prepared (69%), or from a traditional
healer (18%). For excess weight, when comparing the two most frequent
plants, Morinda citrifolia L. was associated with more adequate outcome than Phaleria nishidae Kaneh. (P=0.05). In case of diabetes, when comparing Phaleria nishidae (=Phaleria nisidai) and Morinda citrifolia, the former was statistically more often associated with the reported outcome “lower blood sugar” (P=0.01).
Conclusions
Statistical
association between a plant used and reported outcome is not a proof of
effectiveness or safety, but it can help select plants of interest for
further studies, e.g. through a reverse pharmacology process, in search
of local products which may have a positive impact on population health.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Non-communicable diseases;
- Weight;
- Diabetes;
- Traditional medicines;
- CAM;
- Palau
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