USAGE OF LUEHEA DIVARICATA MART. BY AN AMAZONIC TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY AND ITS ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

Luehea divaricata Mart. is a medicinal plant traditionally used by the Amazonian quilombola community of Macapazinho, Pará, Brazil, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The species contains bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic properties, with dietary polyphenols, especially kaempferol, responsible for reducing blood glucose and improving insulin resistance. This study aims to document the ethnomedicinal usage of Luehea divaricata Mart. for diabetes treatment in the Macapazinho community and evaluate its phytotherapeutic potential through literature review. Field research was conducted between 2021 and 2022 using the Snowball Sampling method, involving 40 families (20% of the community). Participants reported using a decoction of the dried stem, administered orally under the guidance of local healthcare workers. A bibliographic review was additionally undertaken to identify bioactive compounds, assess their efficacy, and evaluate the plant's toxicity. The study found promising antidiabetic effects following a 10-day treatment regimen, attributed to the plant's bioactive compounds that reduce glycemia, protect pancreatic β cells, and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, toxicity studies conducted in animal models revealed no adverse effects at tested dosages. Luehea divaricata Mart. demonstrates significant antidiabetic potential with no observed toxicity, supporting its traditional use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These findings offer promising prospects for future pharmacological research and the development of new diabetes therapies.