Abstract

A SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY FOLK MEDICINAL PRACTITIONERS IN TWO VILLAGES OF SHERPUR DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Mahmuda Jahan Munni, Nusrat Jahan, Noor-E-Jannat, Jesmin Parvin, Tanjim Mushtari, Most. Mohima Yeasmin, Md. Tabibul Islam, Protiva Rani Das, Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background. Folk medicine, practiced by Kavirajes is one of the most common form of traditional medicinal systems in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to document the folk medicinal practices of two folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) practicing in Sherpur district of the country. Methods. Interviews of the FMPs were carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided fieldwalk method. Results. The two FMPs between themselves used a total of 41 plants distributed into 30 families for treatment. The various diseases treated included infertility in women, gastrointestinal disorders, infections, jaundice, hot feeling in head, cataract, heart disorders, stomach stone, urinary disorders, weakness, diabetes, respiratory tract disorders, hypertension, leucorrhea, rheumatic pain, and vaginal infections. Conclusion. The study suggests that the medicinal plants used for treatment of various diseases by the FMPs were to some extent unique. As such, the formulations of the FMPs merit scientific research towards discovery of possibly new drugs.

Keywords: Folk medicine, Kaviraj, Sherpur, Bangladesh