Abstract

PLANTS AS MEDICINES: DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY A KHASIA TRIBAL PRACTITIONER IN HABIGANJ DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Tamanna Zaman, Kanij Fatema Keya, Sumi Akter, Md. Hasanuzzaman Sagar, Md. Shamim Khan, Md. Bashar Bhuiyan, Ishita Malek, Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background: The Khasia tribal people are a fairly large tribe residing in various districts of Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The objective of the present study was to document the use of medicinal plants by a Khasia tribal medicinal practitioner (TMP) practicing in Jagadishpur and Noyapara villages, Habiganj district, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. Methods: Interview of the tribal medicinal practitioner was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results: The tribal medicinal practitioner used a total of 15 plants distributed into 15 families for treatment. The various diseases treated included respiratory tract disorders, diabetes, leprosy, psoriasis, gastrointestinal tract disorders, urinary tract infection, loss of memory, cuts and wounds, heart disorders, impotency, tumor, rheumatism, anemia, and pain. The practitioner also used plants as diuretic, muscle relaxant, and nerve stimulant. Conclusion: The medicinal plant knowledge of the Khasia medicinal practitioner can contribute significantly to the health-care system in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Tribal medicine, medicinal plants, Khasia, Habiganj, Bangladesh.