Abstract

PLANT REMEDIES OF A UNANI MEDICINAL PRACTITIONER IN BHOLA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

K.M. Istieake Ahmed, Sabbir Ahmed Opu, Ahmed Abrar Muttaki, Md. Al-Mamun, Md. Tabibul Islam, Protiva Rani Das, Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background. Unani form of traditional medicinal practice is common in Bangladesh and has a large number of practitioners. The objective of this study was to document the medicinal plants and formulations used by a Unani medicinal practitioner in Bhola Sadar of Bhola district, Bangladesh. Methods. Interview of the practitioner was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results. The practitioner used a total of 44 plants distributed into 30 families for treatment. The various diseases treated included lung and respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders, fever, helminthiasis, cuts and wounds, gum and tooth disorders, coughs, mucus, chicken pox, snake bite, burning sensations in body, diabetes, piles, spleen disorders, rheumatism, oral lesions, pain, insomnia, conjunctivitis, dandruff, low sperm density, cholera, infertility, epilepsy, and liver disorders. Conclusion. The medicinal plant knowledge of the Unani practitioner is a valuable addition to the traditional medicinal plant knowledge of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Unani, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, Bhola, Bangladesh.