Abstract

UNCOMMON MEDICINAL PLANT FORMULATIONS USED BY A FOLK MEDICINAL PRACTITIONER IN NAOGAON DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Humayra Anzumi, Shahnaz Rahman, Md. Ashraful Islam Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background: Folk medicine is the most common form of various traditional medicinal systems in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to document some uncommon uses of medicinal plants by a folk medicinal practitioner (Kaviraj) of Pabna district, Bangladesh. Methods: Interviews of the Kaviraj were carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results: The Kaviraj used 23 plants distributed into 18 families in his formulations. The formulations were used to treat asthma, coughs, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, urinary problems, tuberculosis, vomiting, abscess, chicken pox, miscarriage, rheumatism, malnutrition, fatigue, and as sex stimulant. Conclusion: The study suggests that the Kavirajes of Bangladesh differ considerably in their use of medicinal plants, which merits scientific attention to the plants towards discovery of new drugs.

Keywords: Folk medicine, Kaviraj, Naogaon, Bangladesh.