Abstract

PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC PRACTICES OF A FOLK MEDICINAL PRACTITIONER OF JHENAIDAH DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Mithun Kumar Kundu, Md. Monzurul Alam, Ziyan Arefin, Sabina Yasmin, Sabina Yeasmin, Erena Islam and Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background. Folk medicine is a widely accepted practice in Bangladesh. The objective of the present study was to document the use of medicinal plants by a folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) practicing in Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh. Methods. Interview of the folk medicinal practitioner was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results. The folk medicinal practitioner used a total of 47 plants distributed into 36 families for treatment. The various diseases treated included respiratory disorders, fever, vomiting, sexual disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, pain, skin disorders, helminthiasis, tumor, snake bite, cuts and wounds, ear disorders, biliary disorders, eye diseases, liver disorders, heart disorders, diabetes, piles, jaundice, poisoning, urinary tract disorders, loss of memory, paralysis and cancer. Conclusion. The medicinal plants used by the folk medicinal practitioner for treatment of cancer, tumor, rheumatism, paralysis and sexual disorders merit scientific attention as to validation of the treatment and towards discovery of lead compounds.

Keywords: Folk medicine, medicinal plants, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh.