MEDICINAL PLANTS USED AGAINST VARIOUS AILMENTS BY THE PEOPLE OF ”CHAR” AREAS IN SIRAJGONG DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Abstract

The ”Char” area people, live on river islands, have a somewhat different lifestyle and customs compared to the mainstream population. They rely mostly on herbal medicines administered by local traditional medicinal practitioners for cure of their various ailments. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethno-medicinal survey amongst the traditional medicinal practitioners of the ”Char” area people residing on various river islands in Sirajgong district, Bangladesh. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Plant specimens were photographed as well as collected and sent to the Bangladesh National Herbarium for proper identification. A total of 57 plants distributed among 41 families were reported as to being used as remedy for various ailments. These ailments included dental diseases, sexual disorders, cracking of soles of feet, lack of calcium, arthritis, peptic ulcer, constipation, piles, body ache, insomnia, hair loss, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, mental disorders, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, diabetes, hepatic disorders, jaundice, wounds, colds, fever, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, skin infections, helminthiasis, insect bites, epilepsy, chicken pox, debility, respiratory distress, herpes and asthma. Collectively, these diverse groups of plants can form basis for modern scientific research for identification of lead or novel compounds with diverse pharmacological activities.