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Medicinal Herbs Used by the Local Peoples in Rajshahi Metropolitan Area of Bangladesh

Laila Al Faria
Plant Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

Md. Firoz Alam
Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

AHM Mahbubur Rahman*
Plant Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present research aims to record the traditional knowledge of herbaceous plants used by the local peoples in the Rajshahi metropolitan area of Bangladesh. The field surveys were conducted in July 2018 to June 2021. A total of 63 informants (38 male and 25 female) between 19 and 77 years of age were interviewed. A total of 115 species belonging to 94 genera and 40 families were recorded. In this research, ninety-one human diseases were recorded and treated with various plant species and modes of administration. The current investigation will be useful in identifying the medicinal herbaceous vascular species for future research and also beneficial to evolve the herbal medicines.

Keywords: Medicinal herbs; Drug development; Rajshahi metropolitan area; Bangladesh

Location: Rajshahi metropolitan area of Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-07-2018

End Date: 00-06-2021

Program Area: Development of Host and Medicinal Plants

Commodity: Medicinal Plants

Objectives:

The importance of medicinal herbs and their local uses have been documented in previous works in Bangladesh. The objectives of the current research are to identify and use traditional knowledge of herbaceous vascular taxa in the Rajshahi metropolitan area of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

2.1. Study area Geographical position and climate in Rajshahi metropolitan area: Rajshahi is situated at 24.1500°N and 89.0667°E. Soil: Soil water suspension measured by glass electrode PH meter. This is the best soil for the growth of various plants. The winter season (November-January) is cool and has little rainfall; the summer season (April-October) is warm and has rainfall. The maximum monthly temperature can reach up to 39.9°C during April and the minimum monthly temperature 5.8°C during January.

2.2. Methodology The present researches were documented in the medicinal herbaceous taxa of the Rajshahi metropolitan area, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2021. A total of 115 species belonging to 94 genera under 40 families were recorded. Medicinal information was obtained through semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable informants. A total of 63 informants (38 male and 25 female) between 19 and 77 years of age were interviewed. Plant parts with either flowers or fruits were collected using traditional herbarium techniques to make voucher specimens for documentation and voucher specimens have been preserved at Herbarium of Rajshahi University.

2.3. Identification Collected specimens have been examined, studied and identified. Identifications have been confirmed by consulting standard literature. Nomenclature has been updated following recent literature.

Source of Information: GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021, 16(02), 062–077

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2021.16.2.0220

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Medicinal herbaceous vascular taxa were recorded in the Rajshahi metropolitan area of Bangladesh. A total of 115 medicinal herbaceous species belonging to 94 genera and 40 families were recorded. Out of the recorded species, 92 species were Dicotyledones, 16 species were Monocotyledons and 7 species were Pteridophytes. Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Araceae and Fabaceae were dominant families used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal plants are used by the local people to cure 91 diseases. Out of recorded diseases, cough, skin disease, wound, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, stomachache, constipation, asthma and bronchitis was dominant diseases in the study area. The medicinal herbaceous species which are being used by the local peoples of the study area are not only cost-efficient but also shows a prominent potential in curing various types of diseases. Now a day’s population is increasing in the area, young generation tends to renounce their traditional lifestyle accordingly, mush of this wealth of knowledge is being lost as the traditional culture is disappearing. Consequently, documentation of traditional practices of herbal medicine will be continuity in the future generation.

Knowledge Management: Journal