Phytotherapeutic Practices of a Folk Medicinal Practitioner in Tangail District, Bangladesh: Comparison with Ayurvedic Uses

Authors: Shorna AA, Lovely N and Rahmatullah M*

Volume 3, Issue 3

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to document the therapeutic uses of plants by a folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) in Tangail district, Bangladesh and compare such uses with Ayurvedic uses. Methods: Interviews of the FMP was conducted with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided fieldwalk method. Plant specimens were photographed and identified by a competent botanist and deposited at the Medicinal Plant Collection Wing of the University of Development Alternative. Results: The FMP was observed to use a total of nine plants to treat a number of ailments including diabetes, obesity, rheumatism, filariasis, gastrointestinal disorders, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, abscess, thyroid problems, snake bite, fever, high cholesterol, aging, and cancer. Conclusion: Comparison of the folk medicinal uses of the plants with established Ayurvedic uses suggests that at least a part of the knowledge of the FMP may have been derived from Ayurvedic practices.

Keywords: Folk Medicine; Ayurveda; Medicinal Plants; Tangail; Bangladesh

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