American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 2013
The Oraon and the Gor tribe can be found in Sreemangal of Sylhet district in the northeastern reg... more The Oraon and the Gor tribe can be found in Sreemangal of Sylhet district in the northeastern region of Bangladesh. Both tribes have dwindled to an extent where tribe and tribal knowledge is on the verge of disappearance. Remnants of both tribes can be found in several villages with the tribal people engaged as tea workers in nearby tea estates. Since nothing has been reported about the traditional medicinal practices of the two tribes, the objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the traditional healers of the two tribes. A total of five traditional healers were interviewed; four of them were from the Oraons and one from the Gors. A total of 74 medicinal plants with their uses were obtained from the tribal healers. Sixty five plants were obtained from the Oraon tribal healers and nine from the Gor traditional healers. The plants were distributed into 43 families. The ailments treated with the plants included loss of energy, respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, oral lesions, helminthiasis, sexual disorders, pain, blood purification, diabetes, snake bite, vomiting, fever, jaundice, wounds, paralysis, dog bite, loss of hair, skin disorders, spleen enlargement, arthritis, bone fracture, chicken pox, nerve stimulant, cancer, and to expedite delivery. Four plants had ethnoveterinary uses; a combination of Cuscuta reflexa and Clerodendrum viscosum was used for treatment of anthrax in cattle, while Ricinus communis as well as Litsea monopetala was used for treatment of cattle diarrhea. Major thrust areas for further scientific research include plants used for treatment of diabetes, cancer, anthrax, and paralysis. These are areas where human beings can benefit from discovery of novel drugs without major adverse effects and which can result in complete cure of the diseases.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2011
Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of... more Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of diabetes, but so far no scientific study has been done which may support its use in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the possible glucose tolerance efficacy of methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba leaf using glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice. The extract at different doses was administered one hour prior to glucose administration and blood glucose level was measured after two hours of glucose administration (p.o.) using glucose oxidase method. The statistical data indicated significant oral hypoglycemic activity on glucose-loaded mice at the two highest doses of 200 and 400 mg extract per kg body weight. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic activity was shown at 400 mg per kg body weight, which was comparable to that of , glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). The methanolic extract of leaf of Neolamarckia cadamba had beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level of hyperglycemic mice.
Background: There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes.... more Background: There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes. Cannabis has ethnomedicinal usage as a natural medicine in Bangladesh and cultivated during the British Empire period for revenues. Objective: Folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) from different districts of Bangladesh have been using Cannabis sativa, but until now there have not been any compiled studies particularly regarding this practice. Hence, this review is an effort to retrieve the traditional usage of Cannabis sativa as a phytomedicine from published ethnomedicinal studies. Methods and materials: Information was searched by using the search terms "ethnomedicinal Cannabis sativa and Bangladesh"; "Bangladesh cannabaceae and ethnomedicinal survey"; "ganja, bhang and folk medicine Bangladesh"; "tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid and therapeutic, clinical trial"; and "cannabis and pharmacological/ biological" and retrieved from ethnobotanical articles available on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. A search of the relevant scientific literature also was conducted to assess the efficacy of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa. Results: While reviewing over 200 ethnomedicinal plants' survey articles, we found that FMPs of Bangladesh from 12 different districts used Cannabis sativa to treat cited ailments like sleep-associated problems (n=5), neuropsychiatric and CNS problems (n=5), and infections and respiratory problems (n=5) followed by rheumatism, gastrointestinal, gynecological (n=4 each), cancer, sexual, and other ailments including hypertension, headache, itch, increases bile secretion, abortifacient, dandruff, fever, and urinary problems (n=1 each). There are a total of 15 formulations identified from the 11 out of 18 ethnomedicinal plant survey reports. The leaf was the main plant part used (53.8%), followed by root (23%), seed (7.7%) and flower, inflorescence, resin, and all parts 3.8% respectively.
The recently emerged COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (... more The recently emerged COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has adversely affected the whole world. As a significant public health threat, it has spread worldwide. Scientists and global health experts are collaborating to find and execute speedy diagnostics, robust and highly effective vaccines, and therapeutic techniques to tackle COVID-19. The ocean is an immense source of biologically active molecules and/or compounds with antiviral-associated biopharmaceutical and immunostimulatory attributes. Some specific algae-derived molecules can be used to produce antibodies and vaccines to treat the COVID-19 disease. Algae have successfully synthesized several metabolites as natural defense compounds that enable them to survive under extreme environments. Several algae-derived bioactive molecules and/or compounds can be used against many diseases, including microbial and viral infections. Moreover, some algae species can also improve immunity and suppress human viral activity. Therefore, they may be recommended for use as a preventive remedy against COVID-19. Considering the above critiques and unique attributes, herein, we aimed to systematically assess algae-derived, biologically active molecules that could be used against this disease by looking at their natural sources, mechanisms of action, and prior pharmacological uses. This review also serves as a starting point for this research area to accelerate the establishment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 bioproducts.
Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victi... more Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victim. It is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts of the Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A World Health Organization-funded study estimated about 8,000 cases of snakebite with over 20% mortality in Bangladesh annually. A medically important land snake in Bangladesh includes the krait, cobras, and vipers. Medically important snake species are the ones that fall into one of the three categories: bite usually causes death or disability. Snake venom is highly modified saliva (Reptile Venom Research) that is produced by special glands) of certain species of snakes. The glands which secrete the zootoxin are a modification of the parotid salivary gland of other vertebrates, and are usually situated on each side of the head below and behind the eye, encapsulated in a muscular sheath. The glands have large alveoli in which venom is stored before ...
Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victi... more Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victim. It is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts of the Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A World Health Organization-funded study estimated about 8,000 cases of snakebite with over 20% mortality in Bangladesh annually. A medically important land snake in Bangladesh includes the krait, cobras, and vipers. Medically important snake species are the ones that fall into one of the three categories: bite usually causes death or disability. Snake venom is highly modified saliva (Reptile Venom Research) that is produced by special glands) of certain species of snakes. The glands which secrete the zootoxin are a modification of the parotid salivary gland of other vertebrates, and are usually situated on each side of the head below and behind the eye, encapsulated in a muscular sheath. The glands have large alveoli in which venom is stored before ...
Snakebite is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in man... more Snakebite is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts
of the Africa, Asia and the Americas. Incidence of snakebite is usually recorded in young people engaged
in active physical work in rural areas. The various plant parts used to treat snakebite included whole
plant, leaves, barks, roots and seeds. Most bites in Bangladesh are recorded between May and October
with highest number in June. Lower and upper limbs are most common sites of snakebite, but it may
happen in other sites as well. Snake venom (蛇毒she dú) has been the cause of innumerable deaths
worldwide. However, antiserum does not provide enough protection against venom induced hemorrhage,
necrosis, nephrotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Informed consent was obtained from the
practitioners prior to interviews. After the survey, it is concluded that the medicinal plants used by tribal
medicinal practitioners in Bangladesh for treatment against snakebite are Acyranthes aspera L. (土牛膝tǔ
niú xı), Amaranthus Viridis L. (野莧菜ye xiang cai), Asparagus racemosus Willd (總序天冬zǒng xù tian
dong) and Emblica officinalis Gaertn (油柑you gan), while the non-tribal communities used 35 plant
species among them, most of the plants reported as new species used against snakebite in the belonging
family. The plants present a considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds with fewer side
effects for treatment of antisnake venom and can, at least in Bangladesh, become a source of affordable
and more easily available drugs.
The virtual congress on brain health innovation and technologies , 2020
Background
Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body an... more Background Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body and improves their wellbeing due to a combination of bio-metabolites. Worldwide in a traditional medication systems including Bangladesh, medicinal plants have been applied as both neuro-therapeutic purposes and nutrients provider for the wellbeing of psychological states e.g. anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsions, anti-dementia, antipsychotic, and cognitive enhancement, etc. Objective The present study aimed to compile ethnomedicinal plant-based functional foods used by folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) of Bangladesh for the management of brain health. Method By using online databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Elsevier to retrieve literature by applying multiple keywords such as “ethnomedicinal plants, functional foods, Bangladesh”. The listed plants were then evaluated by using relevant pharmacological studies to claim their neuroprotective properties. Results A total of 32 medicinal plants have been listed that were used by FMPs as functional foods for the management of multiple neurology-related ailments. The study it showed that Plants like Aegle marmelos, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera, Spilanthes acmella, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Vitex negundo pharmacologically also possessed neuroprotective properties. Conclusion Plant-based foods are an emerging interest thanks to their nutritional support and therapeutic benefits, and some ethnomedicinal plants of Bangladesh which were classified as functional foods have also been biologically reported to have several neurological health benefits. Our study will help the scientific communities to conduct further research to develop therapeutic guidelines that are needed to ensure unquestionable safety appraisal.
American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 2013
The Oraon and the Gor tribe can be found in Sreemangal of Sylhet district in the northeastern reg... more The Oraon and the Gor tribe can be found in Sreemangal of Sylhet district in the northeastern region of Bangladesh. Both tribes have dwindled to an extent where tribe and tribal knowledge is on the verge of disappearance. Remnants of both tribes can be found in several villages with the tribal people engaged as tea workers in nearby tea estates. Since nothing has been reported about the traditional medicinal practices of the two tribes, the objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the traditional healers of the two tribes. A total of five traditional healers were interviewed; four of them were from the Oraons and one from the Gors. A total of 74 medicinal plants with their uses were obtained from the tribal healers. Sixty five plants were obtained from the Oraon tribal healers and nine from the Gor traditional healers. The plants were distributed into 43 families. The ailments treated with the plants included loss of energy, respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, oral lesions, helminthiasis, sexual disorders, pain, blood purification, diabetes, snake bite, vomiting, fever, jaundice, wounds, paralysis, dog bite, loss of hair, skin disorders, spleen enlargement, arthritis, bone fracture, chicken pox, nerve stimulant, cancer, and to expedite delivery. Four plants had ethnoveterinary uses; a combination of Cuscuta reflexa and Clerodendrum viscosum was used for treatment of anthrax in cattle, while Ricinus communis as well as Litsea monopetala was used for treatment of cattle diarrhea. Major thrust areas for further scientific research include plants used for treatment of diabetes, cancer, anthrax, and paralysis. These are areas where human beings can benefit from discovery of novel drugs without major adverse effects and which can result in complete cure of the diseases.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2011
Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of... more Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of diabetes, but so far no scientific study has been done which may support its use in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the possible glucose tolerance efficacy of methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba leaf using glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice. The extract at different doses was administered one hour prior to glucose administration and blood glucose level was measured after two hours of glucose administration (p.o.) using glucose oxidase method. The statistical data indicated significant oral hypoglycemic activity on glucose-loaded mice at the two highest doses of 200 and 400 mg extract per kg body weight. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic activity was shown at 400 mg per kg body weight, which was comparable to that of , glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). The methanolic extract of leaf of Neolamarckia cadamba had beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level of hyperglycemic mice.
Background: There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes.... more Background: There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes. Cannabis has ethnomedicinal usage as a natural medicine in Bangladesh and cultivated during the British Empire period for revenues. Objective: Folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) from different districts of Bangladesh have been using Cannabis sativa, but until now there have not been any compiled studies particularly regarding this practice. Hence, this review is an effort to retrieve the traditional usage of Cannabis sativa as a phytomedicine from published ethnomedicinal studies. Methods and materials: Information was searched by using the search terms "ethnomedicinal Cannabis sativa and Bangladesh"; "Bangladesh cannabaceae and ethnomedicinal survey"; "ganja, bhang and folk medicine Bangladesh"; "tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid and therapeutic, clinical trial"; and "cannabis and pharmacological/ biological" and retrieved from ethnobotanical articles available on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. A search of the relevant scientific literature also was conducted to assess the efficacy of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa. Results: While reviewing over 200 ethnomedicinal plants' survey articles, we found that FMPs of Bangladesh from 12 different districts used Cannabis sativa to treat cited ailments like sleep-associated problems (n=5), neuropsychiatric and CNS problems (n=5), and infections and respiratory problems (n=5) followed by rheumatism, gastrointestinal, gynecological (n=4 each), cancer, sexual, and other ailments including hypertension, headache, itch, increases bile secretion, abortifacient, dandruff, fever, and urinary problems (n=1 each). There are a total of 15 formulations identified from the 11 out of 18 ethnomedicinal plant survey reports. The leaf was the main plant part used (53.8%), followed by root (23%), seed (7.7%) and flower, inflorescence, resin, and all parts 3.8% respectively.
The recently emerged COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (... more The recently emerged COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has adversely affected the whole world. As a significant public health threat, it has spread worldwide. Scientists and global health experts are collaborating to find and execute speedy diagnostics, robust and highly effective vaccines, and therapeutic techniques to tackle COVID-19. The ocean is an immense source of biologically active molecules and/or compounds with antiviral-associated biopharmaceutical and immunostimulatory attributes. Some specific algae-derived molecules can be used to produce antibodies and vaccines to treat the COVID-19 disease. Algae have successfully synthesized several metabolites as natural defense compounds that enable them to survive under extreme environments. Several algae-derived bioactive molecules and/or compounds can be used against many diseases, including microbial and viral infections. Moreover, some algae species can also improve immunity and suppress human viral activity. Therefore, they may be recommended for use as a preventive remedy against COVID-19. Considering the above critiques and unique attributes, herein, we aimed to systematically assess algae-derived, biologically active molecules that could be used against this disease by looking at their natural sources, mechanisms of action, and prior pharmacological uses. This review also serves as a starting point for this research area to accelerate the establishment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 bioproducts.
Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victi... more Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victim. It is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts of the Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A World Health Organization-funded study estimated about 8,000 cases of snakebite with over 20% mortality in Bangladesh annually. A medically important land snake in Bangladesh includes the krait, cobras, and vipers. Medically important snake species are the ones that fall into one of the three categories: bite usually causes death or disability. Snake venom is highly modified saliva (Reptile Venom Research) that is produced by special glands) of certain species of snakes. The glands which secrete the zootoxin are a modification of the parotid salivary gland of other vertebrates, and are usually situated on each side of the head below and behind the eye, encapsulated in a muscular sheath. The glands have large alveoli in which venom is stored before ...
Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victi... more Snake bite is a result of an unfortunate accidental interaction between a snake and a human victim. It is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts of the Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A World Health Organization-funded study estimated about 8,000 cases of snakebite with over 20% mortality in Bangladesh annually. A medically important land snake in Bangladesh includes the krait, cobras, and vipers. Medically important snake species are the ones that fall into one of the three categories: bite usually causes death or disability. Snake venom is highly modified saliva (Reptile Venom Research) that is produced by special glands) of certain species of snakes. The glands which secrete the zootoxin are a modification of the parotid salivary gland of other vertebrates, and are usually situated on each side of the head below and behind the eye, encapsulated in a muscular sheath. The glands have large alveoli in which venom is stored before ...
Snakebite is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in man... more Snakebite is the single most important toxin-related injury, causing substantial mortality in many parts
of the Africa, Asia and the Americas. Incidence of snakebite is usually recorded in young people engaged
in active physical work in rural areas. The various plant parts used to treat snakebite included whole
plant, leaves, barks, roots and seeds. Most bites in Bangladesh are recorded between May and October
with highest number in June. Lower and upper limbs are most common sites of snakebite, but it may
happen in other sites as well. Snake venom (蛇毒she dú) has been the cause of innumerable deaths
worldwide. However, antiserum does not provide enough protection against venom induced hemorrhage,
necrosis, nephrotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Informed consent was obtained from the
practitioners prior to interviews. After the survey, it is concluded that the medicinal plants used by tribal
medicinal practitioners in Bangladesh for treatment against snakebite are Acyranthes aspera L. (土牛膝tǔ
niú xı), Amaranthus Viridis L. (野莧菜ye xiang cai), Asparagus racemosus Willd (總序天冬zǒng xù tian
dong) and Emblica officinalis Gaertn (油柑you gan), while the non-tribal communities used 35 plant
species among them, most of the plants reported as new species used against snakebite in the belonging
family. The plants present a considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds with fewer side
effects for treatment of antisnake venom and can, at least in Bangladesh, become a source of affordable
and more easily available drugs.
The virtual congress on brain health innovation and technologies , 2020
Background
Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body an... more Background Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body and improves their wellbeing due to a combination of bio-metabolites. Worldwide in a traditional medication systems including Bangladesh, medicinal plants have been applied as both neuro-therapeutic purposes and nutrients provider for the wellbeing of psychological states e.g. anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsions, anti-dementia, antipsychotic, and cognitive enhancement, etc. Objective The present study aimed to compile ethnomedicinal plant-based functional foods used by folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) of Bangladesh for the management of brain health. Method By using online databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Elsevier to retrieve literature by applying multiple keywords such as “ethnomedicinal plants, functional foods, Bangladesh”. The listed plants were then evaluated by using relevant pharmacological studies to claim their neuroprotective properties. Results A total of 32 medicinal plants have been listed that were used by FMPs as functional foods for the management of multiple neurology-related ailments. The study it showed that Plants like Aegle marmelos, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera, Spilanthes acmella, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Vitex negundo pharmacologically also possessed neuroprotective properties. Conclusion Plant-based foods are an emerging interest thanks to their nutritional support and therapeutic benefits, and some ethnomedicinal plants of Bangladesh which were classified as functional foods have also been biologically reported to have several neurological health benefits. Our study will help the scientific communities to conduct further research to develop therapeutic guidelines that are needed to ensure unquestionable safety appraisal.
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Papers by Md Nasir Ahmed
of the Africa, Asia and the Americas. Incidence of snakebite is usually recorded in young people engaged
in active physical work in rural areas. The various plant parts used to treat snakebite included whole
plant, leaves, barks, roots and seeds. Most bites in Bangladesh are recorded between May and October
with highest number in June. Lower and upper limbs are most common sites of snakebite, but it may
happen in other sites as well. Snake venom (蛇毒she dú) has been the cause of innumerable deaths
worldwide. However, antiserum does not provide enough protection against venom induced hemorrhage,
necrosis, nephrotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Informed consent was obtained from the
practitioners prior to interviews. After the survey, it is concluded that the medicinal plants used by tribal
medicinal practitioners in Bangladesh for treatment against snakebite are Acyranthes aspera L. (土牛膝tǔ
niú xı), Amaranthus Viridis L. (野莧菜ye xiang cai), Asparagus racemosus Willd (總序天冬zǒng xù tian
dong) and Emblica officinalis Gaertn (油柑you gan), while the non-tribal communities used 35 plant
species among them, most of the plants reported as new species used against snakebite in the belonging
family. The plants present a considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds with fewer side
effects for treatment of antisnake venom and can, at least in Bangladesh, become a source of affordable
and more easily available drugs.
Copyright © 2015, Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting
by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)..
Conference Presentations by Md Nasir Ahmed
Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body and improves their wellbeing due to a combination of bio-metabolites. Worldwide in a traditional medication systems including Bangladesh, medicinal plants have been applied as both neuro-therapeutic purposes and nutrients provider for the wellbeing of psychological states e.g. anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsions, anti-dementia, antipsychotic, and cognitive enhancement, etc.
Objective
The present study aimed to compile ethnomedicinal plant-based functional foods used by folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) of Bangladesh for the management of brain health.
Method
By using online databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Elsevier to retrieve literature by applying multiple keywords such as “ethnomedicinal plants, functional foods, Bangladesh”. The listed plants were then evaluated by using relevant pharmacological studies to claim their neuroprotective properties.
Results
A total of 32 medicinal plants have been listed that were used by FMPs as functional foods for the management of multiple neurology-related ailments. The study it showed that Plants like Aegle marmelos, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera, Spilanthes acmella, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Vitex negundo pharmacologically also possessed neuroprotective properties.
Conclusion
Plant-based foods are an emerging interest thanks to their nutritional support and therapeutic benefits, and some ethnomedicinal plants of Bangladesh which were classified as functional foods have also been biologically reported to have several neurological health benefits. Our study will help the scientific communities to conduct further research to develop therapeutic guidelines that are needed to ensure unquestionable safety appraisal.
of the Africa, Asia and the Americas. Incidence of snakebite is usually recorded in young people engaged
in active physical work in rural areas. The various plant parts used to treat snakebite included whole
plant, leaves, barks, roots and seeds. Most bites in Bangladesh are recorded between May and October
with highest number in June. Lower and upper limbs are most common sites of snakebite, but it may
happen in other sites as well. Snake venom (蛇毒she dú) has been the cause of innumerable deaths
worldwide. However, antiserum does not provide enough protection against venom induced hemorrhage,
necrosis, nephrotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Informed consent was obtained from the
practitioners prior to interviews. After the survey, it is concluded that the medicinal plants used by tribal
medicinal practitioners in Bangladesh for treatment against snakebite are Acyranthes aspera L. (土牛膝tǔ
niú xı), Amaranthus Viridis L. (野莧菜ye xiang cai), Asparagus racemosus Willd (總序天冬zǒng xù tian
dong) and Emblica officinalis Gaertn (油柑you gan), while the non-tribal communities used 35 plant
species among them, most of the plants reported as new species used against snakebite in the belonging
family. The plants present a considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds with fewer side
effects for treatment of antisnake venom and can, at least in Bangladesh, become a source of affordable
and more easily available drugs.
Copyright © 2015, Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting
by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)..
Consumption of medicinal plants as food furnishes Phyto-nutrition to the human body and improves their wellbeing due to a combination of bio-metabolites. Worldwide in a traditional medication systems including Bangladesh, medicinal plants have been applied as both neuro-therapeutic purposes and nutrients provider for the wellbeing of psychological states e.g. anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsions, anti-dementia, antipsychotic, and cognitive enhancement, etc.
Objective
The present study aimed to compile ethnomedicinal plant-based functional foods used by folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) of Bangladesh for the management of brain health.
Method
By using online databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Elsevier to retrieve literature by applying multiple keywords such as “ethnomedicinal plants, functional foods, Bangladesh”. The listed plants were then evaluated by using relevant pharmacological studies to claim their neuroprotective properties.
Results
A total of 32 medicinal plants have been listed that were used by FMPs as functional foods for the management of multiple neurology-related ailments. The study it showed that Plants like Aegle marmelos, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera, Spilanthes acmella, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Vitex negundo pharmacologically also possessed neuroprotective properties.
Conclusion
Plant-based foods are an emerging interest thanks to their nutritional support and therapeutic benefits, and some ethnomedicinal plants of Bangladesh which were classified as functional foods have also been biologically reported to have several neurological health benefits. Our study will help the scientific communities to conduct further research to develop therapeutic guidelines that are needed to ensure unquestionable safety appraisal.