Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS)

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© Serials Publications

Ethnomedicinal Knowledge Among the Local Community of

Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh
Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque*, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and
Imam Hossen

Abstract: Atwari upazilla is situated in the furthest north region of Bangladesh. Its outlying location and remoteness
made it unique in the traditional use of medicinal plants by the local people. Since, there is no previous report indicating
conduct of ethnobotanical study in this area. The present study thus attempted to document knowledge on uses and
management practices of medicinal plants by the local people in study area. The medicinal use information has been
documented by interviewing randomly selected traditional healers, various elderly men and women following different
ethnobotanical methods/techniques during October 2014-June 2015. Recorded plants species have been collected, identified
and preserved at the Chittagong University Herbarium (CTGUH). A total of 97 vascular plant species belonging to 86
genera of 53 families have been documented which are used to treat 47 diseases/illness. In context to the number of species,
the most frequent used family is Fabaceae. According to life form, herb (49.48%) is used most frequently and the most
utilized plant parts are leaves (34.58%). A total of 25 local healers have been interviewed. Of them 88% were above 31
years. Most of the information has been documented form the male informants (96). This study showed that local people
still depends on plants around them for the treatment of various ailments and diseases. From the present study, it can be
concluded that further scientific studies conducted with the plants can lead to discovery of novel phytochemicals and
drugs.
Keywords: Atwari, Panchagarh, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, drug discovery.

INTRUDUCTION Bangladesh (Rahman et al., 2007). Bangladesh, a

Ethnobotany is considered as a branch of country of very fertile land, has a rich flora of
ethnobiology, the study of past and present medicinal plants. A total of 4939 angiospermic plant
interrelationships between human cultures and the species are scattered throughout the forests, jungles,
plants, animals, and other organisms in their hills, plains, crop fields, road-sides, gardens, marshy
environment. It includes plants used as food, lands and watery places of Bangladesh, out of which
medicine, crafts, crops, weeds, wild or cultivated, 750 species are used in traditional medicine (Pasha
and the present and past ways of manipulation, use and Uddin, 2013; Uddin, 2010). The World Health
and/or exploitation by people. Medicinal plants Organization (WHO) listed 21,000 medicinal plants
play a significant role in primary healthcare of rural that were used in different parts of the world.
people (Roy et al., 2008; Mohiuddin et al., 2012). They According to WHO report 80% of the world’s
are considered one of the crucial components as far population still depend on traditional medicine for
as the contribution of biodiversity to society is their primary health care (Islam, 2006). Bangladesh
concerned. Indigenous knowledge of herbal is a country of so many diversities in culture,
medicine for the cure of several types of diseases tradition and lifestyle. Each locality is enriched with
exists among different rural communities of their own solitary ways of life and culture. Although

* Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh, E-mail: omf@cu.ac.bd

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016 1323

 Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

the northern part of the country is not as bestowed Bernard 2002). Six repeated field trips have been
naturally as rest of the country, but there still present conducted during October 2014 to June 2015 and 38
lot of different natural treasures and their methods interviews have been made among 25 informants.
of application in the day-to-day life of the The information collected followed by
inhabitants of the locality. Atwari is an Upazila of recommended techniques, viz: direct observation,
Panchagarh district in the division of Rangpur, field interview, plant interview and group interview
Bangladesh, with an area of 209.92 sq. km is (Alexiades 1996, Martin 2004, Thomas et al 2007).
bounded by West Bengal on the north, Panchagarh Several types of questions (direct, indirect, open or
sadar upazila on the north-east, Boda upazila on the closed) have been used during the fieldwork. In
east, Thakurgaon sadar and Baliadangi upazilas on addition, an audio recording was done by using
the south, and Indian border on the west. Due to its voice recorder.
remoteness the vegetation and the socio-cultural,
ethnobiological culture and practices are quite ENUMERATION OF TAXA
different from the rest of the country. Distant
Plants have been collected, dried and preserved at
location is also a curse to this place because this place
the Chittagong University Herbarium (CTGUH)
is still mostly devoid of modern cultures and trends.
with voucher number. Plants are identified with
The most diversified and reach vegetation of the
author citation by reviewing taxonomist and recent
country is situated in the south-west and
book (Pasha and Uddin, 2013). Recorded plant
southeastern part, yet Atwari has some precious
species have been tabulated along with their local
natural gifts and unique ethno biological practices.
name, family, parts used, illness treated and using
The new generations are getting more and more
information and frequency of distribution (Table 1).
interest to the modern allopathic practices instead
of following their ancestors. This trend is seriously
threatening the age-old traditions and cultures of RESULTS
the local people. That necessitated the proper Total 25 informants have been selected for the
documentation, elaborated research and present study. The informants consisted of 96% male
conservation of the age-old ethnobotanical practices, and only 4% female. According to the age, most
because all of these might result in discovery of informants were near 31-45years (40%) old and
important and noble phytochemicals and drugs as other interviewees were 46-60 years (28%) old,
well. followed by more than 60 years (20%) old,
respectively (Table 2).
A number of ethno-medicinal studies in
Bangladesh have been carried by Rahman et al., Throughout the survey, a total number of 97
(2007), Yusuf et al., (2006, 2007), Roy et al., (2008), species under 86 genera in 53 families have been
Faruque and Uddin, (2011), Mohiuddin et al., (2012), recorded include different life forms, viz:, herb (48),
Uddin et al., (2006, 2011, 2012), and Sajib and Uddin tree (30), shrub (12) and climber (7). In context to
(2013). However, no specific work has been done the number of species the most frequently used
on the medicinal plants of rural community of family were Fabaceae (8), followed by
Atwari Upazila. The present study intends to Caesalpiniaceae (5), Liliaceae (4), Euphorbiaceae (4),
document the information on the plants used for Asteraceae (4) and Amaranthaceae (4). (Table 3).
medicinal purposes at Atwari. Various plant parts have been found to be
widely used for the treatment of 47 (table:4) types
METHOD OF STUDY of diseases/illness. The most widely used plant
A multidisciplinary approached fieldwork parts were leaves (34.58%) followed by fruits
combines botanical inventories, collection of plant (18.69%), roots (12.15%), seeds (9.35%) and whole
specimens, structured, semi structured, and plant (6.54%). (figure 1). The maximum utilized
informal interviews and classic anthropological plant part were leaves by them it is indicate that
participant observation techniques (Vogl et al 2004; they are conservative in plant uses because it does

1324 International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

 Table 1
Documented medicinal plants used by the local people in study area

No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

1 Abroma augusta (L.) Ulatkambal Sterculiaceae Shrub Urinary irritations Bark Bark extract is taken a cup of full once a day Common

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016

L.f. (ARI1024) for three days to treat urinary irritations.
2 Abrus Precatorius L. Ratti Fabaceae Tree Diarrhoea and Seed Seed powder is taken one tea spoon full once Common
(ARI1027) Dysentery. a day for three days for the treatment of
diarrhoea and dysentery.
3 Acalypha indica L. Muktajhuri Euphorbiaceae Herb Asthma Leaves Leaf extract is taken to treat asthma once a Common
(ARI1012) day until cure.
4 Achyranthes aspera L. Apang Amaranthaceae Herb Toothache Stem Root is taken in toothache. Common
(ARI1041)
5 Acorus Calamus L. Bach Araceae Herb Cuts and wounds Root Paste of root is applied to treat cuts and Common
(ARI1029) wounds
Least Concern
6 Adiantum capillus- Vat pata Adiantaceae Herb Stomach pain Leaves Decoction of leaves is taken one teaspoon full Common
veneris L. (ARI1019) once day for three days to cure stomach pain.
Least Concern
7 Adiantum philippense L. Goyalelata Adiantaceae Herb Skin disease Leaves Leave paste is applied to treat skin diseases Common
(ARI1014) once a day for three days
8 Ageratum conyzoides (L.) Fulkuri Asteraceae Herb Skin disease Leaves Smashed leaves is applied to treat skin Common
L. (ARI1025) diseases once a day for seven days.
9 Albizia procera (Roxb.) Sil koroi Mimosaceae Tree Ulcer Leaves Leaf extract is taken to treat ulcer once a day Common
Benth. (ARI1013) for every day.
10 Allium cepa L. Piaj Liliaceae Herb Asthma, Gout & Bulb Bulb paste is taken to treat asthma, Common
(ARI1036) Rheumatism rheumatism
11 Allium sativum L. Rasun Liliaceae Herb Fever, Bronchitis, Bulb Bulb paste is taken to treat fever, cough Common
(ARI1009) Cold & Cough and bronchitis
12 Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) Mankachu Araceae Herb Inflammations, Whole Plant extract taken to treat inflammations, Common
G.Don (ARI1002) Rheumatism and plant rheumatism and jaundice.
Jaundice
13 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Ghritakumari Aloeaceae Herb Burn and Sprains, Leaves Juice of the leaves is applied externally for Rare
(ARI1005) Jaundice, Asthma. burn and sprains and also taken to treat
Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

jaundice, asthma.
14 Alstonia scholaris (L.) Chatim Apocynaceae Tree Ulcer Sap Milky juice is taken to treat ulcer once a day Occasional
R. Br. (ARI1016) until cure.
least concern

1325
1326
No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

15 Amaranthus spinosus L. Katanoty Amaranthaceae Herb Dysentery Root Root juice along with sugar or molasses is Common
(ARI1020) given in dysentery
16 Amaranthus viridis L. Notey Amaranthaceae Herb Bronchitis Leaves Leave extract is taken to treat bronchitis Common
(ARI1032)
17 Ananus comosus (L.) Anaras Bromeliaceae Herb Intestinal disorder. Immature Juice of leaf is taken one teaspoon full once a Common
Merr. (ARI1039) Leaves, day for three days for the treatment of
Sucker intestinal disorder.
18 Andrographis paniculata Kalomegh Acanthaceae Herb Liver Whole plant extract taken to treat liver cirrhosis Common
(Burm.f.) Wall. ex cirrhosis plant
Nees. (ARI1043)
19 Annona reticulata L. Ata Annonaceae Tree Tumors Leaves Leaves extract is taken to treat tumors Common
(ARI1048)
20 Neolamarckia cadamba Kadam Rubiaceae Tree Coolant & Fruit Fruits is taken as coolant & Analgesic occasional
(Roxb.) Bosser Analgesic
(ARI1026)
21 Aphanamixis polystachya Pitraj Meliaceae Tree Rheumatism Seed Seed oil is applied to treat rheumatism Common
(wall.) R. Parker
(ARI1030)
least concern
22 Areca catechu L. Shupari Arecaceae Tree Urinary irritation Fruit Seed is taken to treat urinary irritation Abundant
(ARI1042)
23 Argemone maxicana L. Shialkanta Papaveraceae Herb Cancer Latex Latex is taken to treat cancer twice a day Common
(ARI1008) for 30 days.
24 Artocarpus lacucha Dewa Moraceae Tree Skin disease Bark An infusion of the bark is applied for Common
Buch-Ham. skin disease
(ARI1003)
25 Asparagus racemosus Satamuli Liliaceae Herb Gastritis Root Pasted of root is taken one spoon full once Common
Willd. (ARI1031) a day for three days for the treatment of
gastritis
26 Averrhoa carambola L. Kamranga Oxalidaceae Tree Tonic, Fruit Fruit is used to treat jaundice, taken two or Abundant
(ARI1029) Jaundice. three times until cure; it is also used as tonic.
Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

27 Azadirachta indica A. Nim Meliaceae Tree Skin disease Leaves, Powder of leaf\bark is taken one teaspoon Abundant
Juss. (ARI1001) Bark. full twice a day for three days against skin
problems.
28 Basella rubra L. Puishak Basellaceae climber Constipation, Leaves, The juice of the leaves is taken in constipation, Common
(ARI1033)

International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

contd. table 1
 No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

29 Bombax ceiba L. Shimul Bombacaceae Tree Dysentery Root Extract of young root is taken one teaspoon Common
(ARI1006) full twice a day for three days.
30 Cajanus cajan (L.) Arhar Fabaceae Shrub Jaundice Seed Paste of leaves mixed with bark of mango, Common

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016

Millsp. (ARI1028) berry and root of catechu nut is applied on
the body once a day for two days.
31 Calotropis gigantea (L.) Akanda Asclepiadaceae Shrub Gout and Leaves Leaf is applied to the affected area twice a Common
Ait.f. (ARI1040) Rheumatism day for three days for the treatment of
gout and rheumatism.
32 Carica papaya L. Pepe Caricaceae Tree Gastritis Fruit Green papaya is taken with beet salt to cure Abundant
(ARI1054) gastritis once a day for three days.
33 Cassia fistula L. Sonalu Caesalpiniaceae Herb Ulcer, Leaves leave juice is taken to treat ulcer, young Abundant
(ARI1062) Ringworms leaves is used to cure ringworms.
34 Senna obtusifolia (L.) Chakunda Caesalpiniaceae Herb Asthma, Leaves Leave juice is taken to treat asthma & Abundant
H.S. Irwin & Barneby Bronchitis bronchitis
(ARI1068)
35 Senna occidentalis Kalkasunde Caesalpiniaceae Herb Hiccup Leaves Leave juice is taken to treat hiccup. Abundant
Roxb. (ARI1051)
36 Senna sophera (L.) Chhoto Caesalpiniaceae Herb Asthma, Bronchitis, Leaves Leaf juice is taken in ringworm, asthma, Abundant
Roxb. (ARI1069) kalkesunde Hiccup, Ringworm bronchitis and hiccup.
37 Catharanthus roseus (L.) Nayantara Apocynaceae Herb Menorrhagia Leaves Infusion of the leaves is given in menorrhagia. Common
G. Don (ARI1055)
38 Celosia cristata L Moragphul Amaranthaceae Herb Dysentery, Seed Seeds oil applied to relief from body pain; Abundant
(ARI1052) Diarrhoea and it is also used in dysentery and diarrhea.
Body pain.
39 Centella asiatica (L.) Thankuni Apiaceae Herb Dysentery Whole Extract of leaves is mixed with 2-5 black Abundant
Urban (ARI1058) plant pepper is taken one teaspoon full once a day
Least Concern for three days for the treatment of dysentery.
40 Cicer arietinum L. Chana Fabaceae Herb Energetic and Seed Green seed is energetic, taken 25gm once a Common
(ARI1071) Diabetes day ; it also taken in diabetes.
41 Cinnamomum verum Daruchini Lauraceae Tree Bronchitis, Piles and Bark, Bark is taken to treat bronchitis and piles. Common
C.Presl (ARI1070) Diarrhoea Leaves Leaves extract is taken once a day until
cure from diarrhea.
42 Cissus quadrangularis L. Harjora Vitaceae Climber Broken limbs Whole Plant paste is applied to join broken limbs. Rare
(ARI1066) plant
Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

43 Citrullus lanatus Tormuj Cucurbitaceae Climber Coolant Fruit Ripe fruits is taken as coolant. Common
(Thunb.) Matsumura
& Nakai (ARI1053)

1327
contd. table 1
 No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of

1328
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

44 Citrus aurantiifolia Lebu Rutaceae Shrub Sinusitis, Leaves, Smashed leaves are effective on vomiting Abundant
(Christm.) Swingle Vomiting and Fruit and sinusitis. Fruit extract with sugar is
(ARI1056) Energetic. energetic, taken twice a day for three days.
45 Citrus maxima (Burm.f.) Jambura Rutaceae Tree Asthma Fruit Fruits is taken to treat asthma. Common
Merr. (ARI1063)
46 Cleome gynandra L. Sada Capparaceae Herb Tumors Root Root is taken to treat tumors. Abundant
(ARI1076) hurhure
47 Clerodendrum indicum Bamunhatti Verbenaceae Shrub Asthma Root Root paste is taken to treat asthma. Common
(L.) Kuntze (ARI1072)
48 Clerodendrum viscosum Bhat Verbenaceae Shrub Fever, Cough Immature Leaves extract with 21 black pepper is taken Abundant
Vent. (ARI1074) and Cold Leaves one teaspoon full once a day for 21 days to
cure Fever, cough and cold.
49 Coccinia grandis (L.) Telakucha Cucurbitaceae Climber Diabetes Whole Juice of plant is taken to diabetes. Common
Voigt (ARI1064) plant
50 Cocos nucifera L Narikel, Arecaceae Tree Intestinal Fruit Drinking of green coconut heals intestinal Abundant
(ARI1042) dab disorder, Fever disorder, taken twice a day for three days.
and Urinary Fruit is useful in fever and urinary
irritations irritations.
51 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Kachu Araceae Herb Tumors Leaves Leaves juice is taken to treat tumors. Abundant
Schott (ARI1061)
Least Concern
52 Commelina benghalensis L. Dholpata Commelinaceae Herb Cuts and Stem Stem sap is applied to stop cuts and wounds. Common
(ARI1081) wounds
Least Concern
53 Crotalaria juncea L. Shonpat Fabaceae Herb Hair tonic, Seed seed is applied to treat skin disease and Abundant
(ARI1078) Skin diseases hair tonic.
54 Crotalaria verrucosa L. Jhanjhani Fabaceae Herb Dyspepsia Leaves leaves is taken to treat dyspepsia. Common
(ARI1021)
55 Cucumis sativus L. Shasha Cucurbitaceae Climber Energetic, Fruit Green fruit is energetic, taken 250 gm Common
(ARI1077) Obesity twice a day every day; it is also used to
reduce fat from the body.
Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

56 Curcuma longa L. Halud Zingiberaceae Herb Blood purifier, Rhizome Paste of the rhizome along with Abundant
(ARI1084) Diabetes Azadirachta indica leaf is taken one glass
every day in the morning in empty
stomach to control diabetes; it is also
blood purifies blood.

International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

contd. table 1
 No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

57 Cyperus rotandus L. Mutha, Cyperaceae Herb Dysentery Root Extract of root mixed with 2-5 black pepper Common
(ARI1087) Kalna taken one teaspoon full thrice a day for seven
Least Concern days to cure dysentery.

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016

58 Dalbergia sissoo DC. Sisu Fabaceae Tree Stomach pain Leaves Extract of young leaves is taken to treat Common
(ARI1084) stomach pain.
59 Dillenia indica L. Chalta Dilleniaceae Tree Allergy Fruit Fruits is used in allergy, taken once a day Common
(ARI1053) for two days.
60 Diospyros malabarica Gab Ebenaceae Tree Skin disease Bark and Bark and leaves are applied to treat skin Common
(Desr.) Kostel. Leaves disease.
(ARI1091)
61 Drimia indica (Roxb.) Ban piaj Liliaceae Herb Asthma Bulb Extract of bulb is taken one teaspoon full Common
Jessop (ARI1098) twice a day until cure from asthma.
62 Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Kesuti Asteraceae Herb Jaundice Leaves Fresh leave juice is taken to treat Jaundice. Abundant
(ARI1093)
Data Deficient
63 Eichhornia crassipes Kachuripana Ponted Herb Goiter Whole Plant extract taken to treat goiter for three Abundant
(Mart.) Solms eriaceae plant months.
(ARI1076)
64 Elaeocarpus floribundus Jalpai Elaeocarpaceae Tree Rheumatism Leaves Leaves is taken to treat Rheumatism. common
Blume (ARI1099)
65 Elephantopus scaber L. Gojialata Asteraceae Herb Piles Leaves Leaves are taken to treat piles. Common
(ARI1095)
66 Erythrina variegata L. Mader Fabaceae Tree Dysentery Root 100g root paste is taken once a day for four Common
Var. variegata days to treat dysentery.
(ARI1078)
Least Concern
67 Euphorbia thymifolia L. Dudhiya Euphorbiaceae Herb Diarrhoea Leaves Paste of leaf is taken one tea spoon full once Abundant
(ARI1094) a day for three days to treat diarrhoea.
68 Limonia acidissima L. Kadbel Rutaceae Tree Stomach pain Fruit Fruits is taken twice a day for three days Common
(ARI1067) to cure from stomach pain.
69 Ficus semicordata Buch. Dumur Moraceae Tree Sensuality Fruit 2-3 fruits is taken thrice a day for seven Common
-Ham. ex J.E.Sm. days for the treatment of sensuality.
(ARI1042)
Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

70 Heliotropium indicum L. Hatisur Boraginaceae Herb Dysentery Root Root extract is taken one teaspoon full Abundant
(ARI1086) once a day for three days in the morning
on empty stomach to cure dysentery.

1329
contd. table 1
 No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of

1330
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

71 Justicia adhatoda L. Basak Acanthaceae Shrub Cough Leaves Leaf extract with zinger & black pepper is Common
(ARI1085) taken one tea spool full twice a day until
cure to treat cough.
72 Kalanchoe pinnata Patharkuchi Crassulaceae Herb Urinary Mature Mature leaves extract is taken thrice a day Common
(Lam.) Pers. (ARI1046) irritations Leaves for three days to treat urinary irritations.
73 Lablab purpureus (L.) Shim Fabaceae Herb Skin Leaves, Paste of leaf mixed with salt and applied to Abundant
Sweet Subsp: disease seed the affected area once a day for three days
purpureus (ARI1006) to cure skin diseases.
74 Leucas aspera (Roth) Dulfi Lamiaceae Herb Skin Leaves The juice of leaves is applied in psoriasis Abundant
Spreng. (ARI1016) disease and other skin eruption.
75 Melastoma Datrenga, Melastomataceae Shrub Jaundice Fruit Fruit is taken twice a day for five days to Abundant
malabathricum L. Lutki treat jaundice
(ARI1073)
76 Mimosa pudica L. Lojjaboti Mimosaceae Shrub Toothache Root Root extract is taken one tea spoon full once Abundant
(ARI1049) a day for three days to treat toothache
Least Concern
77 Moringa oleifera Lam. Sajina Moringaceae Tree Cold and cough Bark Bark extract is taken 50 gm twice a day for Common
(ARI1023) two days to treat cold and cough.
78 Musa paradisiaca L. Aittakola Musaceae Herb Dysentery, Fruit The unripe fruit is taken to control diabetes, Abundant
(ARI1047) Diabetes. also used to treat chronic dysentery.
79 Nigella sativa L. Kalojira Ranunculaceae Herb Jaundice, Cough Seed Powder of seed is taken one teaspoon full Common
(ARI1057) and Piles. once a day for three days for the treatment
of jaundice also used to cure cough and piles.
80 Ocimum suave Willd. Tulsi Lamiaceae Shrub Fever, Cough. Immature Leaf extract is taken to cure from fever and Common
(ARI1085) Leaves cough, taken one teaspoon full once a day
for three days.
81 Polygonum lapathifolium Bishkatali Polygonaceae Shrub To control insect Whole Plant extract is applied in the rice field as an Abundant
L. var. lapathifolium shada of rice field plant insecticide.
(ARI1082)
82 Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Khajur Arecaceae Tree Stomach Sab Sap is taken to treat stomach pain, taken one Common
Roxb. (ARI1101) pain glass once a day until cure.
Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

83 Phyllanthus emblica L. Amloki Euphorbiaceae Tree Blood pressure, Fruit, Root extract is taken one teaspoon full once a Common
(ARI1120) Liver cirrhosis, Root day for seven days to treat sensuality. Fruit is
Sensuality; used used in blood pressure & liver diseases.
as a hair tonic. Fruit oil is also used in hair tonic.

contd. table 1

International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

 No Scientific name Local name Family Habit Disease/ Illness Parts Using information Frequency of
(Voucher number) treated used occurance

84 Piper longum L. Pipul Piperaceae Herb Cough Fruit Fruit with boiling water or tea is taken twice Occasional
(ARI1131) a day for three days to cure cough.
85 Piper nigrum L Golmarich Piperaceae Climber Cough and Fruit Extract of the fruit taken to treat cough and Common

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016

(ARI1112) Cold cold, taken 3 or 4 fruit once a day for
three days.
86 Ricinus communis Bherenda Euphorbiaceae Herb Body Seed Seed oil is applied to the body twice a day for Common
L. (ARI1106) pain. seven days to relief from body pain,
87 Saccharum officinarum Akh Poaceae Herb Jaundice Stem Sap is drank one glass twice/thrice a day for Abundant
L. (ARI1108) fifteen days for the treatment of jaundice.
88 Sesamum indicum L. Dulfi, Pedaliaceae Herb Stomach pain, Seed, Powder of young leaves and rice is taken Common
(ARI1113) til Body pain Leaves once a day for three days in stomach pain.
Seed oil is used to treat body pain.
89 Stephania japonica Maknadi Menispermaceae Climber Fever, Diarrhoea, Leaves, Extract of leaves is taken once a day until Common
(Thunb.) Miers Urinary irritations Root cure to treat fever; it is also used in
(ARI1124) and Dyspepsia diarrhoea, urinary irritations and dyspepsia
90 Syzygium fruticosum Sabri Myrtaceae Tree Blood Leaves Juice of the tender leaves with rice water is Common
(Roxb.) DC. (ARI1103) dysentery taken one glass once a day until cure
from dysentery
91 Tabernaemontana Togar Apocynaceae Shrub Swelling of eye Flower Extract of flower is mixed with a pinch of Common
divericata (L.) R.Br.ex salt is taken half teaspoon full once a day for
Roemer & Schult. three days in swelling of eye.
(ARI1128)
92 Tagetes erecta L. Genda Asteraceae Herb Cut and wounds. Young Paste of young leaf applied to the affected Abundant
(ARI1222) Leaves area during cut and wounds.
93 Tamarindus indica L. Tetul Caesalpiniaceae Tree Fever Fruit Fruit is taken twice a day until cure to Common
(ARI1123) treat fever
94 Terminalia arjuna Arjun Combretaceae Tree Blood Bark Bark extract or dried bark with water is Common
(Roxb. ex DC.) pressure taken once a day on empty stomach for
Wight & Arn. three months to cure blood pressure.
(ARI1118)
95 Terminalia bellirica Bahera Combretaceae Tree Bronchitis, Asthma, Fruit Dry fruit soaked in water is taken one glass Common
(Gaertn.) Roxb. Dyspepsia and once a day (in the morning) for 7-15 days for
(ARI1129) Scorpion-sting the treatment of bronchitis, asthma,
dyspepsia and scorpion-sting
96 Terminalia chebula Haritaki Combretaceae Tree Asthma, Blood Fruit Dry fruit soaked in water is taken in asthma, Common
Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

(Gaertn.) Retz. pressure, Painful blood pressure, painful menstruation and

(ARI1132) menstruation and indigestion, taken one glass once a day
Indigestion (in the morning) until cure.
97 Zingiber officinale Ada Zingiberaceae Herb Coolant, Rhizome Rhizome with tea is taken to cure cough and Abundant
Roscoe (ARI1104) Cough for keeping the body cool.

1331
 Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

Table 2
List of Families

Family Number Family Number Family Number Family Number

Apocynaceae 3 Bromeliaceae 1 Fabaceae 8 Papaveraceae 1

Acanthaceae 2 Caesalpiniaceae 5 Lamiaceae 2 Pedaliaceae 1
Adiantaceae 2 Capparaceae 1 Lauraceae 1 Piperaceae 2
Aloeaceae 1 Caricaceae 1 Liliaceae 4 Poaceae 1
Amaranthaceae 4 Combretaceae 3 Melastomataceae 1 Polygonaceae 1
Annonaceae 1 Commelinaceae 1 Meliaceae 2 Pontederiaceae 1
Apiaceae 1 Crassulaceae 1 Menispermaceae 1 Ranunculaceae 1
Araceae 3 Cucurbitaceae 3 Mimosaceae 2 Rubiaceae 1
Arecaceae 3 Cyperaceae 1 Moraceae 2 Rutaceae 3
Asclepiadaceae 1 Dilleniaceae 1 Moringaceae 1 Sterculiaceae 1
Asteraceae 4 Ebenaceae 1 Musaceae 1 Verbenaceae 2
Basellaceae 1 Elaeocarpaceae 1 Myrtaceae 1 Vitaceae 1
Bombacaceae 1 Euphorbiaceae 4 Oxalidaceae 1 Zingiberaceae 2
Boraginaceae 1

Table 3 not need to uproot/destroy the whole plants.

Demography of informants Extensive use of leaves in ethnobotanical practice
Factor Categories No. of person % of informants has also been recorded in some other ethnobotanical
survey reports (Mahishi et al 2005, Abo et al 2008,
Gender Male 24 96% Gonzalez et al 2010, Telefo et al 2011). Maximum
Female 1 4% numbers of plants were used for diarrhea and
Age 15-30 3 12% dysentery (13) followed by Asthma (10), Cold and
31-45 10 40% cough (9), Jaundice (8), etc. (Table 4).
46-60 7 28%
More than 60 5 20% The present study has been revealed that at
Profession Hakim 6 24% least 10 methods of application of medicine or usage
Farmer 7 28% in general. The maximum number of application are
Businessman 7 28% orally administrated or internal application.
Others 5 20% Medicines that are administrated internally includes

Table 4
Recorded disease/ illness treated

Disease Number Disease Number Disease Number Disease Number

Diarrhoea & Dysentery 13 Tumors 3 Liver cirrhosis 2 Scorpion-sting 1

Asthma 10 Coolant 3 Intestinal Disorder 2 Cancer 1
Cold & Cough 9 Body pain 3 Ring worms 2 Sinusitis 1
Jaundice 8 Piles 3 Hiccup 2 Burn and Sprains 1
Skin disease 8 Dyspepsia 3 Gastritis 2 Indigestion 1
Bronchitis 6 Blood pressure 3 Swelling of eye 1 Inflammations 1
Fever 6 Energetic 3 Analgesic 1 Tonic 1
Urinary irritation 5 Toothache 3 Menorrhagia 1 Constipation 1
Stomach pain 5 Cuts & Wounds 3 Allergy 1 Broken limbs 1
Gout & Rheumatism 5 Hair tonic 2 Goiter 1 Obesity 1
Diabetes 4 Sensuality 2 Insecticide 1 Vomiting 1
Ulcer 3 Blood purifier 2 Menstruation problem 1

1332 International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

 Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

Figure 1: Plant parts used to prepare ethnomedicine

for cough, diarrhoea, asthma, jaundice, fever etc. Mode of Application

Local application of plant as medicine is also
referred by them in many cases. Herbal bath, plaster,
rubbing, massaging and tying the plant parts in the
body also been found. The local application and the
other outer application may be considered as
external application. So the major two categories are
i) external application, and ii) internal application.
Seven plants were found to be used as both external
and internal. Fig. 2.
The most frequently cited modes of
preparation were extracting and pasting (45.45%),
chewing that includes direct ingestion, intake etc
(19.19%), juice preparation (14.14%), boiling and
baking (7.07%), Powder and dried form (6.06%) and
smashing that includes massaging , rubbing (3.03%).
Materials prepared as juice, decoction, and paste
and in other forms are often mixed with a variety of
spices, vegetable oils, pharmacological agents etc.
Based on field observation and local Figure 2: Mode of Application

information, it has observed that out of total 97-

recorded plant species, 62 species were common, other hand the conservation status of the recorded
30 species were abundant, three species were plants species has been checked by IUCN Red List
occasional and only two species were rare viz: Cissus of Threatened Species (Version 2015.1.
quadrangularis L. and Aloe vera (L.)Burm.f. On the www.iucnredlist.org). Only one plant was recorded

Vol. 34, No. 5, 2016 1333

 Khondakar Raziur Rahman, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin and Imam Hossen

as ‘data deficient’ (Alstonia scholaris) and 10 plant species has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red
species were recorded as ‘least concern’. The other List (figure 3).

Figure 3: Comparative representation of data of local and IUCN red list data

DISCUSSION disappearing rapidly. It is urgently needed to

The main focus of this study was to document the document these information before disappear
plant use information for herbal formularies as the forever from this region. Moreover, if the plants of
source of treatment for various diseases by the rural this locality can be thoroughly examined and
communities. These people are still dependent on investigated for further research and study, the
plants products and have believed in their various probability of finding new class of phytochemical
remedial properties for a very long time. From one and drug in certain. Atwari upazila situated beside
generation to another, this knowledge has been the Indian state of Shiliguri. There are some common
passed on through word of mouth and improved plants in both side which are used for the treatment
through selection and rejection processes. A total of same/different types of diseases and sometimes
of 47 species have been found to be used for this using information were shared between them.
treatment purpose. Aerial parts mostly used in The present study tried to document the
herbal formularies indicating the easy collection and ethnomedicinal from the Bangladesh part later on,
rich conservation management. Frequently treated will try to document the ethnomedicinal from the
disease/illness are diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, Indian part and no men’s land and try to find out
cough, jaundice etc. which are very common to that the correlation, similarities and dissimilarities of
area as well as in Bangladesh. The herbal vegetation and ethnomedicinal uses between two
formularies include extract, paste, juice, powder and regions. Moreover, this would become an example
the frequent intake procedure is intake indicate the for the rest of the country’s remote places and
proper use of active constituents. From the ultimately the future of the ethnobotany and
observation and analysis only two medicinal species ethnopharmacology will be flourishing than ever
have been found to be rare to that area. This is the before.
reflection of their good conservation management
of medicinal plants. There is no written document Acknowledgement
of such folk knowledge. In modern times, it is The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the local
alarming that the knowledge of ethnobotany is people and others for sharing valuable knowledge during the

1334 International Journal of Tropical Agriculture © Serials Publications, ISSN: 0254-8755

 Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Community of Atwari Upazilla of Panchagarh District, Bangladesh

course of study. They also want to thank to the senior faculty Rahnman, M.A., Uddin, S.B. and Wilcock, C.C. (2007),
of the same institute for helping in identification of plants and Medicinal plants used by Chakma tribe in Hill tracts
suggestions. districts of Bangladesh. Indian J. Traditional Knowledge,
6(3), pp. 508-517.
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