Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh

Abstract

The knowledge base of pharmacotherapy is changing. Even five decades ago, rural people used to visit folk healers for traditional medication mostly obtained from the roots and leaves of the remote plants. Bangladesh, a country of a fertile land, has a rich flora of medicinal plants. Around 5000 angiosperm plant species are identified and researchers are continuously working with them. And also, their impeccable contribution toward medicinal science is also established. Purpose of the Study: An illustrated review of traditional plants, their nature and use, both pharmacological and pharmaceutical. Findings: A careful use of traditional plants can bring dramatic changes in the history of medicine; on the contrary, abuse also creates potential health hazards. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review, consulting books, technical newsletters, newspapers, journals, and many other sources are done with this review. A few folk healers’ shops are also visited to see the real situation which includes their sales policy, misleading claims without valid references. Research Limitations: The limitation lies with the unlimited information about traditional medicines. Only data obtained from books, newsletters, national and international research-based articles are given here along with surrounding facts mostly visible. Practical Implication: The article is based on plant medicine which is an easily understandable topic if we keep aside a few medical terms used. Students, researchers and professionals of different background and disciplines. Social Implication: The article should contribute an integrated guideline for pharmacists’ role in rational use of plant medicine, for both treatment intervention or as lifestyle drugs.

Keywords: folk healers, herbs and dietary supplements (HDS), herbal supplements, medicinal plants, medical pluralism, poisoning