Bangladesh National Herbarium Research Articles

Evaluation of herbal ingredients used in an ethno-polyherbal formulation for treating menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in Bangladesh

BackgroundGlobally, gynecological complications such as menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea lack attention. A female folk medicine practitioner (FMP) residing in the Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh, uses a phytomedicine that has explicitly been prescribed for many years to treat abnormal uterine bleeding accompanying severe lower abdominal pain. ObjectiveWe aim to corroborate original ethno-phytomedicine data that was prescribed for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea treatment, by studying the evidence-based therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants and the potential role of gut microbiota in relevant phytopharmacology. MethodsFirst, we documented the process of the phytomedicine preparation by visiting the folk practitioner with her Prior Informed Consent and completed the plant's taxonomic identification from Bangladesh National Herbarium. This was followed by the study of relevant literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar databases to elucidate the scientific efficacy of the herbal ingredients used in the phytomedicine preparation. ResultsThe plant species Phyllanthus reticulatus, Piper nigrum, and Acacia catechu was used as ingredients in the phytomedicine preparation, which has been corroborated by phytochemical and pharmacological data, as well as previous ethnopharmacological uses. The accumulated information aids to hypothesize that a phytochemical, catechin in Acacia catechu and Piper nigrum might act as β-glucuronidase and aromatase inhibitor to balance estrogen levels of patients with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. ConclusionAs traditional phytomedicines are suffering from a lack of standardization parameters compared to modern synthetic drugs, the implementation of advanced technologies and emerging scientific strategies can significantly impact the scientific validity, quality, and standardization of traditional herbal medicines. The present study suggests further biological research towards a more updated standardized phytomedicine formulation that can effectively treat menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.

Taxonomical identification, biomass production and nutrient composition of Moringa sp. as a fodder crop

The study was conducted to identify the moringa species and to determine biomass production of Moringa sp. as a fodder crop. An experimental plot (2100 cm x 300 cm) was divided into three equal subplots (900 cm x 300 cm). Chemical fertilizer was applied (100-90-30, NPK), one-fifth of the total fertilizer after each harvest and the recommended amount of cow dung. Weeds were controlled in the experimental plot as they appeared. In a harvesting day, one unit of land containing 54 plants was cut into 3 different sections considering different cutting heights 1.5, 2 and 2.5 feet and cutting intervals after planting were 40, 50 and 60 days, respectively. The experimental design was 3 x 3 factorial design in this study. All plants were randomly selected from each harvested plot and separated manually into their different botanical fractions such as stem, twigs and leaves. The different fractions weight were recorded using an electric balance and freshly harvested biomass were sun dried. To identify the moringa plant taxonomically, the herbarium sheets were prepared with the samples from 6 different locations of Bangladesh. The herbarium sheets were matched with the control moringa herarium sheet at the library of Bangladesh National Herbarium Center, Mirpur Dhaka. As per result, the biomass yield of moringa at 40 days from sowing was significantly highest (p<0.01) in 1.5 feet (278 kg/hec) to 2 feet (264 kg/hec) cutting from the ground compared to 2.5 feet (207 kg/hec). Similar trends were observed in 60 days. Interaction effect between cutting height and cutting interval was found significant. Moringa leaves contained crude protein (CP) 28.21% whereas stem and twigs contained 11.13% and 13.49% CP respectively in this study. Considering all the results it can be concluded that M. olifera may be cultivated as fodder crop and harvested with optimum cutting height of 1.5 feet at the age of 60 days.
 Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&2), 2019: P. 61-72

Use of Jasminum Sambac and Eleusine Indica in a Novel Method for Treatment of Snakebite

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to document a novel treatment method using Jasminum sambac and Eleusine indica to treat snakebite in Bagshayesta village of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. Methods: The whole process of treatment was photographed in presence of a few onlookers (including another FMP) with the consent of the patient and the folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) who treated the patient. Plant specimens were photographed, collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium at Dhaka. Results: The FMP (belonging to the Libra zodiac sign) first used a rectangular ring of Eleusine indica leaves and stems to determine the extent to which venom has entered the body of the patient (who was bitten on the right toe by a cobra species snake). Leaf juice obtained from seven leaves of Jasminum sambac was then orally administered to the patient every 5-10 minutes till the venom has come out of the bitten area. Conclusion: The whole treatment process, strange as it seems, was witnessed by onlookers as well as the authors (all of whom can be judged to be without bias one way or another). That the patient survived without administration of any anti-venom or other medication(s) testify to the success of the treatment, at least for cobra bites.

Appraisals of Bangladeshi Medicinal Plants Used by Folk Medicine Practitioners in the Prevention and Management of Malignant Neoplastic Diseases.

Cancer is a group of diseases which is categorized to differentiate into diverse cell types and move around in the body to sites of organogenesis that is key to the process of tumor genesis. All types of cancer fall into the group of malignant neoplastic diseases. In Bangladesh, cancer is now one of the foremost killer diseases and its personal, social, and economic bearing are huge. Plant-derived natural compounds (vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide, paclitaxel, camptothecin, topotecan, and irinotecan) are useful for the treatment of cancer. Since there is no extensive ethnobotanical research study in Bangladesh regarding the traditional uses of medicinal plants against neoplasms, therefore, a randomized ethnopharmacological surveys were carried out in 3 districts of Bangladesh to learn more about the usage of anticancer medicinal plants and their chemical constituents having antineoplastic activity. Comprehensive interviews were conducted to the folk medicine practitioners and medicinal plants as pointed out by them were photographed, collected, deposited, and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. The various plant parts have been used by the healers which included whole plant, leaves, fruits, barks, roots, and seeds. This study evaluated considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds with less side effects in the management and prevention of malignancy in cancer.

Glycemic, Insulinemic, Lipidemic and Antioxidant Status of nSTZ Rats after Chronic Administration of Cicer arietinum Extract

Background: The aims of the study were to evaluate glycemic, insulinemic, lipidemic and antioxidant properties of C. arietinum in neonatal-streptozotocin (nSTZ) rats. Materials and methods: Seeds were collected from the commercially available sources of Dhaka city, identified from Bangladesh National Herbarium and absolute ethanol extract was prepared. A single iv injection of STZ were given to neonate rats of Long Evans strain and 12 weeks later an OGTT was done and rats with fasting glucose level above 7.5 mmol/L were selected. The rats were divided into four groups: i) Water control, ii) Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bw), iii) C. arietinum 0.625 g/kg bw (CA Ext 1) and iv) 1.25 g/kg bw (CA Ext 2) treated. Body weight was measured weekly. Blood was collected by cutting the tail tip on 0 day and by decapitation on 28 day. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, creatinine, ALT, MDA, GSH, hepatic glycogen were measured. HOMA B% and HOMA S% were calculated. The data were analyzed using appropriate tools. Results: A significant decrease of fasting glucose level was noticed on 28 day with CA Ext 2 compared to baseline (p<0.05); 26% and 18% decrease were found in comparison to water and glibenclamide treated groups respectively. Blood glucose lowering effect was associated with insulin lowering effect of CA Ext 2. Treatment with CA Ext 2 improved HOMAB%, and both treated groups improved HOMA IR of nSTZ diabetic rats. Total cholesterol was significantly decreased in comparison to water control on 28 day (p=0.014); triglycerides decreased by 11% and HDL increased by 4% respectively in CA Ext 2 group. Serum ALT and creatinine levels were remained unchanged by C. arietinum. A significant increase of reduced-GSH level was found in CA Ext 1 treated group (p=0.031). Conclusion: CA Ext 2 showed significant hypoglycemic and antilipidemic effects most likely through decreasing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. It also has antioxidant activity that reduces the oxidative changes induced by STZ administration.

Active Fractions from Asparagus racemosus Willd. with Thrombolytic, Membrane Stabilizing and Free Radical Scavenging Activities

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(2): 183-186, 2015

Medicinal plant usage by traditional medical practitioners of rural villages in Chuadanga district, Bangladesh

Traditional medical practitioners (Kavirajes) administer primary health care to most of the rural population in Bangladesh. They use medicinal plants for various formulations to treat ailments. The medicinal plants used by the traditional medical practitioners vary considerably from region to region. The objectives of this study were to identify native medicinal plants and their ethno-medicinal use among the traditional medical practitioners of Chuadanga district, Bangladesh. After obtaining informed consent, interviews were conducted with the Kavirajes with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Plant specimens, as pointed out by respondents, were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. The results show 119 plant species belonging to 64 families were used by the traditional medical practitioners for treatment of various ailments. The most frequently used families were Asteracea with six species followed by Moraceae, Solanaceae and Apocynaceae with five species. Among the selected species the maximum contribution was recorded for herbs with 38% species followed by trees (32%), shrubs (21%), climbers (7%) and palm (2%). Assessments of reported ethno-medicinal activity indicate that these plant species can potentially be of pharmacological interest as well as for conservation of biodiversity.

Medicinal plants and formulations used by the Soren clan of the Santal Tribe in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh for treatment of various ailments

The Santals form the largest tribal community in northern Bangladesh reside primarily in Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisions, where they live in the districts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh. Although they are fast losing their traditional medicinal practices, they still have their own medicinal practitioners who rely mostly on medicinal plants for treatment of a variety of ailments. The traditional medicinal practices vary quite extensively between the twelve clans of the Santals. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the Soren clan of the Santal community residing in two villages of Tanor Santal Para in Rajshahi district to collect information on their use of medicinal plants. Interviews were conducted of the two existing Santal traditional medicinal practitioners of the Soren clan with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and using the guided field-walk method. Plant specimens as pointed out by the practitioners were collected and pressed on the field and identification completed at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. Information on 53 medicinal plants distributed into 32 families was obtained in this survey. Ailments treated by these plants included skin disorders, respiratory tract disorders, gastro-intestinal disorders, sexual dysfunctions, sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, helminthiasis, pain, urinary problems, filariasis, leprosy, tuberculosis, epilepsy, snake bite, enlarged heart, and paralysis. The medicinal plants used by the Santals merit further scientific studies for some of their formulations are used to treat diseases like diabetes, paralysis, enlarged heart, tuberculosis, and filariasis for which modern medicine has no known cure or medicines have developed resistant vectors.

Survey and scientific evaluation of medicinal plants used by the Pahan and Teli tribal communities of Natore district, Bangladesh

The Pahans and the Telis are two of the smallest indigenous communities in Bangladesh. The Pahans, numbering about 14,000 people are widely scattered in several northern districts of the country, while the Telis are such a small community that nothing has been reported on their numbers and lifestyle. Both tribes are on the verge of disappearance. One each of the Pahan and the Teli community was located after much search in two adjoining villages of Natore district, Bangladesh. Since the tribes were found to still depend on their traditional medicinal practitioners for treatment of ailments, it was the objective of the present study to document their traditional usage of medicinal plants and to evaluate such plants against modern research-based pharmacological activity studies on these plants. Interviews were conducted of the practitioners of the Pahan and Teli community of Natore district with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and using the guided field-walk method. Plant specimens as pointed out by the practitioners were collected and pressed on the field and identification completed at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. The Pahan tribal practitioners used 13 plants distributed into 9 families for treatment of 14 different ailments. The Teli tribal practitioner used 15 plants divided into 14 families for treatment of 17 different ailments. Eight out of the thirteen plants used by the Pahan tribal practitioner (61.5%) had reported relevant pharmacological activities in the scientific literature, while six out of the fifteen plants used by the Teli tribal practitioners (40%) had such relevant pharmacological activities in accordance with their usage. The medicinal plants used by the Pahans and Telis warrant further scientific studies toward discovery of lead compounds and efficacious drugs and the documentation and protection of the traditional medical knowledge held by these tribes.

Pteridophyte flora of Rampahar and Sitapahar reserve forests under Rangamati district in Bangladesh

A taxonomic survey was conducted to study pteridophyte flora of Rampahar and Sitapahar reserve forests under Rangamati district in Bangladesh. The survey was accompanied with collection of voucher specimens of the available pteridopyte species in the area and deposition at Bangladesh National Herbarium as reference material. The study found 41 pteridophyte species belonging to 26 genera under 13 families from the area. It constitutes 21 per cent of total fern flora of the country including one threatened species viz. Tectaria chattagramica (Clarke) Ching.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i2.11513Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 21(2): 153-161, 2012 (July)

A synoptical account of the Sterculiaceae in Bangladesh

Taxonomy, updated nomenclature and occurrence of the species belonging to the family Sterculiaceae in Bangladesh have been presented. Detailed herbarium study at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K), Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (E), British Museum (BM), Bangladesh National Herbarium (DACB) and Dhaka University Salar Khan Herbarium (DUSH) has revealed the occurrence of 32 species under 15 genera of the Sterculiaceae in Bangladesh. The correct name, important synonym(s), salient diagnostic characteristics, specimens examined and distributional notes have been provided for each species. Dichotomous bracketed keys have also been presented for identification of genera and species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i1.10943Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(1): 63-78, 2012 (June)

715 Use of Medicinal Plants for Gestational Diabetes in Bangladesh: A Pragmatic Randomized Ethnopharmacological Survey in Narail District

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It affects about 12% of all pregnant women and increases the risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Gestational diabetes is prevalent in Bangladesh. The rural population mostly depends on traditional healers (THs) for treatment of this disease. The THs rely on decoctions made from medicinal plants or plant parts to treat gestational diabetes, which decoctions can vary widely between THs in the various districts of the country. The objective of this present study was to conduct an ethnopharmacological survey among the THs of Narail district, Bangladesh to learn about medicinal plants to treat gestational diabetes. In-depth information regarding medicinal plants type, preparation of medicines, ailments for which they are used, dosages, and side effects if any, were obtained from the THs. Medicinal plant samples were later identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. The collected information indicates that the following medicinal plants are used to treat gestational diabetes: Nigella sativa, Aconitum napellus, Agaricus albolutescens, Euphorbia cedrorum, Santalum album, Grewia asiatica, Ipomoea aquatica, Prunus communis, Plantago ovata, Phyllanthus emblica, Litsea liyuyingi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Scoparia dulcis, Carica papaya, Bacopa monnieri, Tamarindus indica, Abrus precatorius, Dillenia indica, and Aloe vera. It was noted in this ethnopharmacological survey that the patients were quite satisfied with treatment by the THs. Since allopathic medicine does not have a cure for gestational diabetes, the above-mentioned medicinal plants are potentially interesting for discovery of novel compounds, which can be effective in controlling or curing gestational diabetes.

Abstract B73: Complementary and alternative medicine and the development of self in chronic diseases: A prospective, multicenter observational survey in the Munshiganj district of Bangladesh

Abstract Modern lifestyle has contributed to serious increases in chronic diseases like cancers and tumors, hypertension, heart diseases, and diabetes mellitus; as well as debilitating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, most medications or therapies for treatment of the above diseases have serious side-effects, which sometimes can be more life-threatening than the disease itself. It is important, therefore, to turn to medicinal plant sources for discovery of novel yet safe compounds, which has less or no side-effects to treat the above diseases. The present survey was carried out amongst the traditional health practitioners in the Munshiganj district of Bangladesh to collect information on medicinal plants used by them to treat the above diseases. Information was collected through a series of interviews with traditional health practitioners, rural and urban people. Field notes were recorded on the medicinal plants and their uses; following the methodology of Bhat et al. (1990) and Martin (1995). The identified medicinal plant specimens were stored at the Bangladesh National Herbarium; under the first author's collector series. The following medicinal plants or plant parts were found to be used as remedy for cancers &amp; tumors: Achyranthes aspera (L), Morinda citrifolia (L), Linum usitatissimum (L), Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Serr., Derris indica (Lam.) Bennet, Randia dumetorum (Retz.) Poir., Ficus racemosa (L), Ocimum tenuiflorum (L), Polygonum persicaria (L), Abrus precatorius (L), Cyrtandra cupulata Ridl., Myristica fragrans Houtt., and Nigella sativa (L). Medicinal plants used for treatment of hypertension included Bacopa monnieri(L) Pennell, Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers, Plantago ovata Forssk., Cocos nucifera (L.), Allium sativum (L), and Manguera indica (L.). Medicinal plants used to treat heart diseases were Ocimum gratissimum (L), Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) W. &amp; A., Cicer arietinum (L), and Swertia chirata Buch.-Hams. ex Wall. Anti-diabetes mellitus medicinal plants included Mentha spicata (L), Lepidagathis hyalina Nees, Citrus maxima Merr., Syzygium cumini(L.) Skeels., Tamarindus indica (L), Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Momordica charantia Descourt., Carica papaya (L), Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, and Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Plants used as remedy for rheumatoid arthritis included Datura metel(L), Achyranthes aspera (L), Ricinus communis (L), Piper betle (L), Calotropis gigantea (L.) W. TAiton, Basella alba (L), Musa sapientum (L), Nigella sativa (L), Aconitum napellus (L), Santalum album (L), Brassica napus (L), Curcuma longa (L), and Boerhavia diffusa (L). A survey of the scientific literature revealed that preliminary studies conducted on some of the above medicinal plants justify their use to treat specific ailments as practiced by the traditional health practitioners. Other medicinal plants need to be scientifically studied towards obtaining new and safer medicines for treatment of diseases like cancers and tumors, hypertension, heart diseases, and diabetes mellitus; as well as debilitating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which affect a large portion of the world's population and have become the foremost chronic diseases in modern times. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B73.

Beideyes in Kurigram district of Bangladesh: Their knowledge of common mental health problems and possible role in primary health care

Traditional medicine is the wisdom crystallization of human civilization, which has made an indelible contribution to human surviving and multiplying. Even-today, with highly developed modern science and technology, we still need to face the complexity of life and disease. Countries around the world are re-examining the status and the role of traditional medicine to raise the level and reduce the costs of health care. In order to achieve the goal of “Health for All”, World Health Organization has clearly advocated to vigorously promoting the use of traditional medicine. Traditional medicines are used to treat common mental health problems, which have often been viewed as culturally specific problems, and so these treatments have been seen as effective only in this specific context. However, empirical medical experience appears to demonstrate the opposite, indicating instead that the therapeutic techniques of indigenous or native people have a transcultural dimension, responding to human constants that are invariable or archetypal. An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out amongst Beideyes [traditional medicinal practitioners] of several villages in Kurigram district of Bangladesh. It was ascertained in a preliminary survey that the population of these villages relies primarily on these Beideyes for treatment of common mental health problems. Extensive interviews were conducted of the Beideyes and plant samples as pointed out by the Beideyes were photographed, collected, deposited and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. Some of the plant names obtained in this survey included Oroxylum indicum [stem], Desmodium motorium [leaf], Crataeva religiosa [bark, leaf], Santalum album [stem], Nicotiana tobacum [leaf], Mimosa diplotricha [seed, root], Piper cubeba [fruit], Camellia sinensis [leaf], Costus speciosus [tuber root], Brassica napus [seed], Coffea arabica [seed], Bacopa monnieri [all parts], Asparagus racemosus [root], Cocos nucifera [fruit juice], Ocimum gratissimum [all parts], Lawsonia inermis [leaf], Cinnamomum camphora [all parts], Hemidesmus indicus [root], Datura metel [fruit, root], Piper betle [all parts], and Withania somnifera [all parts]. Since the rural population in Kurigram district of Bangladesh mostly do not have access to primary medical facilities, the above plants can form the basis of treatment for common mental health problems without resorting to costly urban visits and/or allopathic practitioners.

A Preliminary Study on the Efficacy of Medicinal Plants from Lawacherra Rain Forest Used for All Forms of Brain Disorders

Bangladesh is a land of forests. The health, wealth, and happiness of Bangladesh depend on her forests. Lawacherra Rain Forest is one of the important and well-reserved forests in Bangladesh. The Forest is home to a fantastic variety of plants, birds & animals and is considered to be of great ecological importance. Botanists will be happy to note that the incredibly rare Chloroform tree can be found here - the only one in Asia. There is also plenty of other vegetation in the area as the hilly terrain is just covered with a variety of plants. Two important ethnic groups can be found living within the boundaries of the forest - the Manipuri and Khasia. Their location on top of the hilltops is absolutely breathtaking and has often been called a ‘piece of paradise’. The present study were conducted an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the Manipuri and Khasia ethnic healers of the area and noted that their formulations contain a number of medicinal plants not usually used by traditional healers in other regions of Bangladesh. Information was collected after obtaining informed consent with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and guided field-walk method, where the informant pointed out the various medicinal plants and described their uses to treat all forms of brain disorders. All medicinal plants were photographed, collected, identified, and vouchers were stored at the Bangladesh National Herbarium; under the author's collector series. Information on forty-nine medicinal plant species are grown and consumed as summer, rainy, winter, and spring seasons because there are six seasons in Bangladesh, distributed in forty-nine genera and thirty-six families. It was further noted that leafs formed the major plant part used followed by roots and whole plant. It was clearly observed that medicinal plants from Lawacherra Rain Forest did have a positive healing effect upon many brain disorders cases. It was also shown to produce some encouraging effects in terms of several important factors like: delaying the brain disorders progression, pain reduction, enhancing the immune response & life expectancy, and over all well-being of the patients.

Traditional use of medicinal plants in Bangladesh to treat urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases

The rural population of Bangladesh has traditionally depended on folk medicinal healers for cure of their ailments. These healers use medicinal plants as their primary source of medicinal formulations. Rural patients are more dependent on traditional or folk medicinal healers for cure of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) for a number of reasons including lack of access to modern medical facilities, clinging to traditional approaches, and finally hesitancy to relate this form of illnesses in front of unknown doctors. Since the traditional healer usually resides in the same village or in an adjoining area, the patient is more comfortable in seeking their treatment. We conducted an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the traditional healers of various ethnic groups and in several regions of the country to obtain information on medicinal plants used to treat UTI and STD. Interviews were conducted in the local dialect or language and information gathered as to plant and plant parts used, ailments, formulations, and dosages. Plant specimens were photographed and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. A total of 32 plants distributed into 23 families were reported by the traditional healers of several districts and tribes of Bangladesh as to their being used as remedy for UTIs, including leucorrhea, frequent or infrequent urination, cloudy urination and burning sensations during urination. A total of 10 plants divided into 9 families were reported to be used against STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea.

Abstract A101: Ethnomedicinal uses of some medicinal plants for prevention against all forms of cancer by the traditional healers in Gazipur district of Bangladesh

Abstract Traditional healers are the primary health-care providers in the rural Bangladesh and the medicinal plants or plant parts administered by different traditional healers can vary widely. It is important to gather this information because both such knowledge as well as medicinal plants is getting lost as an influence of modernization. The present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the traditional healers in Gazipur district of Bangladesh. Extensive interviews were conducted of the traditional healers and medicinal plants as pointed out by them were photographed, collected, deposited and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. Some of the medicinal plants utilized by the traditional healers for prevention of all forms of cancer [with parts used given in parenthesis] included Crataeva religiosa [leaf, fruit], Lepidagathis hyalina [leaf], Myristica fragrans [fruit], Nigella sativa [seed], Justicia gendarussa [leaf], Putranjiva roxburghii [seed], Mikania scandens [leaf], Santalum album [stem], Corchorus capsularis [leaf], Urena lobata [all parts], Centella asiatica [leaf], Aristolochia indica [tuber root], Hemidesmus indicus [tuber root], Cassia occidentalis [seed], Cuscuta reflexa [all parts], Mimosa pudica [root, flower], Acalypha indica [all parts], Achyranthes aspera [root, seed], Acorus calamus [tuber root], Aegle marmelos [fruit], Morinda citrifolia [fruit], Vitex negundo [leaf, flower], Scoparia dulcis [all parts], Punica granatum [fruit], Ipomoea mauritiana [tuber root], Plumbago indica [all parts], Piper longum [all parts], Mucuna pruriens [seed], Calotropis gigantea [petiole gum], Abroma augusta [leaf], Cymbopogon citrates [leaf], Glycosmis pentaphylla [stem, fruit], Pongamia pinnata [seed], Cyperus rotundus [tuber root], Randia dumetorum [seed], Datura metel [fruit], Lasia spinosa [tuber root], Ocimum tenuiflorum [leaf], Emblica officinalis [fruit], Azadirachta indica [all parts], Curcuma longa [tuber root], Withania somnifera [all parts], Xanthium italicum [leaf], Abrus precatorius [tuber root], Cardiospermum halicacabum [all parts], Cannabis sativa [all parts], Coix lacryma-jobi [seed], Eugenia jambos [fruit], Cocos nucifera [fruit], Typhonium giganteum [leaf, stem], Syzygium aromaticum [fruit], Euphorbia ingens [stem], Lathyrus sativus [seed], Peperomia pellucida [all parts], Terminalia belerica [seed, fruit], Piper cubeba [fruit], Dioscorea bulbifera [fruit], Indigofera tinctoria [all parts], Citrus acida [leaf, fruit], Terminalia chebula [seed, fruit], Catharanthus roseus [all parts], Pedilanthus tithymaloides [all parts], Aquilaria agallocha [all parts], Mesua ferrea [fruit], Tinospora crispa [leaf], Swertia chirata [all parts], Andrographis paniculata [leaf], Tamarindus indica [fruit, seed], and Zingiber officinale [tuber root]. It is important to conduct scientific studies on these medicinal plants towards discovery of lead compounds which can be used for prevention of all forms of cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A101.

A preliminary study on the efficacy of medicinal plants from Sundarbans used against all forms of cancer

Sundarbans, the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, located in the south-western part of Bangladesh. It lies on the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta at the point where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. The forest lies a little south to the tropic of cancer between the latitudes 21°30′N and 22°30′N, and longitudes 89°00′E and 89°55′E. With its array of trees and wildlife the forest is a showpiece of natural history. Cancer continues to be one of the leading killers of the century. No matter how much information is gained about this dreadful and mysterious disease, it still haunts the imagination of humanity, which continues to suffer from its relentless attack. Despite the huge advancement in science and technology: its new age and all-round research breakthroughs involving billion dollar marketing of its new generations of drugs, this disease still continues to wreak havoc among the lives of millions of people across the world, particularly among the less privileged lots. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey amongst the traditional healers in Sundarbans area of Bangladesh and noted that their formulations contain a number of medicinal plants not usually used by traditional healers in other regions of Bangladesh. Plant specimens as pointed out by the traditional healers were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. These plant species (with family name given in parenthesis) included Leonurus sibiricus (Labiatae), Croton tiglium (Euphorbiaceae), Zizyphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae), Swertia chirata (Gentianaceae), Vitex negundo (Verbenaceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Kaempferia galanga (Zingiberaceae), Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae), Wedelia chinensis (Asteraceae), Randia dumetorum (Rubiaceae), Streblus asper (Moraceae), Acanthus ilicifolius (Acanthaceae), Hygrophila auriculata (Acanthaceae), Mucuna pruriens (Leguminaceae), Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), Morus alba (Moraceae), Pilea microphylla (Urticaceae), and Piper betle (Piperaceae). It was clearly observed that medicinal plants from Sandarbans did have a positive healing effect upon many cancer cases. It was also shown to produce some encouraging effects in terms of several important factors like: delaying the tumor progression, pain reduction, enhancing the immune response and life expectancy, and over all well-being of the patients. Project support received in part by the Peoples Integrated Alliance and SHACO-Health & Education Society.

Medicinal plants from Sundarbans used for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases: A pragmatic randomized ethnobotanical survey in Khulna division of Bangladesh

Khulna division of Bangladesh has cool and salubrious climate that favor the growth of diversity of medicinal plants. For the reason that in the south-western part of Bangladesh, in the districts of Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat lays the Sundarbans, the beautiful forest. About 33 medicinal plants being used by Khulna division as folk medicines have been identified and documented along with their curative properties for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Use of medicinal plants and cultural ethics are closely linked among the Khulna division and they possessed high conservative and descended through generations. They keep outmost secrecy of the curative properties of the plants in the form of oral and traditional ethics which help in the conservative management of rare and endangered medicinal plant species of the Khulna division. Most of the medicinal plants are herbs followed by shrubs and a few trees available at different seasons of the year. Plant specimens as pointed out by the traditional healers were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. These plant species (with family name given in parenthesis) included Siegesbeckia orientalis (Asteraceae), Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae), Typhonium giganteum (Araceae), Punica granatum (Lythraceae), Bacopa monnieri (Scrophulariaceae), Nymphaea nouchali (Nymphaeaceae), Adiantum capillus-veneris (Pteridaceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae), Dipterocarpus turbinatus (Dipterocarpaceae), Terminalia belerica (Combretaceae), Rosa damascene (Rosaceae), Cycas rumphii (Cycadaceae), Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae), Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae), Enydra fluctuans (Asteraceae), Sida cordifolia (Malvaceae), Euphorbia antiquorum (Euphorbiaceae), Nerium indicum (Apocynaceae), Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae), Heritiera fomes (Sterculiaceae), Passiflora coccinea (Passifloraceae), Lepidagathis hyalina (Acanthaceae), Putranjiva roxburghii (Putranjivaceae), Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae), Corchorus capsularis (Tiliaceae), Setaria italica (Graminaceae), Citrullus vulgaris (Cucurbitaceae), Cicer arietinum (Leguminosae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Swertia chirata (Gentianaceae), Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae), and Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae). These medicinal plants can be sources of further scientific studies towards discovery of newer and more effective drugs. Project support received in part by the Peoples Integrated Alliance and Biogene Life Care.

A survey of medicinal plants used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in two northern districts of Bangladesh

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease leading to chronic pain, disability and often joint destruction, deformity and loss of function. The estimated prevalence of the disease is 1–2% worldwide and approaches 5% in women over age 55. Modern medicines can only alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease but cannot cure the disease. On the other hand, alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs) of various countries claim to cure this diseases with formulations prepared from a single or a combination of medicinal plants. RA is widely prevalent in Bangladesh and is present in both rural as well as urban segments of the country's population. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the AMPs of two northern districts of Bangladesh, namely Dinajpur and Panchagarh to collect information on medicinal plants used for treatment of RA. Interviews with AMPs were done with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and plant species pointed out by them were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. A total of 17 plant species were found to be used by the AMPs to treat RA. These species included (with family name given in parenthesis) Aerva sanguinolenta (Amaranthaceae), Crinum asiaticum (Amaryllidaceae), Hemidesmus indicus (Apocynaceae), Scindapsus officinalis (Araceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae), Costus speciosus (Costaceae), Erythrina variegata (Fabaceae), Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae), Mimosa pudica (Mimosaceae), Piper chaba (Piperaceae), Piper cubeba (Piperaceae), Bacopa monnieri (Scrophulariaceae), Smilax china (Smilacaceae), Smilax macrophylla (Smilacaceae), Leea macrophylla (Vitaceae), and Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae). Due to loss of natural habitat, a number of the above plants are rapidly becoming endangered. It is imperative to conduct scientific studies on these plants towards finding a better cure for RA.