Folk Medicine Practitioners Research Articles

Biology and Biochemistry of Mushrooms and Their Importance in Medicine, Nutrition and Environmental Aspects

Mushrooms are the fleshy fruiting body of some fungi arising from the group of mycelium, mushroom use as food and medicine since time immemorial. Traditional and folk medicine practitioners are using mushrooms for their healing and cleansing properties. These have been considered as the Delicacy, in the nutrition point of view mushrooms are placed between meat and vegetables and also called as vegetable meat. All varieties of mushrooms are low in calories and fat, and contain modest amounts of fiber and various nutrients. Mushrooms constitute both a nutritionally functional food as well as a source of physiologically advantageous medicine. Mushroom consumption is increasing rapidly worldwide due to their rich source of bioactive compounds such as functional protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers etc. due to that considering it as precious, and functional food ingredient as food, as tonic, and as medicine to remedy and to treat numerous dangerous illnesses around the world. Mushrooms can serve as agents for promoting equitable economic growth in society. Good resource to a non-green revolution in less developed countries, and in the world at large. Mushrooms are also an important and integral component to create a clean the ecosystem.

Medicinal plants and their uses by a folk medicinal practitioner of Matlab Upazila in Chandpur district, Bangladesh

Background: Bangladesh is a small developing country with the majority population still residing in villages; most villages lack many modern amenities like proper drinking water facilities, sanitation, and conventional (allopathic) doctors and hospitals. On the other hand, although it is getting lost with possibly every passing day, villagers have a long history of traditional medicinal practitioners, who are also known as folk medicinal practitioners or Kavirajes (in Bengali). Kavirajes for the most part use medicinal plants, which are locally available for treatment and thus saves the villagers from costly conventional treatment, the medicines of which are neither readily available nor affordable. Once common, Kavirajes are fast disappearing along with loss of their folk medicinal knowledge. This loss is irreparable because plants and their phytochemicals still form the basis for discovery of modern drugs. For more than a decade, we had been conducting ethnomedicinal surveys among folk and tribal medicinal practitioners of Bangladesh.Methods and Findings: Interviews were conducted of the only folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) in Matlab Upazila. Prior permission was obtained from the FMP. Interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire, extensive discussions, and field trips to areas frequented by the FMP to collect medicinal plants. Information was noted carefully. Plants were pictured, and plant samples identified by a trained botanist following collection, drying and mounting onto herbarium sheets. We could obtain information on only ten formulations, which were used for treatment of respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal tract disorders, pain, dengue, diabetes, acne, fever, eye problems, jaundice, gonorrhea, sexual problems, and debility.Conclusions: The richness of folk medicinal practice can be glimpsed from the diversity of illnesses treated with just twelve medicinal plant species. Some of these plants urgently need scientific attention before plants and FMPs disappear altogether. The phytochemicals present in the plants can be sources of potential drugs, lead compounds, or scaffolds for better drugs.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling and Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Antiobesity Activities of the Non-Polar Fractions of Salvia hispanica L. Aerial Parts.

Salvia hispanica L. is an annual herbaceous plant commonly known as "Chia". It has been recommended for therapeutic use because of its use as an excellent source of fatty acids, protein, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. A literature survey concerning phytochemical and biological investigations of chia extracts revealed less attention towards the non-polar extracts of S. hispanica L. aerial parts, which motivates us to investigate their phytochemical constituents and biological potentials. The phytochemical investigation of the non-polar fractions of S. hispanica L. aerial parts resulted in the tentative identification of 42 compounds using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis with the isolation of β-sitosterol (1), betulinic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (4). GLC-MS analysis of the seeds' oil showed a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid, with a percentage of 35.64% of the total fatty acid content in the seed oil. The biological results revealed that the dichloromethane fraction showed promising DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 14.73 µg/mL), antidiabetic activity with significant inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 673.25 μg/mL), and anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro histamine release assay (IC50 61.8 μg/mL). Furthermore, the dichloromethane fraction revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell line (A-549), human prostate carcinoma (PC-3), and colon carcinoma (HCT-116) with IC50s 35.9 ± 2.1 μg/mL, 42.4 ± 2.3 μg/mL, and 47.5 ± 1.3 μg/mL, respectively, and antiobesity activity with IC50 59.3 μg/mL, using pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay. In conclusion, this study's findings not only shed light on the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of the non-polar fractions of chia but also should be taken as a basis for the future in vivo and clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of chia and its extracts. Further study should be focused towards the isolation of the active principles of the dichloromethane fraction and studying their efficacy, exact mechanism(s), and safety, which could benefit the pharmaceutical industry and folk medicine practitioners who use this plant to cure diseases.

"Ficus johannis Boiss. leaves ethanolic extract ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by upregulating the expressions of GCK, GLUT4, and IGF and downregulating G6P".

The leaves of Ficus johannis Boiss (F. johannis), commonly known as Fig tree, Anjir, and Teen, are used by the folk medicinal practitioners in Iran for controlling hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. This study investigated the pharmacological basis for antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition assays were performed. Moreover, the High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification, acute toxicity, glucose tolerance, and in vivo antidiabetic effect along with the evaluation of gene expressions involved in diabetes mellitus were carried out. Significant quantities of phenolic (71.208 ± 2.89 mgg-1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.38 ± 3.53 mgg-1 QE) were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the plant extract exhibited an excellent in vitro antioxidant (IC50 = 33.81µg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 12.18µg/mL) inhibitory potential. The HPLC analysis confirmed the gallic acid (257.79 mgg-1) as main constituent of the extract followed by kaempferol (22.86 mgg-1), myricetin (0.16 mgg-1), and quercetin (3.22 mgg-1). Ethanolic extract displayed glucose tolerance in normo-glycemic rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined dose dependently in the extract treated rats with improvement in lipid profile and liver and renal function biomarkers. The F. johannis-treated groups showed an increase in mRNA expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), glucokinase, insulin growth like factor 1 and peroxisomal proliferator activating receptor gamma in pancreas. However, the Glucose-6-phosphatase was downregulated. Present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves demonstrates a good anti-diabetic profile by improving insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 translocation, and carbohydrate metabolism while inhibiting lipogenesis.

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis of folk medicinal practitioners using traditional medicine in Thua Thien Hue province

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common degenerative diseases causing disability in the elderly. Objectives: To survey on the process of knowledge transmission of practitioners, treatment methods and herb using in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: In-depth interview research and information collection were carried out on folk medicinal practitioners with more than 5 years of experience in knee osteoarthritis treatment using traditional medicine at clinics in Thua Thien Hue province. Results: Process of knowledge transmission of practitioners: 92% learned from books, 76% learned from teachers, 44% learned from family and 96% attended continuing training. Treatment methods: 100% prescription medicine, 60% massage, 32% herbal medicine, 32% acupuncture, 28% topical medicine, 16% implantation. Conclusion: folk medicinal practitioners self-studied through books, teachers, traditional medicinal families, as well as updated from continuous training classes. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis hadmany methods; instead of single treatment, a combination of methods was more often used Key words: Osteoarthritis, folk medicinal practitioners, dept-interview, traditional medicine

EPH69 Cancers Treatment from Their Perspective: A Qualitative Pilot Study Exploring the Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Folk Medicine Practitioners in a Low-and-Middle-Income-Country

Early detection and treatment of cancers can improve prognosis and increase survival. Unfortunately, cancers are reported globally to be one of the leading causes of death especially in Low- and-Middle-Income-countries (LMICs). Most cancer patients use folk medicines before/ after diagnosis and/or during orthodox treatment. Folk Medicine Practitioners (FMPs) from different part of the world are known to be involved in cancer management. However, little is known about specific roles that FMPs play in cancer management in some LMIC.

Phenolic Rich Extract Of Finger Millet Bran Attenuates Lung Inflammation And Fibrosis In A Mouse Model Of Ovalbumin Induced Asthma

Asthma is a serious global health risk characterized by chronic airway inflammation of lungs with infiltration of inflammatory cells, enhanced mucus secretion and narrowing of airways that leads to poor respiratory functions. The clinical symptoms of asthma includes recurrent episodes of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. One of the pathophysiology of asthma was mediated by overproduction of pro-inflammatory asthmatic leukotrienes through arachidonic acid pathway catalyzed phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes. The available conventional therapies to treat asthma may induce severe side effects on health and high cost. To overcome the disadvantages to treat asthma and to improve the current therapeutic strategy, we used natural products as an alternative therapy. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) has been used by folk and traditional medicinal practitioners to treat various inflammatory conditions. Previously, we have found the promising anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in finger millet bran (Fmb). Hence, aim of the present study was to identify and characterize anti-asthmatic phytochemicals from Fmb and the objective was to test its anti-inflammatory activity in ovalbumin induced asthma mouse model. Phytochemical analysis of Fmb revealed the presence of phenolics, saponins and anthraquinone. Among all the extracted fractions, finger millet bran methanol extract (FbMe) possessed strong in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory PLA2 and 5-LOX enzymes activity. Further, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of FbMe was evaluated in an ovalbumin induced asthma mouse model. FbMe (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, lung fibrosis by reducing the deposition of collagen in the tissue. It also inhibited the PLA2 as well as 5-LOX enzymes activity in collected BAL fluid. This finding concludes the presence of strong anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic phenolic compounds in the FbMe, which attenuates the lung inflammation and fibrosis probably via inhibition of PLA2 and 5-LOX enzymes activity.

Topical Administration of Teucrium polium on Diabetic Foot Ulcers Accelerates Healing: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Study.

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most devastating complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Although there have been advances in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, still diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of many amputations in diabetic patients. Teucrium polium (T. polium) is widely used by folk medicine practitioners in Iran for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.The present study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical T. polium ointment besides the standard treatment in diabetic foot ulcers.A total of 70 diabetic patients with foot ulcers grade 1 or 2 according to Wagner's scale were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in both groups received standard treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. In addition, group 1 received topical T. polium ointment, and group 2 received topical placebo ointment for 4 weeks. The T. polium and placebo ointments were rubbed twice daily two hours before the conventional dressing. The ulcer size, healing time, and laboratory tests were measured in both groups at baseline and end of the study after 4 weeks.Twenty-nine patients remained in the T. polium group and 26 in the placebo group until the end of the study. The mean surface area of ulcers was 3.52 ± 1.47 and 3.21 ± 1.67 cm2 in T. polium group and placebo group respectively at baseline which decrease to .717 ± .19 and 1.63 ± .72 cm2 respectively at the endpoint. The mean ulcer surface area was significantly lower in T. polium compared with the placebo group (p < .0001) at end of the study. Also, the number of patients that completely recovered in the T. polium group was significantly higher than the placebo group (p < .001) at the end of the study.The addition of topical T. polium ointment to standard treatment significantly improves the healing time of diabetic non-infected foot ulcers.

Ethnomedicinal survey in two villages of Cumilla district, Bangladesh

Folk medicines play an important part among the village people in Bangladesh. The main objective of the present study was to carry out a randomized ethnomedicinal survey among the folk medicine practitioners.

A Pharmacological Review of Five Widely Used Traditional Medicinal Plants for Sedative-Hypnotic Effects in Bangladesh

Medicinal plants are traditionally familiar to treat various physical abnormalities, diseases and illnesses throughout the world A very large number of plant wealth has been offered by the nature for all living organisms, which preserves medicinal excellence. Traditionally in the rural areas, folk medicinal practitioners perform a more ordinary manner of medicine, where medicinal plants constitute the foremost and most often only components of formulations. Geographical and cultural factors of Bangladesh create an abundant source for herbal remedies. Nowadays, several medicinal herbs having their hypnotic and sedative effects are thoroughly used in the treatment of various psychiatric related disorders that include anxiety and insomnia. Sedatives are those types of drugs which diminish the action, inducing a calming and relaxing outcome. Sedatives, in general, produce sleep at higher doses. In recent years, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders which include anxiety and insomnia is rising and therefore different researches are exploring to reveal better medicine to treat these disorders. In this present review, we have performed a comprehensive literature search to find out the five most frequently used medicinal plants with sedative effects for the treatment of various disorders like anxiety and insomnia and their pharmacological activities in scientific researches. The featured plants of this review articles are, Kaempferia galanga, Cleome Rutidosperma, Kalanchoe pinnata, Calotropis gigantea, Scoparia dulcis L. In herbal and traditional medicines, numerous plants are used without their scientific validation and we intend to carry out a literature review in order to find out the effective scientific value of the featured plants. This study will help to affirm the uses of these plants as traditional medicine and the researchers to detect efficient therapeutic drugs according to their pharmacological studies.

An Ethnomedicinal Survey of Antidiabetic Plants and Preliminary Evaluation of Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic Activity Maesa indica Leaves, a Folk Antidiabetic Plant of Manipur, India

Background: Manipur is a small state of India, well known for its folk medicine. Folk medicine practitioners of the state use a number of plants to manage diabetes mellitus. Objective: This is an ethnomedicinal survey to find folk antidiabetic plants of the Thoubal district of Manipur, India. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of the chosen medicinal plant. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Thoubal district, Manipur to find out antidiabetic plants regularly used by tribal/folk medicinal practitioners. Based on the information, Maesa indica leaves extracts (ethanol extract, MIE; ethyl acetate extract, MIEA; petroleum ether extract, MIPE) were further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Acute hypoglycemic activity (streptozotocin-induced diabetes model) was evaluated and NGOGTT tests were conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Maesa indica leaves. Results: Ethnomedicinal survey revealed that folk medicinal practitioners regularly used 15 antidiabetic plants. Maesa indica is a plant of choice of folk medicinal practitioners. MIE was found to possess strong oxidative haemolysis inhibition, nitric oxide radical and DPPH radical scavenging effect with IC50 values of 54.5, 34.1 and 19.2 μg/mL, respectively. MIE inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase with IC50 values of 18.2 and 31.2 μg/mL, respectively. MIE and MIEA produced considerable hypoglycemic activity when tested through the NG-OGTT model. MIE (500 mg/kg, b.w.) asserted significant acute hypoglycemic activity by reducing blood glucose level after 1h, 2h, 3h, 5h, and 12h of drug administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study showed that the ethanol extract of Maesa indica leaves possesses better activity compared to ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extract. This study also confirmed the ethnobotanical claim about traditional use of plant and antidiabetic potential of M. indica leaves.

Appraisals of the Bangladeshi Medicinal Plant Calotropis gigantea Used by Folk Medicine Practitioners in the Management of COVID-19: A Biochemical and Computational Approach.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first recognized in Wuhan in late 2019 and, since then, had spread globally, eventually culminating in the ongoing pandemic. As there is a lack of targeted therapeutics, there is certain opportunity for the scientific community to develop new drugs or vaccines against COVID-19 and so many synthetic bioactive compounds are undergoing clinical trials. In most of the countries, due to the broad therapeutic spectrum and minimal side effects, medicinal plants have been used widely throughout history as traditional healing remedy. Because of the unavailability of synthetic bioactive antiviral drugs, hence all possible efforts have been focused on the search for new drugs and alternative medicines from different herbal formulations. In recent times, it has been assured that the Mpro, also called 3CLpro, is the SARS-CoV-2 main protease enzyme responsible for viral reproduction and thereby impeding the host’s immune response. As such, Mpro represents a highly specified target for drugs capable of inhibitory action against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As there continue to be no clear options for the treatment of COVID-19, the identification of potential candidates has become a necessity. The present investigation focuses on the in silico pharmacological activity of Calotropis gigantea, a large shrub, as a potential option for COVID-19 Mpro inhibition and includes an ADME/T profile analysis of that ligand. For this study, with the help of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of C. gigantea methanolic leaf extract, a total of 30 bioactive compounds were selected. Our analyses unveiled the top four options that might turn out to be prospective anti–SARS-CoV-2 lead molecules; these warrant further exploration as well as possible application in processes of drug development to combat COVID-19.

A Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Folk Medicinal Practitioners in Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia District, Bangladesh

The present paper focused on medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners in Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia district, Bangladesh from October 2018 to September 2019. The information about medicinal plants uses of traditional practitioners was collected through interview. A total of 45 medicinal plant species under 43 genera and 33 families have been documented which are used for the treatment of 48 categories diseases. These medicinal plants are used by the traditional practitioners for the treatment of various diseases like asthma, anemia, burning sensation, blood pressure, constipation, cough, diarrhea, diabetes, dysentery, eczema, fever, headache, heart disease, jaundice, leprosy, toothache, ulcer, skin disease, snake-bite, wound, and others. All these plants need to be evaluated through phyto and pharmaco-chemical investigations to discover their potentiality and may help in discovering effective drugs for human health care.

Dereplication and quantification of the ethanol extract of Miconia albicans (Melastomaceae) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS, and assessment of its anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory profiles in a mice arthritis-like model: Evidence for involvement of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMiconia albicans (Sw) Triana (Melastomataceae), a medicinal plant widely used by practitioners of folk medicine in the northeast of Brazil, has been used to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint conditions. Oddly, there is little research on the species. Aim of the studyWe aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory profile of the ethanolic leaf extract of M. albicans (EEMA), as well as to perform dereplication and quantification by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS. Materials and methodsThe compounds present in the extracts were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The possible anti-inflammatory effect of EEMA (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated using the pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and its action on IL-1β and TNF-α levels was also evaluated. The RA model was induced through the intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). ResultsHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 23 compounds, with glycoside flavonoids mainly derived from quercetin, and rutin being the main compounds. EEMA significantly reduced (p < 0.001) leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in pleural lavage (p < 0.001). In the CFA animal model, EEMA significantly reduced the nociceptive and hyperalgesic behaviors demonstrated by the rearing test (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) and decreased mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). EEMA produced a significant improvement in mobility in the open-field test (only at the higher dose, p < 0.05). EEMA significantly (p < 0.01) increased hindpaw grip strength. The diameter of CFA-induced ipsilateral knee edema was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by EEMA, which was related to reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the joint knee (p < 0.01). No indication of hepatic injury after chronic treatment was found. ConclusionTaken together, these results contribute to the chemical and pharmacological knowledge of M. albicans and demonstrated that this medicinal plant appears to be able to mitigate deleterious symptoms of RA, which supports its use in folk medicine.

Do Folk Medicinal Practices of Bangladesh Have any Scientific Value? an Appraisal of Phytotherapeutic Practices of a Rural Folk Medicinal Practitioner

Folk medicine is generally considered as phytotherapy practiced by an individual or a group of individuals, who do not need to obtain any institutional training or approval to practice, and who can practice on a regular basis or as a hobby. In Bangladesh, folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) are a varied lot using a bewildering variety of plants to treat almost every ailment suffered by human beings.

Do Folk Medicinal Practices of Bangladesh Have any Scientific Value? an Appraisal of Phytotherapeutic Practices of a Rural Folk Medicinal Practitioner

Folk medicine is generally considered as phytotherapy practiced by an individual or a group of individuals, who do not need to obtain any institutional training or approval to practice, and who can practice on a regular basis or as a hobby. In Bangladesh, folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) are a varied lot using a bewildering variety of plants to treat almost every ailment suffered by human beings.

Folk Medicine in Bangladesh: Healing with Plants by a Practitioner in Kushtia District

Folk medicine or treatment by individuals without any formal training, supervision or registration is a common form of medicinal practice in Bangladesh and is generally done with whole plants or plant parts. Folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) are a common feature in rural Bangladesh with practically every village having one or more FMPs.

An ethno-pharmacological study of plants used for traditional medication in Tangail district, Bangladesh.

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, folk medicinal practitioners are called “Kaviraj” and are consulted for treatment of various ailments by a large part of the rural and urban population. There are some previous studies conducted in the Tangail district of Bangladesh about medicinal plants, but there is no relevant information about this aspect in some parts of this district.AimTo conduct an ethno-pharmacological survey among the “Kaviraj” of two upazilas (regions) in Tangail district, namely Tangail Sadar Upazila and Nagarpur Upazila, to identify the trouble-free formulations of medicinal plants for various diseases used by the folk medicine practitioners on or after other forms of medical practices.MethodsA guided field-walk survey was carried out employing a local guide and asking local people about practicing “Kaviraj”; four of the “Kaviraj” convened and after receiving permission from the “Kaviraj”, interviews were conducted through focused group discussion.ResultsIt was observed that the “Kaviraj” of the two upazilas used a total of 25 plants distributed into 20 families for healing of various diseases. In most of the cases, leaves were the key part of most of the plants used for treatment. Plants were mainly used for treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, fever, constipation, and diarrhea, and indigestion, loss of appetite, pain and skin disorders. “Kaviraj” also treat complicated diseases such as tuberculosis, hypertension, sexual disorders, infections, urinary problems, hepatic disorders, pneumonia, stomach stones, diabetes, swellings, debility, kidney problems, tumor, vitamin C deficiency and poisoning by using medicinal plantsConclusionFor a country such as Bangladesh, and particularly the district studied, medicinal plants are essential assets and have a major role in people’s health care structure. Also, appropriate research should be conducted for using these medicinal plants in possible new drug designs as well as many other pharmaceutical benefits.

Folk Medicinal Use of Plants to Treat Skin Disorders in Chandpur District, Bangladesh

Title: Folk medicinal use of plants to treat skin disorders in Chandpur district, Bangladesh. Background: Folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) possibly form the largest group of traditional medicinal practitioners in Bangladesh. FMPs essentially use plants for treatment of diseases; however, the selection of plants can differ widely among FMPs even within the same region. The objective of the present study was to document the phytotherapeutic practices of several FMPs in Chandpur district, who treated various types of skin disorders. Methods and findings: Interviews of the FMPs regarding their phytotherapeutic practices were carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method between 2016-2017. The FMPs used a total of 10 plants distributed into 10 families in their 9 formulations. Conclusions: Skin diseases are common in Bangladesh, particularly among the rural and urban slum people. These people most often cannot afford a visit to allopathic doctors. As such, the medicinal plants of the FMPs can prove useful in the treatment of skin disorders.

A Study on Development and Evaluation of Functional Herbal Wafer Biscuits

Herbal extracts are often used by the folk medicinal practitioners, rural peoples of Bangladesh for the treatments of various ailments for the primary health care. Now-a-days its uses are going more frequent with an established scientific literature. Low cost nutritive wafer biscuits made of ayurvedic or herbal extracts such as shatavari, ashwagandha and yastimadhu powder was developed and evaluated for its chemical composition for nutritive parameters. Brief microbiological studies were also planned to evaluate the shelf life and safety of the product. Finally a sensory evaluation was conducted to ascertain its overall acceptability amongst the population. It was shown that newly developed wafer biscuits were rich in carbohydrate (65%), energy and fat (24% fat). The results indicate that newly formulated biscuits were surprising high in protein (8.20%), dietary fiber (1.5%) and widely accepted by the consumers mainly due to its low cost and health benefits with respect to sensory qualities, high nutritive values . The results also indicated that the newly formulated biscuits were high in self-life ranking and it was agreed that this type of initiative could more effective for growing children as well as in certain therapeutic conditions when general malaise dominates the diseases and such type of fortified foods can be industrially launched as a social business.J. Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 9(1): 17-21 2016