ETHNOMEDICINAL

PLANTS
OF BANGLADESH

Md. Salah Uddin

SangWoo Lee
Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin

ETHNOBOTANICAL DATABASE OF BANGLADESH (EDB)

&
KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF
BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (KRIBB)

Ethnobotanical Database
of Bangladesh
 ETHNOMEDICINAL
PLANTS
OF BANGLADESH

CONTENTS
Published by
International Biological Material Research Center (IBMRC)
Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB)
125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon, 305-806, Republic of Korea
I Foreword
Editors-in-chief
Md. Salah Uddin, SangWoo Lee, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin II Preface

Editors III List of Photographs

Sei-Ryang Oh, Sangho choi, Changyoung Lee, Jinki Kim, Doo Young Bae, Jeong Kwang Park,
Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin
1 Ethnomedicinal Plants of Bangladesh
Photographs
151 Photographs of Field Work
Md. Salah Uddin
153 References
Published
May, 2016 165 Glossary of Medical Terms
Copyright Korea Research Institute of Bioscienc and Biotechnology 177 Index of Scientific Names
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical or by any information storage or retrieval systems 182 Index of Bengali/Vernacular Names
without prior permission of the authors.
188 Index of Tribal Names
Design & Printed by Cresseed co. Ltd.
Foor 1, Expo Science Park
194 Index of English Names
480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34126 Republic of Korea 199 Index of Diseases
ISBN: 978-89-6709-067-8

Correct citation of this publication

Uddin, M.S., Lee, S.W. and Uddin, S.B. et al., 2016. Ethnomedicinal Plants of Bangladesh. In-
ternational Biological Material Research Center (IBMRC), Korea Research Institute of Biosci-
ence and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea. 204 pages.

Explanatory Notes
The efficacy contained in this book is refered to some references.
The use of plants must be followed by a medical doctor.
Foreword ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
The Bengal Ethnomedicine with historical originated in ancient Indian Ayurveda and Unani medical system, has
played an important role in the treatment of health care and cure the various ailments in the whole of Bangladesh.
The indigenous communities living within the richest biodiversity of Bangladesh have long been a source of
admiration as they possess a unique understanding of, and ability to utilize the plants around them. These make
them rich in well known, traditional knowledge of ethnomedicine.
Over the past 5 years, we have pursued cooperative research to provide efficient information on biological resource
development, by collecting and analyzing Bangladesh plant materials and data based on research cooperation
with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB) and Ethnobotanical Database of
Bangladesh (EDB).
We expect to construct upon this cooperative research to expand the Bangladesh traditional medicinal plant
knowledge base and conduct studies to develop health supplements and new medicines offering new possibilities.
It is our hope, this publication will serve to build a cornerstone for research flora of medicinal plants in Bangla-
desh and promote for sustainable development of medicinal plants based on joint research development between
both countries in the future.
We can fully appreciate many efforts of all researchers in both institutions for publication of “Ethnomedicinal
Plants of Bangladesh”.
May, 2016
Sei-Ryang Oh, Ph.D.
Director, IBMRC
Ⅰ Ⅱ
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH Preface
Plants used by the local people in certain area for curing different diseases are known as ethnomedcinal plants.
From the very beginning of human civilization, ethnomedicinal plants have played a pioneering role in healing
the disease and illness of human beings. About 75-80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine
made largely from plants for their primary healthcare needs because of their better cultural acceptibility, better
compatibility with human body and lesser side effects. Even in the developed countries, 25% of the prescribed
drugs come from plant sources. Nowadays more people are increasingly turning to herbal remedies, especially
for treating minor ailments.
At present, most of the nations in the world are rethinking the uses of traditional medicine, particularly traditional
herbal medicine as it is the major part of the indigenous systems of the medicine worldwide. Herbal medicine
includes application of ethnomedicinal plants for therapeutic purpose or medicinal preparations from plant
sources. Traditional medicine has always played a major role in Bangladesh.Traditional medicine practices and
knowledge, including the use of ethnomedicinal plants, has been passed from one generation to the next via oral
traditions. Without systematic documentation of the role of ethnomedicinal plants in Bangladesh, we risk losing
information about herbal medicine. In view of these documentation of the traditional uses of ethnomedicinal
plants is an urgent matter and important to preserve the knowledge. This book serves to help record and docu-
ment this important traditional medicine system.
The present publication is an outcome of project work implemented by Ethnobotanical Database of Bangladesh
(EDB) and Internationational Biological Material Research Center (IBMRC), sponsored by Ministry of Science,
ICT, and Future Planning in Korea.
The main objectives of this book are to provide detailed information about locally important ethnomedicinal
plants of Bangladesh and to preserve the traditional knowledge of herbal healers on medicinal plants uses. This
would help to increase understanding the value of ethnomedicinal plants in Bangladesh. This book describes
150 ethnomedicinal plants along with digital photos of plants and voucher specimen images of the species.
The ethnomedicinal plant details have been arranged in alphabetical order according to their latest scientific
names, so that readers may not have difficulty finding any particular plant. The scientific name is followed by
the family name, important synonyms, vernacular/Bengali names, tribal names, English names, brief botanical
description, ethnomedicinal uses, and distribution of the plant. All the enlisted scientific names of the plants have
been checked with the world’s updated “The Plant List ()”, a working list of all world plant species. At the end
references, glossary of medical terms and indexes have been included. Although no individual reference could
be cited for all the varied information given in this book, the major sources have been recorded in the reference
list. For quick access to identifying and checking any name, all the scientific names, vernacular/Bengali names,
tribal names and English names are arranged alphabetically in the index.
Preface ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH List of Photographs
The information in this book is primarily for reference and education. It is not intended to be a substitute for the SL. No. Page No. SL. No. Page No.
advice of a physician. The uses of ethnomedicinal plants described in this book are not recommendations, and A 29. Carissa carandas  29
the authors are not responsible for any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of information in this 30. Cascabela thevetia  30
1. Abelmoschus moschatus  1
book. We sincerely hope that this book will be useful to the people who are interested in ethnomedicinal plants 31. Catharanthus roseus  31
2. Abroma augusta  2
of Bangladesh. 3. Acacia catechu 3 32. Ceiba pentandra  32
4. Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. subsp. indica 4 33. Cheilocostus speciosus  33
We wish to extend our gratitude to Dr. Kyu Tae Chang, President, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and 34. Chrozophora rottleri  34
5. Acalypha indica  5
Biotechnology (KRIBB), Korea for his profound influence and encouragement for publishing this book. We are 6. Acanthus ilicifolius  6 35. Cissus elongata  35
grateful to Dr. Choi Sang Ho Project Manager, KRIBB for his support in preparation of this book. We are greatly 7. Adiantum lunulatum  7 36. Cissus quadrangularis  36
indebted to the authorities of Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning in Korea Republic for generous grants 8. Aegiceras corniculatum  8 37. Cleome rutidosperma  37
of fund and continuous support to carry out the project work, which resulted in the publication of this book. It is 9. Allamanda cathartica  9 38. Cleome viscosa  38
hoped that this book will facilitate research on ethnomedicinal plants of Bangladesh. 10. Alpinia zerumbet  10 39. Clerodendrum thomsoniae  39
11. Amomum maximum  11 40. Clitoria ternatea  40
We are grateful to Tapash Bardhan, a resource person at ‘Banglar Gach Gachra’ who very kindly checked the 12. Amorphophallus bulbifer  12 41. Combretum indicum  41
total manuscript thoroughly and providing some photographs (Sl. No. 99, 112, 113, 119) of ethnomedicinal 13. Anacardium occidentale  13 42. Couroupita guianensis  42
plants. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Sajid Ali 14. Aquilaria agallocha  14 43. Crassocephalum crepidioides  43
Howlader, Khandakar Kamrul Islam, Noor Ahmed, Salma Ahmed, Nazmun Naher, and Farhanu Jannah for their 15. Argemone mexicana  15 44. Crinum asiaticum  44
kind and generous support. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and assistance received directly or indirectly 16. Artabotrys hexapetalus  16 45. Crotalaria verrucosa  45
46. Cyathula prostrata  46
from the researchers and staff of the EDB and KRIBB in carrying out this project work. Finally we express our
B 47. Cycas pectinata  47
deep sense of gratitude and thanks to the local people and traditional healers without whose cooperation the
work could not be accomplished. 17. Barleria prionitis  17
D
18. Bidens pilosa  18
19. Boehmeria glomerulifera  19 48. Dentella repens  48
20. Boerhavia diffusa  20 49. Desmodium heterocarpon  49
Md. Salah Uddin 21. Breynia retusa  21 50. Desmodium triflorum  50
SangWoo Lee 22. Brownlowia elata  22 51. Dillenia pentagyna  51
Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin
23. Bruguiera sexangula  23 52. Diospyros montana  52
24. Bryophyllum pinnatum  24 53. Duranta erecta  53

CC E

25. Caesalpinia pulcherrima  25 54. Eranthemum pulchellum  54

26. Calendula officinalis  26 55. Euphorbia cotinifolia  55
27. Callicarpa arborea  27 56. Euphorbia heterophylla  56
28. Canna indica  28 57. Euphorbia neriifolia  57

Ⅱ Ⅲ
List of Photographs ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH List of Photographs
SL. No. Page No. SL. No. Page No. SL. No. Page No. SL. No. Page No.
F L P T

58. Firmiana colorata  58
59. Flacourtia indica  59
60. Flacourtia jangomas  60
61. Foeniculum vulgare  61
G
62. Getonia floribunda  62
63. Globba radicalis  63
64. Gomphrena globosa  64
65. Grewia asiatica  65
H M
66. Heliotropium curassavicum  66
67. Hemigraphis hirta  67
68. Heritiera fomes  68
69. Holarrhena antidysenterica 69
70. Hoya parasitica 70
71. Hydnocarpus kurzii  71
72. Hydrangea macrophylla  72
73. Hyptis brevipes  73
79. Laportea interrupta  79
80. Lathyrus sativus  80
81. Lawsonia inermis  81
82. Leonurus sibiricus  82
83. Lindernia antipoda  83
84. Lindernia rotundifolia  84
85. Linum usitatissimum  85
86. Lippia alba  86
87. Ludwigia adscendens  87
88. Ludwigia hyssopifolia  88
89. Mallotus philippensis  89
90. Malvaviscus penduliflorus  90
91. Melastoma malabathricum  91
92. Morinda angustifolia  92
93. Morinda citrifolia  93
94. Mukia maderaspatana  94
95. Murraya koenigii  95
96. Mussaenda roxburghii  96
104. Parkinsonia aculeata  104
105. Passiflora foetida  105
106. Peltophorum pterocarpum  106
107. Pentapetes phoenicea  107
108. Peperomia pellucida  108
109. Pereskia bleo  109
110. Phyla nodiflora  110
111. Plectranthus scutellarioides  111
112. Plumeria alba  112
113. Plumeria rubra  113
114. Pogostemon auricularius  114
115. Polyalthia suberosa  115
116. Premna esculenta  116
R
117. Rauvolfia serpentina  117
118. Rauvolfia tetraphylla  118
119. Rhynchostylis retusa  119
S W
132. Tabernaemontana divaricata  132
133. Tagetes erecta  133
134. Tamilnadia uliginosa  134
135. Tectona grandis  135
136. Tetrastigma angustifolium  136
137. Thunbergia grandiflora  137
138. Trema orientalis  138
139. Trichosanthes tricuspidata  139
140. Tridax procumbens  140
141. Typhonium trilobatum  141
V
142. Vanda tessellata  142
143. Vitex negundo  143
144. Vitex peduncularis  144
145. Vitex trifolia  145

120. Salvia splendens  120 146. Woodfordia fruticosa  146

I N
74. Impatiens balsamina  74 97. Nelumbo nucifera  97
75. Ixora coccinea  75 98. Nymphaea nouchali  98
76. Ixora finlaysoniana  76 99. Nymphoides hydrophylla  99
77. Ixora nigricans  77 100. Nypa fruticans  100
J O
78. Jasminum multiflorum  78 101. Ophiorrhiza mungos  101
102. Ormosia robusta  102
103. Oxalis corniculata  103
121. Saurauia roxburghii  121 147. Wrightia arborea  147
122. Senna alata  122
123. Sesamum indicum  123 X
124. Solanum sisymbriifolium  124
148. Xylocarpus granatum  148
125. Sonneratia caseolaris  125
149. Xylocarpus moluccensis  149
126. Spermacoce exilis  126
127. Spermacoce ocymoides  127
Z
128. Sphaeranthus indicus  128
129. Stephania japonica  129 150. Zephyranthes grandiflora  150
130. Sterculia foetida  130
131. Suregada multiflora  131

Ⅲ Ⅲ
E t h n o m e d i c i n a l P l a n t s o f

BANGLADESH
 1. Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.
A A
Family : Malvaceae
Synonym : Hibiscus abelmoschus L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bandherosh, Mushak-
dana, Kalokasturi.
Tribal name : Huney gach, Kunei gach (Chakma);
Thur mui (Lushai); Fluma umaiejik, Fluma oijik,
Surma gach (Marma); Purnima gaith (Tanchangya).
English name : Musk mallow.
Description of the plant : An annual, erect, and
branched herb, about a meter high or less, cov-
ered with long hairs. Leaves are orbicular-ovate to
ovate, variously angled and 3 to 5-lobed or more,
pointed at the tip, broad or heart-shaped at the
base, toothed at the margin, hairy on both sur-
faces. Flowers axillary, solitary and in terminal
clusters, large and corolla bell-shaped, yellow
petals, purple at the base inside. Fruit a capsule,
fulvous-hairy, pyramidal-oblong, acute, containing
many musky seeds.
1 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, root, and seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the biting place
twice a day for three days to treat snake bite.
Juice extracted from the roots of the plant is mixed
with some salt then heat to purify and taken thrice
a day (two tea spoons amount each time) for three
days to treat cough and fever.
Mucilaginous decoction prepared from the root and
leaves of the plant is recommended in gonorrhoea
and venereal diseases.
A paste prepared from the bark of the plant is ap-
plied to treat headache, cuts, wounds, and sprain.
Infusion, decoction, or tincture of seeds is used to
treat nervous debility, hysteria, and other nervous
disorders.
The plant considered to treat bronchitis, asthma,
dyspepsia, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, flatulence,
and vomiting.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
throughout the country.
2. Abroma augusta (L.) L.f.
Family : Sterculiaceae Ethnomedicinal uses : An infusion made with the
fresh leaves and stems of the plant is taken for the
Synonym : Abroma alata Blanco, Abroma elongata
treatment of leucorrhoea, and dysmenorrhoea.
Lam.
Leaves and stems of the plant are used to treat
Bengali/Vernacular name : Ulatkambal, Ulut- menstrual disorders.
kambal, Tambol. Infusion of fresh stems and leaves in cold water
is used for the treatment of gonorrhoea.
Tribal name : Gach chola (Chakma), Polumaoeba
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is
(Chak), Daiya (Garo).
taken three times a day (two tea spoons amount
English name : Devil’s cotton. each time) until the fever is cured.
The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat
Description of the plant : A large spreading
stomachache, diabetes, and dermatitis.
shrub, or a small tree, with fibrous bark and ir-
ritant hairs. It grows up to 2.5 m tall with hairy Distribution : This plant is found nearly in all the
branches. Leaves are alternate, ovate-oblong, districts under planted condition.
long-pointed, with a heart-shaped base, margin
unevenly toothed. Flowers are maroon, about 5
cm across, solitary, axillary, pendulous. Sepals
are lance-shaped, fused at base. Petals are 5,
which soon fall off. Capsule is papery, 5-winged,
cut-off at the tip.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, bark, and root.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 2
 3. Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.
A A
Family : Mimosaceae
Synonym : Acacia wallichiana DC., Mimosa cat-
echu L.f.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Khair, Katha, Khadira,
Babul.
Tribal name : Kalakot, Pagara kot (Chakma).
English name : Cutch tree, Black catechu.
Description of the plant : A medium sized de-
ciduous tree, bark reddish-brown, rough, cracked,
branchlets brown, thorny, stipuler spines in pairs.
Leaves bipinnate, alternate; pinnae 40-80; leaf-
lets 60-100, small ligulate. Flowers creamy-white
or pale yellow in cylindrical axillary spikes. Pods
strap-shaped, straight, brown.
Plant parts used : Bark, heartwood.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Extract prepared from the
bark of the plant is used for the purpose of gargling
to relieve the problem of gingivitis.
Pea-sized pills made with the heartwood of the
3 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
plant are taken with warm water thrice a day (one
pill each time) until the asthma and rabies is cured.
Bark extracts of the plant appears to block the
body pain.
The bark of the plant relieves psoriasis, anaemia,
and ulcers.
The plant is used for the treatment of bronchitis,
cough, cold, diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation,
sores, skin disease, and leprosy.
Distribution : It is distributed in the northern dis-
tricts especially in Rajshahi, and Pabna districts.
4. Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. subsp.
indica (Benth.) Brenana
Family : Mimosaceae Juice extracted from the bark of the plant is given
for the treatment of tuberculosis.
Synonym : Mimosa nilotica L.
An infusion made with the bark of the plant is used
Bengali/Vernacular name : Babla, Kikar. to take three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
for three days to treat diarrhoea.
Tribal name : Janum-daru (Munda).
Juice extracted from the bark is taken until the
English name : Indian gum-arabic tree, Babul cough is cured.
tree, Black babool. Bark of the plant is given for the treatment of
leprosy.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized, thorny,
fast growing tree with spreading crown; thorns Distribution : Bogra, Faridpur, Satkhira, Khulna,
straight, 2-5 cm long, white. Leaves 2-pinnate, Jessore, Kushtia, Pabna, Rajshahi also planted
pinnae 6-12, leaflets small, 20-40. Flowers yel- by the road sides and embankments throughout
low, in globose axillary heads. Fruits moniliform, the country.
compressed, constricted at the sutures between
the seeds.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with
the barks of the plant is taken thrice a day (10 ml
amount each time) until the dysentery is cured.
The bark of the plant is chewed to protect against
scurvy.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 4
 5. Acalypha indica L.
A A
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Acalypha chinensis Benth., Acalypha
spicata Forssk.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Muktajhuri, Swetbas-
anta, Biralhatchi.
Tribal name : Salik kushhom (Tripura).
English name : Indian acalypha, Indian nettle.
Description of the plant : A small erect herb,
ascending branches are angled and velvet-hairy.
Leaves long-petiolate, mosaically arranged, broad-
ly ovate, nearly triangular, crenate-serrate. Flow-
ers are stalkless, borne on erect axilary spikes,
male flowers minute, clustered near the summit
of the spike, female flowers are solitary and scat-
tered, each with a large and leafy bract. Fruit a
capsule of 3 minute, 2-valved, crustaceous cocci.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant is taken three times a day
5 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
(10 ml amount each time) until the cold, and cough
is cured. A paste made with the leaves of the plant
is applied to the infected skin once a day for seven
days to treat scabies.
A powder made with the roots of the plant is taken
with warm water twice a day (5 gm amount each
time) until the pneumonia is cured.
A decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
advised to take for the treatment of dysentery.
Powder or decoction prepared from the leaves of
the plant is taken to treat constipation.
Decoction of leaves is used as instillation for ear-
ache.
The leaves of the plant are mixed with turmeric,
which used for acne.
Poultice of the plant is applied to treat of rheu-
matism, snake bite, insect bite, and headache.
Distribution : In fallow lands throughout the country.
6. Acanthus ilicifolius L.
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonym : Acanthus doloarin Blanco, Dilivaria il-
icifolia (L.) Juss.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Hargoza, Hurkcuh,
Kotki, Harkuch kanta (Bengali); Kekanta (Sandwip).
English name : Sea holly, Holly-leaved acanthus,
Holly mangrove.
Description of the plant : A mangrove shrub.
Leaves petiolate, with a pair of short basal spines,
thick, coriaceous, green and shining, oblong to
oblong-lanceolate, margin irregularly lobed, spini-
tipped. Flowers bluish-purple, in terminal inter-
rupted spikes. Fruit a capsule, ellipsoid-oblong,
seeds 4 per capsule.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with
the leaves and roots of the plant is used to treat
asthma.
Roots of the plant boiled in cow milk used for the
treatment of leucorrhoea, and general debility.
Decoction prepared from leaves and roots of the
plant is used for gargling to treat toothache, and
sore in mouth.
A balm made with the juice extracted from the
leaves of the plant and added mustard oil, after
warming it is used for massaging on the affected
parts of the body thrice a day until the paralysis
is cured.
Syrup made from the leaves and roots of the plant
is administered for the treatment of dyspepsia.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to treat rheumatism, snake bite, and wound.
Decoction of whole plant is used to treat kidney
stone, and pain.
Distribution : It is found in the coastal areas of the
districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur,
Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Noakhali, Chittagong,
and Cox’s Bazar.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 6
 7. Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f.
A A
Family : Adiantaceae
Synonym : Adiantum philippense L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Biddapata, Kalijhant,
Filipino pakha.
Tribal name : Bandar tala, Chikonjat bandartala
(Chakma); Kobamoin phul, Kobamugo aso phul
(Marma).
English name : Walking maiden hair fern, Philip-
pine maiden hair.
Description of the plant : A small and delicate
fern. Stipes tufted, slender, dark brown, shining,
glabrous, 5-20 cm long. Fronds 15-30 cm long
and 7 cm broad, simply pinnate, often elongated
and rooting at the apex; pinnae subdimidiate, the
lower edge nearly in a line or oblique with the
petiole, the upper edge rounded; the rachis and
both surfaces naked. Sori are oblong to linear,
and as long as the lobes are broad.
Plant parts used : Frond, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
fronds of the fern is given in the infected eye once
7 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
a day (two drops) for two days to treat ophthalmia.
Decoction prepared from the fronds of the fern is
taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) until
the dysentery is cured.
The fern is used as a lotion to reduce hair fall,
and baldness.
A fresh juice extracted from the frond of the fern is
taken three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
to control the diabetes.
Fresh juice extracted from the frond of the fern is
taken three times a day (10 ml amount each time)
until the febrile convulsion (high fever) is cured.
Dried roots of the fern mixed with water are taken
orally by women once during menstruation for
sterility.
The fern is used for the treatment of asthma,
bronchitis, cold, cough, epilepsy, leprosy, ulcers,
fever, gallstone, jaundice, sore throat, skin disease,
snake bite, and tumour.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs in the
Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Comilla, Cox’s
Bazar, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Saidpur, and Sat-
khira in shade.
8. Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco
Family : Myrsinaceae of rheumatism, painful arthritis, inflammation,
and asthma.
Synonym : Aegiceras majus Gaertn.
Distribution : It is found in the Sundarbans, Chit-
Bengali/Vernacular name : Khalsi, Koilsha,
tagong, and Cox’s Bazar (Chakaria Sundarban) dis-
Khulsa, Khalisa, Kasalong.
tricts.
English name : River mangrove, Black mangrove.
Description of the plant : A mangrove shrub or
small tree, up to 5 m tall. Leaves obovate-oblong
to obovate, pale green, margin entire, slightly revo-
lute, apex rounded-emarginate, base attenuate.
Flowers are small, 15-20 per inflorescence, white,
in ball-like clusters. Fruit a capsule, like curved
bean pods, elongated, cylindrical, falcately curved,
reddish-brown, surrounded at the base by persis-
tent cup-like calyx.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
leaves of the plant is given for the control of dia-
betes.
The barks of the plant are used for the treatment
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 8
 9. Allamanda cathartica L.
A A
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Allamanda latifolia C.Presl
Bengali/Vernacular name : Alakananda, Ghanta
phul, Harkakra.
Tribal name : Tin thuppa annol (Chakma), Anu
choiloi (Marma), Kadyo-shya-payn (Chak), Khaw-
rung (Murang).
English name : Yellow allamanda, Golden trumpet.
Description of the plant : An evergreen, scan-
dent shrub. Leaves are opposite, in whorls of 3
or 4, although the upper ones may be scattered,
lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 8-12 cm long,
2.5-4 cm wide, pointed on both ends. Flowers are
yellow and short-stalked; corolla about 7 cm long,
tube funnel-shaped; calyx-teeth green, somewhat
spreading, lanceolate. Capsule almost globose,
unilocular; seeds numerous with a circular wing,
without a tuft of hairs.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
9 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh leaf juice is taken
twice a day (two tea spoons amount each time)
for the treatment of malaria.
A paste made with the roots of the plant is applied
to the body twice a day until the gout is cured.
Leaf juice is administered for the treatment of
diarrhoea, vomiting, and jaundice.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) for the treatment of hyperacidity.
Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country under cultivated condition.
10. Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.)
B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm.
Family : Zingiberaceae Leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of
cardiac weakness, and hypertension.
Synonym : Zerumbet speciosum J.C.Wendl, Costus
An extract made with the leaves of the plant; hot
zerumbet Pers.
bath is advised to have with that extract once a
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kuljon, Gandhamul, day until the skin disease is cured.
Madhunikkon.
Distribution : It is cultivated throughout the country
English name : Shell ginger. near homesteads, and in gardens.
Description of the plant : A perennial rhizoma-
tous herb. Leaves petiolate, lanceolate to linear-
lanceolate, acuminate at the apex, broadly acute at
the base, smooth on both sides with hairy margins.
The flowers are white, tipped in pink, and borne
in long pendant arches. In some varieties, there
is no pink in the tip. Fruits rounded, densely hairy.
Plant parts used : Leaf, rhizome.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant used to take bath once a
day for five days to treat fever.
The fresh rhizomes of the plant are applied to
treat ringworms.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 10
 11. Amomum maximum Roxb.
A A
Family : Zingiberaceae
Synonym : Cardamomum maximum (Roxb.) Kuntze
Bengali/Vernacular name : Barotera.
Description of the plant : A tall rhizomatous herb.
Leaf oblong or long elliptic, base attenuate, apex
caudate. The lovely white flowers appear in dense
clusters from compact inflorescences at ground
level. Labellum white, yellow on each side of mid-
vein, red striate at base, ovate, apex slightly revo-
lute, entire. Capsule purple-green, ovoid.
Plant parts used : Rhizome.
Ethnomedicinal uses : An extract made with the
rhizome of the plant is applied to the affected part
of the body to treat abscesses.
A paste made with the rhizome of the plant is ap-
plied to the affected part of the body once a day
for three days to treat mumps.
Distribution : The species is found in Bandarban
district.
11 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
12. Amorphophallus bulbifer
(Roxb.) Blume
Family : Araceae The plant is used in boils, hemorrhoids, tumours,
cough, bronchitis, asthma, inflammation, and pain
Synonym : Arum bulbiferum Roxb.
of rheumatic swelling.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Jongle-ol, Amla-bela,
Distribution : It is found in Sherpur, Mymensingh,
Ulki.
Gazipur, Comilla, Habiganj, Maulvi Bazar, Sylhet,
Tribal name : Baghadumm, Chung-moro (Garo); Chittagong districts, and in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Banka (Koch); Kenra-kachu (Rakhaing).
English name : Devil's tongue, Voodoo lily, Corpse
flower, Snake palm.
Description of the plant : An annual herb with
large, depressed-globose, much-warted tubers.
Leaves solitary, 3-partite, segments pinnatisect,
appearing long after the flowers. Spathe 15-23 cm
across. Spadix very stout; female inflorescence
cylindric, male subturbinate, appendage dark-
purple. Berries ovoid.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the very
young leaves of the plant is applied to the biting
place twice a day for two days to treat insect bite.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 12
 13. Anacardium occidentale L.
A A
Family : Anacardiaceae
Synonym : Anacardium microcarpum Ducke
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kaju, Kajubadam,
Hijlibadam.
Tribal name : Kresenath gach (Chakma), Chieyong-
caarah (Chak), Soh-liang (Khasia), Guestunut
(Lushai), Senabadam (Murang), Guestunut (Pan-
gkhoa), Phang-thaw-tara-sthei (Rakhaing), Kaju
dare (Santal), Keshna (Tanchangya).
English name : Cashew nut, Goa-almond.
Description of the plant : A small to medium-
sized, evergreen tree, with much spreading
branches which form a large crown. Leaves sim-
ple, alternate, ovate, base round or blunt, margin
entire. Flowers are small, crowded at the tips of
the branches and yellow to yellowish-white, the
petals usually with pink stripes. Fruit a nut, ash-
coloured, kidney-shaped.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, fruit, and seed.
13 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : Leaf decoction is advised
to take for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Paste parepared from the seeds of the plant is
applied to treat skin infection and burns.
A decoction made with the bark of the plant is
taken three times a day (50 ml amount each time)
until the dysentery is cured.
The fruit of the plant is taken for the treatment
of syphilis
Decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
gargled for mouth ulcer, tonsillitis, sore throat,
and in addition it is used for washing wounds.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of eczema, psoriasis, dyspepsia, genital problems,
impotence, bronchitis, and cough.
An infusion made with the bark of the plant is used
to treat diabetes, weakness, muscular debility,
urinary disorder, and asthma.
Distribution : The species occurs in the forest areas
of Tangail, Chittagong, and the Chittagong Hill Tract
under cultivated condition.
14. Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
Family : Thymelaeaceae Powder made from the dried leaves of the plant is
taken twice a day (5 gm amount each time) with
Bengali/Vernacular name : Agar.
water for three days to treat painful micturation.
Tribal name : Agar gach (Chakma), Mahaga A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
(Marma, Tripura). is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
three days to treat loose motion.
English name : Agar.
Distribution : The plant grows in Maulvi Bazar for-
Description of the plant : A large evergreen tree,
ests, cultivated occasionally by the Forest Depart-
with straight bole. Leaves alternate, linear-lanceo-
ment in Sylhet region, Chittagong, and Chittagong
late to ovate-oblong. Flowers small, greenish on
Hill Tracts.
shortly peduncled umbels, arising laterally from
the younger branches. Capsules ovoid, densely
tomentose.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A powder made with the
dried stems of the plant is taken with cow milk
twice a day (2 gm amount each time) for one week
to treat cardiac weakness.
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is
taken twice a day (three tea spoons amount each
time) for one week to treat constipation.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 14
 15. Argemone mexicana L.
A A
Family : Papaveraceae
Synonym : Argemone spinosa Gaterau
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shialkanta, Barashi-
yalkanta, Kengrabiji, Siakanta.
Tribal name : Wekamthu-asi (Khumi), Sunk-kha-
ray (Rakhaing).
English name : Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly
Poppy, Prickly poppy.
Description of the plant : A glabrous, glaucous,
prickly herb with spreading branches and yellow
juice. Leaves sessile, thistle-like, stem clasping,
oblong, sinuately pinnatified, spinous, vein white.
Flowers yellow, large, terminal on short, leafy
branches. Capsule is spiny, obovate, or elliptic-
oblong, opening by 4-6 valves. Seeds are spherical,
shining, black, and pitted.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Infusion prepared from
roots of the plant is given to women at the begin-
15 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ing of parturition pain.
Decoction of roots is used in skin disease, blennor-
rhagia, inflammatory swellings, and toothache. 5
ml amount juice extracted from the stem is mixed
with 5 ml amount fresh cow milk, and then the
mixture is used for long time to treat leprosy.
Sap of the plant is applied to the affected part of
the body to treat wound.
The latex of the plant is used for the treatment of
jaundice, and dropsy.
A decoction made with the leaves and stems of the
plant is taken four times a day until the malaria
fever is cured.
Infusion prepared from the leaves of the plant is
advised to give in cough, and asthma.
Juice of the plant is rubbed on the body to relieve
rheumatic pain.
Distribution : The plant is available in most of the
districts in fallow lands.
16. Artabotrys hexapetalus
(L.f.) Bhandari
Family : Annonaceae The flowers of the plant are used to treat vomiting,
biliousness, sweat, leucoderma, and heart disease.
Synonym : Annona hexapetala L.f., Artabotrys odo-
ratissimus R.Br. Distribution : The plant is grown in garden.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kanthalichapa, Kat-
champa, Guichapa.
English name : Climbing ylang-ylang.
Description of the plant : A large climbing ever-
green shrub. Leaves petiolate, oblong-elliptic to
oblanceolate, dark green, glabrous, shining. Flower
usually solitary, extremely fragrant, two whorls of
three greenish-yellow or yellow petals, sepals in
one whorl of three; green. Fruit obovoid, yellow,
and fragrant when ripe, glabrous, 6-10 in a bunch.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant is advised to give for the
treatment of cholera.
A paste made with the plant is applied for the
treatment of itches, and skin diseases.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 16
 17. Barleria prionitis L.
B B
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonym : Barleria hystrix L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kanta-janti, Katshar-
eya, Kurantak, Swarnajhinti.
Tribal name : Kural gach, Bisalla koroni (Chakma);
Bisailla kuruli (Tanchangya).
English name : Porcupine flower, Barleria.
Description of the plant : A much branched shrub,
armed with axillary spines. Leaves elliptic to el-
liptic-ovate, narrowed, and pointed at both ends.
Flowers are yellow and axillary, with the upper
ones in spikes. Bracts and calyx are green, with
the outer bract usually foliaceous. Corolla is about
4 cm long. Fruit a capsule, 2-seeded, beaked.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, bark, flower, and
root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
roots of the plant is applied to treat boils, and
glandular swellings.The juice of fresh bark with
17 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
milk is given in whooping cough.
A paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
advised to apply to the cutting place for three days
to treat bleeding from cutting wound.
A mixture made from leaf juice, honey, water, and
then it is taken twice a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) for three days to treat fever.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant is applied to the biting place once a day for
three days to treat poisonous insect stings.
The leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant are
used for viral fever, toothache, inflammation, gas-
trointestinal disorders, and neurological disease.
Ash of the plant mixed with the honey is a rem-
edy for bronchial asthma. Juice extracted from
the leaves and stems of the plant is given for the
treatment of spermatorrhoea.
Distribution : It is found in Dhaka, Chittagong, Syl-
het, Rajshahi, Natore, Jessore, Kushtia, Dinajpur,
and Comilla district in fallow lands.
18. Bidens pilosa L.
Family : Asteraceae
Synonym : Bidens alba (L.) DC., Bidens hirta Jord.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bidenlosa.
English name : Beggar’s ticks, Farmers friend.
Description of the plant : A branched herb, hairy
or glabrous. Leaves imparipinnate with a large
terminal pinna, ovate to lanceolate, acuminate, and
coarsely toothed. Inflorescence a capitulum, dis-
coid to radiate, long-peduncled, involucre sparsely
hairy at the base. Disc-florets yellow, many; ray-
florets white to cream coloured, few. Fruits are
achenes, black, long and slender, linear.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root, seed, and whole
plant.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (10 ml
amount each time) until the malaria is cured.
Extract prepared from the plant is taken to control
high blood pressure.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is taken for the treatment of cough, cold, head-
ache, diarrhoea, dysentery, flatulence, and kidney
problem.
A fresh juice extracted from the plant is taken
twice a day (25 ml amount each time) for 15 days
to treat diabetes.
Decoction prepared from the plant is taken to treat
jaundice, and rheumatism.
The powder or ash from the seeds of the plant is
used as a local anesthetic and rubbed into cut.
Decoction prepared from the plant is advised to
take for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, and ir-
regular menstruation.
Sap from the plant is put into the ear to treat ear
infection.Extract prepared from the plant is taken
to cure stomach and mouth ulcers.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied externally to the snake biting place twice a
day until the poison is eliminated.
Decoction made from the herb is taken in large
doses to treat arthritis.
Distribution : The species is found in Dhaka dis-
trict.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 18
 19. Boehmeria glomerulifera Miq.
B B
Family : Urticaceae
Synonym : Boehmeria malabarica Wedd.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Borthurthuri.
Tribal name : Urmurpata (Chakma), Mrangna
(Marma), Aruleng (Murang), Holemfry (Tripura).
English name : Malabar tree nettle.
Description of the plant : A large shurb or small
tree, about 4 m tall. Alternately spirally arranged
leaves are ovate-lanceshaped, tip long-pointed,
base rounded, margin toothed, velvety beneath,
with glandular stinging hairs, 3-nerved at base.
Flowers monoecious, minute, greenish-white, in
small axillary, sessile clusters along main branch-
es. Fruit an ovoid achene, acute.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the biting place
to treat snake and insect bite.
A decoction made with the roots of the plant, after
adding some sugar it is taken twice a day (100 ml
19 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
amount each time) until the dysentery is cured.
Pounded fresh leaves are used as poultice for
swelling pain.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the boils to treat it.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is used
for having hot bath once a day until the hemiplegia
is cured.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken two times a day (5 ml amount each time)
until the epilepsy is cured.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is
used for having hot bath once a day for three days
to treat fever.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant,
after warming the juice is taken once a day (20 ml
amount each time) for two weeks to treat jaundice.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is taken
twice a day for two days to treat osteomalacia.
Distribution : The species is found in the forests
of Sylhet, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar districts.
20. Boerhavia diffusa L.
Family : Nyctaginaceae
Synonym : Boerhavia paniculata f. esetosa Heimerl
Bengali/Vernacular name : Punarnava, Gondha-
purna, Swetpurna.
Tribal name : Parengnawa (Marma), Perunoa
(Murang), Krow-naa-row (Rakhaing).
English name : Spreading hogweed, Pigweed,
Wineflower.
Description of the plant : A diffusely spreading,
laxly branched, smooth or somewhat hairy herb.
Leaves are scattered, ovate, elliptic, or oblong,
sometimes wavy, pale beneath, with rounded or
pointed apex, and usually rounded base. Cymes
are very lax and panicled with slender branches.
Flowers are minute, usually fascicled or subum-
bellate on the ultimate branchlets, pink. Fruits
small, 5-ribbed, and glandular.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
roots of the plant is advised to take thrice a day
(5 ml amount each time) until cough, and asthma
is cured.
Infusion prepared from the plant is given in febrile
convulsion.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the dried leaves
and stems of the plant are taken thrice a day (one
pill each time) for one month to treat impotence.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant,
after adding some water it is taken thrice a day
(10 ml amount each time) for seven days to treat
dysentery.
Leaves and stems of the plant are given for the
treatment of dyspepsia, tumours, and abdominal
pain.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves and stems
of the plant is taken twice a day for seven days to
treat leucorrhoea.
The herb is used for the treatment of epilepsy,
fever, constipation, snake bite, headache, pain,
hemorrhoids, jaundice, gout, roundworm, urethri-
tis, excessive menstruation, and insomnia.
Distribution : It grows all over the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 20
 21. Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston
B B
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Phyllanthus retusus Dennst., Breynia
patens (Roxb.) Rolfe
Bengali/Vernacular name : Chitki, Kantokushi,
Akdana, Kantakoi (Bengali); Heza (Mymensingh);
Kamkoi (Chittagong).
Tribal name : Taipak, Shukujja gas, Hamussa gas
(Chakma); Heja (Garo); Bobipui (Khumi); Fai-mong
(Marma); Konku, Kongkoi (Tanchangya).
English name : Cup saucer plant, Cupped coral-
berry tree.
Description of the plant : A shrub or small tree,
much-branched, spreading, almost horizontal. Al-
ternately arranged leaves, 1-3 cm, broadly elliptic,
obtuse, with a rounded tip. Flowers are unisexual,
in leaf axils, on filament-like peduncles. Male flow-
ers 1-3 fascicled, yellow; female green; sepals 6,
round. Fruit a capsule, depressed-globose, 13-17
mm in diameter, faintly 3-lobed.
21 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the stems of the plant is applied to the affected
eye three times a day (one drop each time) until
the conjunctivitis is cured.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the boils to treat it.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs in
the forests of Sylhet, Chittagong, and Chittagong
Hill Tracts districts.
22. Brownlowia elata Roxb.
Family : Tiliaceae
Synonym : Brownlowia gamosepala (Turcz.) Burret
Bengali/Vernacular name : Much gach, Mus,
Moos.
Tribal name : Mos gach (Chakma).
Description of the plant : A lofty tree, branches
spreading. Leaves ovate, base cordate, apex acute,
glabrous, white beneath, sometimes peltate, peti-
ole 8-10 cm or longer. Panicle terminal, as long as
the terminal leaf; flowers yellow. Follicles obliquely
ovate, woody.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the biting place
twice a day for three days to treat poisonous in-
sect stings.
The plant is used for diarrhoea, and syphilis.
Distribution : The species is found in Cox’s Bazar,
Chittagong, and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 22
 23. Bruguiera sexangula (Lour.) Poir.
B B
Family : Rhizophoraceae
Synonym : Rhizophora sexangula Lour.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kankra, Lalnatinga,
Banduri, Rohinia.
English name : Upriver orange mangrove.
Description of the plant : A mangrove tree, up to
30 m tall. Leaves petiolate, glabrous, yellowish,
elliptic to elliptic-oblong, or rarely oblanceolate,
base cuneate to rarely obtuse, apex acute, stip-
ules green or yellowish. Flowers solitary, yellow.
Fruit a berry, more or less distinctly ribbed and
enclosed in sepal.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the bark
of the plant is applied externally twice a day to the
burning places until the wound is healed. The bark
of the plant is used to treat diarrhoea, and tumour.
Distribution : This mangrove species is found in
mangrove forests of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bager-
hat districts.
23 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
24. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken
Family : Crassulaceae
Synonym : Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Pathorkuchi.
Tribal name : Jeos, Roah kapanghey (Chakma);
Jeejak laua, Rokeya panko, Rokkapang bang,
Wakheponey (Marma); Samjangi (Garo); Rocha-
bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Miracle plant, Mother of thou-
sands.
Description of the plant : An erect, more or
less branched, succulent herb. Leaves simple,
opposite-decussate, narrowly boatshaped, thick,
succulent, and scalloped margin. Plantlets grow
along the notches of the leaf margins which can
develop while still attached to the plant or when
detached, a fascinating characteristic that earns
its name. Flowers are cylindric, and pendulous in
a large, terminal panicle, reddish-purple. Fruit a
follicle with many seeds.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is used to treat sprain, eczema,
burns, and carbuncles.
Leaf juice is used for the treatment of earache,
and ophthalmia.
A decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
taken with some sugar twice a day (30 ml amount
each time) for one month to treat asthma.
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) until the epilepsy is cured.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to treat wounds, bruise, boils, and insect bite.
Juice of the plant is used in diarrhoea, dysentery,
and cholera.
Decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
taken to control high blood pressure.
A fresh juice extracted from roots of the plant is
taken four times a day (5 ml amount each time)
for five days to treat cough.
The plant is used for the treatment of diabetes,
dysuria, jaundice, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
throughout the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 24
 25. Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.
C C
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
Synonym : Poinciana pulcherrima L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Radhachura, Chotto-
krishnachura.
Tribal name : Magato mini (Marma), Radhachura
gas (Chakma), Rummoth-phang (Garo), Sen-ri-
te-par (Lushai).
English name : Peacock flower, Paradise flower,
Flower-fence, Dwarf poinciana.
Description of the plant : A shrub or small tree,
3-6 m tall, branches are armed with a few scat-
tered spines. Leaves bipinnate, 4-8 pairs of pinnae.
Leaflet are stalkles, 7-11 pairs, elliptic, 1-2 cm
long. . Flowers are red and yellow, or yellow, borne
on terminal, lax racemes, about 4 cm in diameter.
Petals are crisped and clawed. Stamens are long-
exserted. Pod is nearly straight, flat, smooth, 5-9
cm long, containing 6 to 8 seeds.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, flower, and root.
25 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction of flower is used
in sores, erysipelas, and inflammation of the eyes.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken twice a day (20 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat dysuria.
A decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
used in liver affections and as mouth wash and
gargle for mouth, throat ulcers.The leaves of the
plant are used to treat malaria, bronchitis, fever,
jaundice, colic, flatulence, and malignant tumours.
Infusion made with the bark of the plant is used for
gargling thrice a day until the gingivitis is cured.
The seeds of the plant are used for the treatment
of cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulty.
Decoction of roots used for intermittent fever.
The fruits of the plant are used to treat diarrhoea,
and dysentery.
Distribution : This species is planted throughout
the country.
26. Calendula officinalis L.
Family : Asteraceae and cuts heal faster.
The herbs are used traditionally to treat conjunc-
Synonym : Calendula eriocarpa DC.
tivitis and other eye inflammation as it helps to
Bengali/Vernacular name : Calendula. reduce the swelling, and redness of eye infections.
Cream prepared from the flowers of the plant is
English name : Pot marigold.
used to treat acne, and hemorrhoids.
Description of the plant : An erect, hispidly pu-
Distribution : Cultivated all over the country as
bescent, annual herb. Leaves elongate, sessile,
ornamental plant.
minutely-toothed or entire, base cordate, upper
leaves lanceolate. Capitula heterogamous, 4.5 cm
in diameter, yellow coloured, peduncled, solitary,
terminal or axillary, hairy
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with flowers
of the plant is applied to treat eczema, sprain,
wounds, snake bite, wart, and skin diseases.
The tea prepared from the flowers of the plant is
advised to take for the treatment of cough, and
dysmenorrhoea.
Ointment prepared from the flowers of the plant
is often applied to the skin to help burns, bruise,
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 26
 27. Callicarpa arborea Roxb.
C C
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Callicarpa magna Schauer
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bormala (Bengalli);
Koja, Khoja, Haja (Chittagong); Dhalahuja (Sylhet).
Tribal name : Jang gach, Banitak (Chakma);
Mashkhanchi (Garo); Lykee (Khumi); Lihid-pana
(Marma); Tara-mah (Marma).
English name : Beautyberry tree.
Description of the plant : A moderate sized tree,
branches densely tomentose. Leaves are elliptic,
oblong-elliptic, or ovate, leathery, densely yellow-
brown velvety on the underside, dark green and
shiny above, base wedge-shaped to rounded, mar-
gin entire. Purple flowers are borne in cymes 6-11
cm across. Cymes are carried on 4-angled stalks,
longer than leaf-stalks. Fruit a small drupe, about
2.5 mm in diameter, purple when ripe
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml
27 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
amount each time) for three days to treat fever.
An extract prepared from the leaves of the plant,
hot bath is advised to have once a day with that
leaf extract for the treatment of epilepsy.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant, after
warming and adding some salt it is applied to
the infected gum twice a day until the gingivitis
is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant,
and then massage is done to the affected part of
the body twice a day until the rheumatism is cured.
An extract made with the barks of the plant is
used to treat diarrhoea.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the affected part of the body for the
treatment of scorpion sting.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
administered for the treatment of worm infestation.
Distribution : It is found in forests of Chittagong,
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Dhaka,
Mymensingh, and some Northern districts.
28. Canna indica L.
Family : Cannaceae abdomen twice a day to treat abdominal pain.
A decoction prepared from the rhizome with fer-
Synonym : Canna occidentalis Ker Gawl., Canna
mented rice is used for the treatment of gonor-
macrophylla Horan.
rhoea, and amenorrhoea.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kalaboti, Shorbojoya. Leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of malaria.
Tribal name : Chudaw-payn (Chak), Diggi-walsun
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
(Garo), Holabe phul (Chakma), Bawngkawr (Lus-
plied to treat boils, and tonsillitis.
hai), Tea-teng (Murang), Bawnkawr (Pangkhoa),
Khom-lyru-dong (Tripura). Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country under cultivated condition.
English name : Indian short, Canna lily, African
arrowroot.
Description of the plant : A perennial rhizomatous
herb, aerial stem light green to chocolate coloured.
Leaves simple, spirally arranged, lanceolate to
ovate, caudate-acuminate. Flowers large, red, or-
ange coloured, rather distant, in terminal spike.
Fruit a capsule, warty outside.
Plant parts used : Leaf, rhizome.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
rhizome of the plant is applied externally to the
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 28
 29. Carissa carandas L.
C C
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Carissa salicina Lam.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Karamcha, Karach,
Karanga, Karancha.
English name : Christ’s thron.
Description of the plant : A spinous, bushy shrub
or small tree, with milky latex. Leaves obovate,
ellitpic or oblong, mostly widest above the middle,
cuneate at the base, obtuse at the apex. Flowers
white, in terminal corymbose cymes. Fruit almost
2 cm long, reddish-purple when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (two
tea spoons amount each time) until the stomach
problem, and urinary disorder is cured.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is
taken three times a day (50 ml amount each time)
until the remittent fever is cured.
29 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
until the epilepsy is cured.
The bark of the plant is used to treat skin disease.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of diarrhoea, dysentery, earache, soreness of the
mouth and throat, syphilitic pain, malaria, and
diabetes.
Distribution : It is grown in most parts of the
country.
30. Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold
Family : Apocynaceae to the forehead for relief of children’s ailments.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
Synonym : Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K.Schum.
is applied into the infected eye twice a day (one
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kolkephul, Holde or two drops each time) for three days to treat
kolkephul. conjunctivitis.
Tribal name : Goi phul (Chakma), Kaduk chapa- Leaf boiled water is used to wash biting place for
ing (Chak), Sakho-kazzeye (Khumi), Cherry-pawn the treatment of insect bite.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
(Rakhaing), Koilabi-khlom (Tripura).
plied to the infected skin to treat leprosy.
English name : Yellow oleander, Lucky nut, Mexi-
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
can oleander. to affected part of the body to treat body pain, and
Description of the plant : A large shrub or small inflammation.
tree. Leaves 8-15 cm long, linear, narrowed at Distribution : The species commonly occurs
both ends, spirally arranged. Cymes few-flowered, throughout the country.
terminal, peduncle very short; flowers yellow or
orange, occasionally white, funnel-shaped, 5 cm
long. The fruit is a drupe, smooth, green, shining,
somewhat hard, rounded, and angled, 3-4 cm in
diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The leaf paste is applied
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 30
 31. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don
C C
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Vinca rosea L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nayan tara.
Tribal name : Chok phul (Chakma), Piyong (Chak),
Kum-tluang-par (Lushai), Fra-pang-pao (Murang),
Hri-hri-chene-bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Madagascar periwinkle, Rose
periwinkle.
Description of the plant : A perennial, branched
herb. Leaves opposite, oblong, rounded at tip,
pointed at base. Flowers are white, pink, or red
coloured; comprising five petals spreading from
a long and tubular throat. Fruit a cylindric follicle,
2-3 cm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction made with the
leaves of the plant is taken three times a day (50
ml amount each time) to control the diabetes.
A powder made with the roots of the plant is taken
31 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
twice a day (2 gm amount each time) for seven
days to treat dysentery.
Decoction prepared from the flowers of the plant
is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) until
the asthma is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat menorrhagia.
Infusion made with the leaves of the plant is given
for the treatment of indigestion, and dyspepsia.
Leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of
hypertension, insomnia, dengue fever, skin dis-
ease, cancer, and dysmenorrhoea.
Distribution : It is grown in many gardens as an
ornamental plant and also cultivated for medici-
nal uses.
32. Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.
Family : Bombacaceae
Synonym : Bombax pentandrum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Swetshimul (Bengali),
Burma shimul (Chittagong).
Tribal name : Bely-plow (Khumi), La-kung (Lushai),
Gawnja-bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Kapok, Ceiba, White silk cotton tree.
Description of the plant : An erect, medium-sized
deciduous tree, up to 20 m tall. Leaves at the end
of twigs, long petiolate, digitately compound, leaf-
lets 5-8, cuneate, apex acuminate, margin entire.
Flowers are numerous large, appears at the ends
of the branches in clusters, fragrant, and creamy
white. Fruit a capsule, 15-20 cm long, dehiscent.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, flower, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with
the barks of the plant is taken thrice a day (10
ml amount each time) until the type II diabetes
is cured.
Decoction of flower is used to treat constipation.
Powder prepared from the tap root of young plant
is advised to take for the treatment of gonorrhoea,
dysuria, and fever.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant,
after adding some sugar it is taken thrice a day
(50 ml amount each time) until the dysmenorrhoea
is cured. Infusion of leaves, onions, and a little
turmeric, used to treat cough.
Decoction of bark is used for the treatment of
bronchitis, hypertension, abdominal complaints,
diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, and fever.
Warmed young leaves of the plant mixed with
the palm oil are eaten as a prescription for heart
problem.
Decoction prepared from the bark of the plant is
advised to take twice a day (50 ml amount each
time) until the dysentery is cured.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the affected part of the body for the
treatment of swollen fingers, wounds, and sores.
Distribution : The species is very common in Chit-
tagong, Cox’s Bazar district, especially along the
Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf highway.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 32
 33. Cheilocostus speciosus
(J.Koenig) C.D.Specht
C C
Family : Costaceae
Synonym : Costus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sm.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Keu, Keumol, Ban-
duki, Kura, Tia tot.
English name : Spiral ginger.
Tribal name : Fala chingey, Hodogi, Khedogi,
Praing daing muk (Chakma); Cry tong mui, Kiloni
gach, Koingdo pang (Marma); Moth gangath (Garo);
Kramo-kujii (Khumi); Krah-dey (Khasia); Oal sup
(Murang); Terpimungkhorol (Pangkhoa); Prein-
taw-mey-bawn (Rakhaing); Pekhum (Tripura).
Description of the plant : An herb up to 3 m tall,
stem sub-woody at the base, spirally twisted.
Leaves are spirally arranged, oblong, 15-30 cm
long, with pointed tip, short stalks and covered with
soft hairs on the lower surface. Flowers occur in
very dense, solitary spikes. Spikes are very dense,
solitary, terminal, ovoid, 5-10 cm long; purple
bracts ovate, 2.5-4.5 cm long. Calyx is flattened,
purple, 3-5 cm long, with 3 short, ovate lobes.
Corolla segments are white, oblong, 4-6 cm long.
33 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Lip is white, suborbicular, 6-8 cm long, crinkled,
irregularly and rather finely toothed.
Plant parts used : Rhizome.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The juice extracted from
the rhizome of the plant is given for the treatment
of cough, diabetes, fever, asthma, bronchitis, and
rash.
Pea-sized pills made with the rhizomes of the
plant are taken thrice a day (one pill each time)
for one month to treat spermatorrhoea.
A fresh juice extracted from the rhizome of the
plant is taken thrice a day (10 ml amount each
time) for three days to treat stomachache.
Stem juice is given in dysentery. Juice extracted
from the rhizome of the plant is applied to the
infected skin once a day until the eczema and
scabies is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the rhizome of the
plant is taken for the treatment of food poisoning,
and indigestion.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs al-
most throughout the country except Sundarban.
34. Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler)
A.Juss. ex Spreng.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Croton plicatus Vahl
Bengali/Vernacular name : Khudi okra, Khudi
phora.
English name : Turnsole.
Description of the plant : An erect herb with silvery
hairs, lower part of stem is naked, upper part hairy.
Leaves are hairy on both sides, ovate to circular,
with wavy margin. Flowers are small, yellowish.
Male flowers petals ovate. Female flowers sepals
triangular, acute. Fruit a capsule.
Plant parts used : Leaf, fruit.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the cutting place
by tying with a piece of cloth once a day for three
days to healing cutting wounds.
Juice of the fruit is given in cases of cough and cold.
Decoction prepared from the plant is advised to
take for the treatment of skin disease.
Distribution : It is found in Noakhali, Kushtia, Jes-
sore, and Magura districts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 34
 35. Cissus elongata Roxb.
C C
Family : Vitaceae
Synonym : Vitis elongata (Roxb.) Wall.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Chemna lata, Dhemna.
Tribal name : Warongkheya (Garo), El-lid (Chak-
ma), Honga (Khumi), Warongkheya (Marma),
Champuither (Pangkhoa).
Description of the plant : A large herbaceous
climber, glabrous with leaf-opposed, twice bifid
tendrils. Leaves palmately 5-foliolate, glabrous,
petioles up to 10 cm long, leaflet ellitpic or ellip-
tic-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, serrate. Cymes
dichotomously branched, small umbels. Flowers
small, 4-merous. Fruit a berry, elliptic, smooth,
black, 1-seeded.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The leaves and stems of the
plant cooked as vegetable and given as a remedy
for jaundice.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves of the plant
35 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
are taken thrice a day (one pill each time) for one
month to treat spermatorrhoea.
Paste prepared from the leaves and stems of the
plant is applied for the treatment of skin diseases.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves and stems
of the plant are taken three times a day (one pill
each time) until the rheumatism is cured.
Distribution : This species occurs in Bandarban,
Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari, Rangamati,
and Slyhet district.
36. Cissus quadrangularis L.
Family : Vitaceae Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
stems of the plant, then a plaster is made to the
Synonym : Cissus edulis Dalzell, Vitis quadrangu-
fractured bone with that paste and binding tightly
laris (L.) Wall. ex Wight
it should be kept for 15 days to treat it.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Harjora, Charkona Leaves of young shoots, dried and powdered, used
lota, Harbhangalata (Bengali); Haptabanga (No- for bowel complaints associated with indigestion.
akhali). Fresh juice extracted from the stems of the plant
is taken to treat asthma, malaria, and scurvy.
Tribal name : Hatvanga daru (Chakma); Arang
Powder made from the stems of the plant is taken
jura, Diggi-threngi, Moi-bhanga (Garo); Harsan-
to treat diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and peptic
ga, Pyandhum (Marma); Hutam khang (Murang);
ulcer disease.
Aroow-cha-sthei, Zejonglasa (Rakhaing).
A fresh juice extracted from the stems of the plant
English name : Edible stemmed-vine, Veld grape, is taken with little amount of honey to treat men-
Winged treebine, Devil's backbone. orrhagia.
Distribution : This species occurs in the district
Description of the plant : A large climber with
of Chittagong, Sylhet, Dhaka, and in the Shun-
succulent stem much contracted at the nodes,
quadrangular. Leaves fleshy, reniform, broadly darbans.
ovate, denticulate, and obtuse at the apex. Flow-
ers 4-merous, reddish. Fruit a berry, globose, red
when ripe.
Plant parts used : Stem.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 36
 37. Cleome rutidosperma DC.
C C
Family : Capparaceae
Synonym : Cleome ciliata Schumach. & Thonn.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Begunehurhurey.
Tribal name : Soto hurhuri (Manipuri).
English name : Fringed spider flower.
Description of the plant : A plant with spread-
ing and prostrate branches and leaves divided in
3 leaflets. Flowers are small, violet-blue, 5 mm
long, borne on long stalks from the leaf axil of the
flowering stems. Fruit is cylindrical and curved,
about 5 cm long, with numerous round, reddish-
brown to black seeds, 1.5 mm diameter with barred
surfaces.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
leaves and stems of the plant is used to treat
earache.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant are applied after warming to the affected
37 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
part of the body once a day for thirty days to treat
paralysis.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day until the epilepsy is cured.
Leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of
convulsion, and spasm.
Distribution : It is found all over the country.
38. Cleome viscosa L.
Family : Capparaceae Juice extracted from the plant is applied (3-4 drops)
into ears to relieve ear infection.
Synonym : Polanisia viscosa (L.) Blume
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
Bengali/Vernacular name : Halde hurhure,
throughout the country.
Hurhuria.
Tribal name : Crachi (Chakma).
English name : Asian spider flower, Tickweed.
Description of the plant : An annual erect herb,
densely clothed with glandular hairs. Leaves 3-5
foliolate; leaflets elliptic-oblong or obovate, acute
or obtuse, the terminal the largest and reaching
4.3 cm long. Flowers yellow, axillary, growing out
into lax racemes. Capsule is cylindric, 4-7 cm long,
glandular-hairy, and narrowed above.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the navel region
to treat stomachache.
The leaves of the plant are used as remedy for
headache, wound, inflammation, and skin infec-
tion.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 38
 39. Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.f.
C C
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Clerodendrum balfourii Dombrain
Bengali/Vernacular name : Hridoyhara, Hridoyk-
hora.
English name : Bledding heart, Glory bower.
Description of the plant : A climbing shrub, up
to 7 m long, branches, and branchlets obtusely
4-angled. Leaves simple, opposite, broadly ovate,
entire, shortly acuminate, sub-cordate to round at
the base, minutely and sparsely pubescent below.
Terminal clusters of inflorescence of odd "Bag
Flower" white calyxes from which emerge brilliant
red "Bleeding Heart" corollas. Fruits drupaceous,
glossy-black, with bright red aril within, uniting
the 4 pyrenes.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied externally to the
forehead and kept from sunrise to sunset for
39 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
seven days to treat cluster headache; smoking is
prohibited during the period of treatment.
The paste prepared from the leaves of the plant
is applied to the affected part of the body once a
day for 20 days to treat lipoma (tumour).
Distribution : It is introduced and planted in gar-
dens in Dhaka city, and other urban areas.
40. Clitoria ternatea L.
Family : Fabaceae
Synonym : Clitoria philippensis Perr., Clitoria par-
viflora Raf.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Aparajita, Nil apara-
jita, Nila.
Tribal name : Apung fai (Chak), Amio (Marma),
Bay song kra (Murang), Kala ongey phil (Chakma),
Ammai-noo-apang (Rakhaing).
English name : Butterfly pea.
Description of the plant : A perennial twining
herb with cylindrical and slender stem. Leaves
imparipinnate, leaflets 5-7, elliptic-oblong, apex
acute, base obtuse or acute, stipules linear, stipels
filiform. Flowers large, axillary, solitary; corolla
deep blue with a white, yellowish, or pale blue cen-
ter. Pods 5-10 cm long, beaked, with 6-10 seeds.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, fruit, seed, and
root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted
from the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day
(two tea spoons amount each time) until the meno-
pause is cured.
A decoction made with the flowers and salt, and
then it is advised to take three times a day (10 ml
amount each time) until the cough is cured.
Seeds are burned for fume inhalation to treat
asthma.
An extract made with the fruits of the plant is given
in diarrhoea, and dysentery.
Warm leaf juice mixed with salt, and then it is
applied around the ears to treat earache.
Powder prepared from the dried roots of the plant
is given in jaundice.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of fever, piles, and smallpox.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to treat inflammation, leucoderma, leprosy,
skin disease, wound, insect bite, and snake bite.
Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country under cultivation.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 40
 41. Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps
C C
Family : Combretaceae
Synonym : Quisqualis indica L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Modhumanjuri.
Tribal name : Payng-she-cha (Chak), Daway-ma-
apnag (Rakhaing).
English name : Rangoon-creeper, Chinese honey-
suckle.
Description of the plant : A large climbing, woody
shrub. Leaves papyraceous, elliptic or elliptic ob-
long, apex acuminate, base rounded, margin entire.
Flowers are fragrant, tubular, pendulous, showy,
first white, then becoming red, reddish-purple or
orange, exhibiting the range of colours in clus-
ters, on the same flower stalk. Fruit is narrowly
ellipsoid.
Plant parts used : Leaf, seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the forehead twice
a day until the headache is cured.
41 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Roasted seeds of the plant are used in fever.
A decoction made with the plant is given to treat
flatulence.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant, after
adding sugar, salt, and water, and then it is taken
three times a day for five days to treat diarrhoea.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant are applied externally for the treatment of
boils, and skin ulcers.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is advised to take for the treatment of dysuria.
Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country under planted condition.
42. Couroupita guianensis Aubl.
Family : Lecythidaceae a day for five days to treat toothache.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
Synonym : Couroupita peruviana O.Berg
of alopecia, inflammation, fever, and malaria.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Naglingom, Nagkeshor.
Distribution : This species planted in the gardens.
English name : Cannonball tree.
Description of the plant : A large evergreen tree
growing to a height of 20 m. Leaves simple, alter-
nate, shortly petiolate, oblong-obovate, and en-
tire to slightly serrate. Inflorescence is racemose,
arising from the trunk and other large branches.
Flowers are reddish with a yellow tinge on the
outside, fragrant, with stamens borne on an over-
arching androphore. Fruit larger than cricket ball,
reddish-brown globose, 15-24 cm in diameter, with
a woody capsule, seeds embedded in the pulp.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
leaves of the plant is used to treat skin disease.
An extract made with the young leaves of the plant
by boiling in water is used for gargling four times
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 42
 43. Crassocephalum crepidioides
(Benth.) S.Moore
C C
Family : Asteraceae
Synonym : Gynura crepidioides Benth.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Duubbecrepi.
Tribal name : Teolang (Chakma), Prindey (Khumi),
Tong pa ma (Marma), Sampao (Murang), Baiunkasa
(Pangkhoa), Maa-khaw-daa-bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Redflower ragleaf, Fireweed.
Description of the plant : An erect annual slightly
succulent little-branched herb, up to 1 m tall.
Leaves elliptic-oblanceolate, lyrately lobed, apex
acute or acuminate, margin serrate-dentate. Flow-
er heads are cylindrical, green, with red florets
visible on top. Fruit a cypsela, oblong, pappus hairy.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the boils to treat it.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) until the epilepsy is cured.
43 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Decoction made from the leaves and stems of the
plant is taken for the treatment of liver disorder.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves and stems
of the plant is advised to take three times a day
(two tea spoons amount each time) until the ty-
phoid is cured.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs all
over the country.
44. Crinum asiaticum L.
Family : Liliaceae
Synonym : Crinum macrophyllum Hallier f.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nagdaun, Barakanur,
Sukdarshan, Nagpata.
Tribal name : Makaclilum (Bawm), Koba raun
(Chakma), Hoba rasun (Marma).
English name : Poison bulb, Crinum lily.
Description of the plant : A perennial herb with
a large tunicated bulb. Leaves lanceolate, 150
cm long, 12-15 cm in width. Flowers large, white
fragrant at night, in 10-50 flowered umbels. Fruit
subglobose, 3-5 cm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bulb.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Leaves with oil form a
useful application for inflammations at the end
of toes and fingers.
A fresh juice extracted from the bulb of the plant is
taken three times a day (three tea spoons amount
each time) for two weeks to treat constipation.
Poultice made from heated, pounded fresh bulb
used for rheumatism.
Juice of leaves, with a little salt is used to treat
earache.
Bulbs of the plant used for fever, headache, and
swelling.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant; bandage
is made with that paste to the fractured bone and
kept for two weeks to treat bone fracture.
Cottonseed-sized pills made from dried leaves of
the plant are taken thrice a day (one pill each time)
with warm water, until the gastric ulcer is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) for
the treatment of oedema.
The plant is used for the treatment of arthritis, lep-
rosy, cold, cough, vomiting, and worm infestations.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
throughout the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 44
 45. Crotalaria verrucosa L.
C C
Family : Fabaceae
Synonym : Crotalaria mollis Weinm.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Jhanjhani, Bansan.
Tribal name : Salorok (Bawm), Kuduk jhunjhuni
(Chakma), Moah soyaleh (Marma), Kan kung (Mu-
rang).
English name : Blue rattlesnake.
Description of the plant : A much-branched herb
up to 1 m high, branches angled. Leaves simple,
ovate to elliptic, 5-14 cm long, pubescent on sur-
faces, apex rounded, and base cuneate. Flowers
bluish-purple in terminal or lateral 12-20 flowered
racemes, 15-20 cm long. Pods shortly stipitate,
clavate-oblong, black when mature, hairy.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Leaf paste is prescribed
in case of scabies.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is given
to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia, and blood
45 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
impurities.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the infected skin twice a day until the leprosy
is cured.
Distribution : It occurs in Chittagong, Khulna,
Patuakhali, Rajshahi, and Sylhet districts.
46. Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume
Family : Amaranthaceae
Synonym : Achyranthes prostrata L., Cyathula re-
pens Moq.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shyontula.
Tribal name : Lebbeteaowi (Khumi), Haruan ludi
(Chakma), Saing dacrilung (Marma).
English name : Pasture weed.
Description of the plant : An annual, branched
herb, reaching a length of 1 m or more, with the
stems prostrate and creeping below. Leaves are
rhomboid-oblong, 2-8 cm long, and gradually ta-
pering to an acute base. Spikes are terminal and
axillary, slender, peduncles, and 5-20 cm long.
Flowers are numerous, greenish, ovoid, and about
3 mm long. Sepals are hairy. Fruit is an ellipsoid
utricle, 1.5-2 mm long, thin-walled, hairless, one-
seeded, surrounded by a stiff perianth.
Plant parts used : Leaf., stem, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted
from the leaves of the plant is taken twice a day
(10 ml amount each time) for three days to treat
febrile convulsion.
Decoction prepared from roots of the plant is given
in dysentery.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves and stems
of the plant is taken twice a day (10 ml amount
each time) for one week to treat dysmenorrhoea.
A decoction made with the leaves and stems of
the plant is taken twice a day (15 ml amount each
time) until the asthma and cough is cured.A fresh
juice extracted from the leaves and stems of the
plant is taken thrice a day (15 ml amount each
time) for five days to treat cardiac weakness.
Powder made from the dried plants is taken twice
a day (5 gm amount each time) with water until
the hysteria is cured.
Decoction of whole plant is used as wash for
headache.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time)
after adding little amount of honey for seven days
to treat pneumonia.
Distribution : The species is found in southwestern
and eastern parts of the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 46
 47. Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham.
C D
Family : Cycadaceae
Synonym : Cycas dilatata Griff.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Cycas.
Tribal name : Monirajphul gach (Chakma); Moi-
dya safai, Mraug bra saphen (Marma); Bardhoman
gach (Tanchangya).
English name : Cycad palm.
Description of the plant : An evergreen palm-like
tree, up to 3.5 m tall, often forked. Leaves up to 2
m long, recurved, petioles about 50 cm long with
a few small distant spines, leaflets linear, ending
in minute spines, margin entire, and dark green.
Megasporophylls densely tawny silky.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is mixed with little amount
of water and it is taken three times a day (20 ml
amount each time) for the treatment of asthma.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
47 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
plied to the navel region once a day for three days
to treat irregular menstruation.
The juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is given for the treatment of painful micturation.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the biting place twice a day for three
days to treat poisonous insect stings.
The plant is used for the treatment of breast tu-
mour, diarrhoea, hyperacidity, dysmenorrhoea,
and stomachache.
Distribution : The species rarely occurs in the
districts of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts and
aslo rarely in the Sal forests of north Mymensingh.
48. Dentella repens
(L.) J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Family : Rubiaceae Distribution : It occurs almost throughout the
country.
Synonym : Oldenlandia repens L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bhuipat, Sada phuli,
Sada jabri.
English name : Creeping dentella, Creeping lick-
stoop.
Description of the plant : An annual creeping herb.
Leaves narrowly elliptic or oblong, 1 cm long or
less. Flowers axillary, in the fork of branches,
small, solitary, white. Capsule ovoid, crowned by
the sepals, hairy and many seeded.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted
from the leaves of the plant is taken to control
high blood pressure.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to treat eczema.
Crushed warm leaves are given for loose motion.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
used for poulticing sores.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 48
 49. Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC.
D D
Family : Fabaceae
Synonym : Desmodium polycarpum (Poir.) DC.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Banmethi, Karpo modi.
Tribal name : Koo-shey-dung (Rakhaing), Harma
pada arsanga (Chakma), Turkimadan (Marma).
English name : Asian tick trefoil, Carpon desmo-
dium, Asian ticktrefoil.
Description of the plant : An erect or suberect
undershrub, 0.5-1.5 m tall. Leaves 3-foliolate, leaf-
lets obovate-oblong, obtuse. Flowers numerous
in racemose inflorescences 5-10 cm long. Flow-
ers pink to purplish red. Pods narrowly oblong,
4-8-jointed, 1-2.8 cm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with
the roots of the plant is given for the treatment
of cough.
The leaves of the plant are used in women’s prob-
lem, fainting, and convulsion.
49 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant is applied to the fractured bone for making
bandage; the bandage is replaced five times with
a new one at three days interval.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
used for massaging to the whole body once a day
for three days to treat hysteria.
Distribution : The species frequently occurs in the
forest areas of the districts of Sylhet, Dhaka, Chit-
tagong, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, and Bandarban.
50. Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC.
Family : Fabaceae
Synonym : Hedysarum triflorum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kalaliya, Kodaliya,
Kulaliya modi, Tre-potrishak.
Tribal name : Ya re sur sah (Murang), Baa-thaw-
shaw (Rakhaing), Bormajal (Marma).
English name : Creeping tick trefoil, Three-flower
beggarweed.
Description of the plant : A much branched, mat-
forming creeping herb, with clover-like leaves.
Leaves are divided into 3 leaflets, the lower leaves
sometimes undivided. Leaflets are inverted-egg
shaped, to inverted-heart shaped, rounded, and
notched at the tip, less than 1 cm long, up to 9 mm
wide. The flowers are purplish, about 6 mm long,
axillary, solitary or 2 to 3 together, with slender
pedicels. Pods 5-12 mm long, with 2 to 6 joints.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The fresh juice extracted
from the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day
(10 ml amount each time) until the stomachache
is cured.
Decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
given in diarrhoea, and dysentery.
Leaves of the plant are used in children to treat
indigestion, and convulsion.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
used for skin eruptions, wounds, and abscesses.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves and
roots of the plant are taken orally thrice a day
(one pill each time) until the tuberculosis is cured.
The leaves of the plant are used in blindness, and
eye diseases.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is taken for the treatmnent of cough, and asthma.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
throughout the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 50
 51. Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.
D D
Family : Dilleniaceae
Synonym : Dillenia minor (Zoll. & Moritzi) Gilg
Bengali/Vernacular name : Banchalta, Ajugi,
Hargaza (Bengali); Ajuli (Dhaka-Mymensingh);
Argeza (Chittagong); Ekush (Sylhet).
Tribal name : Hara (Chakma), Harjola (Marma),
Angje (Khumi), Zambrun (Mogh), Haza (Tripura).
English name : Karmal, Dog teak, Dillenia.
Description of the plant : A large deciduous tree
grows up to 40 m in height. Leaves are large, 20-
50 cm, alternate, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or
acute, serrate. Flowers yellowish, fragrant, 2-3
cm across, arise from the nodes of fallen leaves,
on panicles. Fruits 2.5 cm in diameter, globose
contain single seed.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the bark of the plant is taken thrice a day (two tea
spoons amount each time) for two weeks to treat
51 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
blood dysentery.
A decoction made with the bark of the plant is
taken for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery.
Bark of the plant is used to treat tuberculosis,
fistula, sores, carbuncles, neuralgia, pleurisy, and
pneumonia.
Juice extracted from the bark of the plant is taken
twice a day (5 ml amount each time) to control
the diabetes.
Distribution : It is found in Tangail, Sylhet, Chit-
tagong, and Chittagong Hill Tracts districts.
52. Diospyros montana Roxb.
Family : Ebenaceae Distribution : It is planted along roadsides and
in the village groves in many districts, and near
Synonym : Diospyros cordifolia Roxb.
Hindu temples.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Tomal, Bangab, Mo-
hesh kanda.
English name : Bombay ebony, Mountain ebony.
Description of the plant : A small tree, up to 15
m tall, twigs, and trunk with occasional spines.
Leaves simple, alternate, ovate-oblong, base
cordate, apex acute. Male flowers are borne in
3-flowered clusters, and the female ones singly.
Flowers are creamy white or greenish-white, tu-
bular, with 4 petals which are curved back. Fruit
a globose berry, yellow when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the biting place
twice a day for four days to treat insect bite.
The plant is used for the treatment of dysuria,
neuralgia, pneumonia, menorrhagia, and fever.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 52
 53. Duranta erecta L.
D E
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Duranta repens L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Duranto, Katamehedi.
English name : Skyflower, Golden dewdrop, He-
liotrope bush.
Description of the plant : A shrub with straggling
and drooping branches. Leaves are small, obovate-
elliptic, 3-6 cm long, with pointed or rounded tips
and pointed base; the margins entire or slightly
toothed. Inflorescence of axillary to terminal ra-
ceme, 5-20 cm long, laxly many-flowered. Flowers
blue, lilac, violet, light violet or purple. Fruit fleshy,
ovoid, orange-yellow.
Plant parts used : Leaf, fruit.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the boils once a
day for four days to treat it.
The fruits of the plant are used to treat fever, ma-
laria, and intestinal worms.
53 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the biting place twice a day for four days
to treat insect stings.
Distribution : It is found all over the country.
54. Eranthemum pulchellum Andrews
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonym : Eranthemum bicolor Schrank, Justicia
nervosa Vahl
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shukh murali.
English name : Blue sage.
Description of the plant : A much branched,
spreading shrub. Leaves elliptic or ovate-elliptic,
basally attenuate, prominently nerved, glabrous
or more or less hairy on nerves beneath. Flowers
blue, in terminal spikes.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the boils to treat it.
Decoction prepared from leaves of the plant is
used in aphthae.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
used to treat wounds, and ulcers.
Distribution : It is founded as a garden plant.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 54
 55. Euphorbia cotinifolia L.
E E
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Euphorbia cotinoides Miq.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Tamat.
English name : Caribbean copper plant, Mexican
shrubby spurge, Red spurge.
Description of the plant : An evergreen shrub has
red leaves. It will quickly grow to 10-15 feet. Leaves
simple, petiolate, leaf blade ovate-rounded, apex
obtuse, base subtruncate, margin entire, both
surfaces red. The creamy white flowers look very
exotic with their red appendages and outsized
seed pods.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied externally to rem-
edy sores.
The milky latex is applied externally to treat in-
fected nails.
Extract prepared from the leaves of the plant is
55 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
used to inhibit the growth of liver cancer.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied externally to cutting wound once a day for
five days to treat it.
Distribution : The species is found throughout the
country under cultivation.
56. Euphorbia heterophylla L.
Family : Euphorbiaceae pain, stomachache, constipation, bronchitis, asth-
ma, and to expel intestinal worms.
Synonym : Euphorbia elliptica Lam., Poinsettia
Infusion of the plant is used as a wash to treat skin
heterophylla (L.) Klotzsch & Garcke
problem, including fungal disease, and abscesses.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Agni pata. Latex of the plant is applied to treat skin tumours.
A powder made with the leaves of the plant is
English name : Mexican fire plant, Japanese poin-
taken with water twice a day (5 gm amount each
settia, Mole plant.
time) for 15 days to treat gonorrhoea.
Description of the plant : An erect herb, up to 1
Distribution : The species occurs in Dhaka district.
m high, stems hollow with scattered hairs. Leaves
petiolate, alternate, ovate-elliptic to rhomboid,
base obtuse, apex acuminate, margin entire to
subserrate. Flowers male or female in clusters at
the top of the stems, each flower-head (cyathium)
with a solitary terminal female flower surrounded
by male flowers enclosed in a cup-shaped invo-
lucre with a solitary conspicuous gland. Capsule
3-lobed.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves and stems of the plant is given for body
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 56
 57. Euphorbia neriifolia L.
E F
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Euphorbia edulis Lour.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kanta-manasa, Man-
sa, Mansasij, Patasij, Reng.
English name : Indian spurge tree, Hedge eu-
phorbiaceae, Oleander spurge.
Description of the plant : A succulent plant with
twisting columnar branches. It is often mistaken
for a cactus. Leaves alternate, obovate to narrowly
oblanceolate, obtuse at the apex, attenuate at the
base, margin entire, glabrous, fleshy. Flowers are
small, yellow, like small buttons, alternating with
the thorns, all along the stem, arranged spirally.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made from the
roots of the plant and black pepper is applied to
the biting place once a day for two days to treat
snake bite.Juice prepared from the stems of the
plant is used for the treatment of bronchitis, tu-
57 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
mours, piles, fever, and anal fistula.
Milky juice is used for the treatment of piles, leu-
coderma, and inflammation.
Juice prepared from stems of the plant is admin-
istered as a care for cough.
Fluid from roasted leaves used for earache.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is used for asthma.
Distribution : The species occurs in most of the
districts.
58. Firmiana colorata (Roxb.) R.Br.
Family : Sterculiaceae ml amount each time) until the hysteria is cured.
An infusion made with the barks and roots of the
Synonym : Sterculia colorata Roxb.
plant is taken thrice a day (50 ml amount each
Bengali/Vernacular name : Huri, Chamri, Pisi, time) for seven days to treat jaundice.
Deoudal, Naichicha, Samarri (Bengali); Hur ujal A fresh juice extracted from the bark of the plant
(Chittagong); Pata gota (Dhaka-Mymensingh). is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) for
Tribal name : Kra-sam-baing (Marma), Pithok five days to treat seminal emission.
(Chakma), Karasangban (Mogh), Bol-ajun (Garo). An infusion made with the barks of the plant is
taken thrice a day (100 ml amount each time) for
English name : Scarlet sterculia, Coloured sterculia.
15 days to treat spermatorrhoea.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized, spread- Distribution : The species occurs in the forest ar-
ing, deciduous tree with fluted stem. Leaves eas of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chittagong, and
crowded at the end of branchlets, 12-25 cm long Chittagong Hill Tracts.
and nearly as broad, palmately 3-5 lobed. Flowers
scarlet or orange-red, solitary or in clusters of 2-3
short panicles from the axil of fallen leaves. Fruit
a follicle, oblong with acute apex.
Plant parts used : Bark, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the bark of the plant is applied to the eyes once,
at the same time juice is taken thrice a day (5
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 58
 59. Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr.
F F
Family : Flacourtiaceae
Synonym : Flacourtia sapida Roxb.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Boiciful, Paniala,
Beuchi, Baicha, Katai, Dungkhar.
Tribal name : Tamagry (Marma).
English name : Madagascar plum.
Description of the plant : A much-branched, de-
ciduous, thorny small tree. Leaves red or pink
when young, ovate or elliptic, glabrous, apex ob-
tusely acuminate, base cuneate to rounded, margin
crenate. Flowers white, about 5 mm in diameter,
axillary or terminating short branchlets, solitary or
in pairs. Fruit is rounded, about 1 cm in diameter,
fleshy when fresh, smooth and purple or nearly
black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A powder made with the
dried roots of the plant is taken with warm water
twice a day (5 gm amount each time) for 15 days
59 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
to treat pneumonia.
Dried leaves of the plant are used for the treat-
ment of asthma and bronchitis.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is given
to treat fever, diarrhoea, and indigestion
Infusion prepared from the bark of the plant is
used as a gargle for hoarseness.
The ashes of the roots are used for kidney ail-
ments.
Distribution : It is found almost all over the country.
60. Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch.
Family : Flacourtiaceae
Synonym : Stigmarota jangomas Lour.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Paniala, Paniamala,
Lukluki (Bengali); Tokroi (Sylhet); Painnagola
(Chittagong).
Tribal name : Riamcha (Bawm), Painnya gula
(Chakma), Che-marang (Garo), Thingrong (Khumi),
Soh-k-noui (Khasia), Riam shang (Lushai), Ne-
re-shi (Marma), Puincha (Murang), Khoro gola
(Rakhaing), Painna mola (Tripura).
English name : Indian cherry.
Description of the plant : A small tree, up to 15 m
tall, is bearing compound spines. Leaves 5-10 cm
long, oblong or ovate, acuminate, crenate-serrate,
glabrous. Flowers small, unisexual, pale-yellow or
whitish, fragrant, in short axillary, sub-corymbose
racemes. Fruit a globose berry, 1.2-1.8 cm across,
dark-purple when fully ripe
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the affected part
of the body until the paralysis is cured.
The fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken thrice a day (three tea spoons amount
each time) until the remittent fever, and vomit-
ing is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is applied to the whole body twice a day for 5 days
to treat poisoning effect.
The powder prepared from the dried leaves of the
plant is given for the treatment of diarrhoea, cough,
and bronchitis.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves of the
plant are taken with honey thrice a day (one pill
each time) for two weeks to treat tetanus.
An extract made with the roots of the plant is used
for gargling four times a day until the toothache
is cured.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to affected parts of the body twice a day for
two weeks to treat urticaria.
Distribution : This species occurs in the forests
of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and the Chit-
tagong Hill Tracts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 60
 61. Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
F G
Family : Apiaceae
Synonym : Foeniculum dulce Mill.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Mowri, Pan muhori.
Tribal name : Deihnak (Lushai), Mitha jhira (Chak-
ma), Muring (Murang), Deinak (Pangkhoa), Misti
zeera (Rakhaing).
English name : Fennel, Sweet fennel, Florence
fennel.
Description of the plant : A biennial, glabrous,
aromatic herb, up to 2 m tall. Leaves 3 or 4 times
pinnate, with very narrow, linear or subulate seg-
ments. Umbels rather large, of 15, 20 or more
rays, more or less glaucous. Flowers small, yellow.
Fruit ridged, very aromatic, oblong, or ellipsoid,
about 5 mm long. Seeds are somewhat dorsally
compressed.
Plant parts used : Fruit, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the fruits of the plant is taken twice a day (100
61 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ml amount each time) until the dyspepsia, and
flatulence is cured.
Powder made from the fried fruits is taken twice
a day (1 gm amount each time) with water for 10
days to treat worm infestation.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat urinary disorder.
An infusion made with the fruits of the plant is
taken twice a day (20 ml amount each time) for
three days to treat abdominal pain.
Hot infusion of fruits is taken twice a day (20 ml
amount each time) until the amenorrhoea is cured.
Paste prepared from the fruits of the plant, poultice
has been used to relief breast swelling in nursing
mother.
Distribution : It is cultivated in Rajbari, Noakhali,
Tangail, Jamalpur, Kurigram, and Panchagarh
districts.
62. Getonia floribunda Roxb.
Family : Combretaceae is taken thrice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
two weeks to treat malaria fever.
Synonym : Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.) Lam.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
ex Poir.
is applied to the biting place twice a day for three
Bengali/Vernacular name : Guichia lata. days to treat snake bite.
Tribal name : Chui-daw (Rakhaing). Distribution : It is common in greater Chittagong,
English name : Paper flower climber. Sylhet districts and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Description of the plant : A scandent shrub, 2-4 m
high, with drooping branches. Leaves ovate to nar-
rowly elliptic, apex acuminate, base cuneate. Flow-
ers sessile, yellowish green, in fulvous-pubescent
terminal panicles. Fruits narrowly ellipsoid-oblong,
obtusely 5-angled.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice prepared from the
leaves of the plant is taken for the treatment of
diarrhoea, and dysentery.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the skin for seven days to treat leprosy.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 62
 63. Globba radicalis Roxb.
G G
Family : Zingiberaceae
Synonym : Mantisia radicalis (Roxb.) D.P.Dam &
N.Dam
Bengali/Vernacular name : Ratkheya.
Description of the plant : An herb with annual
aerial shoot, 40-60 cm tall, with perennial sub-
terranean rhizome. Leaves sessile, lanceolate,
and long caudate. Inflorescence glabrous, 20-
45 cm long, arising before shoot or along with
shoot, peduncles subtented by 3 oblong, glabrous
sheaths. Labellum obovate, yellow, base cuneate,
apex bilobed.
Plant parts used : Rhizome.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the rhi-
zome of the plant is applied to the affected part
of the body for relief of body pain.
Juice extracted from the rhizome of the plant is
given for the treatment of hepatomegaly.
Distribution : It is found in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar
and Bandarban districts.
63 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
64. Gomphrena globosa L.
Family : Amaranthaceae in cough, diabetes, and hypertension.
Decoction of fresh plant used to wash sores.
Synonym : Gomphrena rubra Moq.
Decoction prepared from the flowers of the plant
Bengali/Vernacular name : Botamphul, Golkamal, is used for inflammation of the eyes, difficulty
Gul-makhmal. urinating, headache, and dysentery.
Tribal name : Cheai-lo-par (Lushai), Dah-apayn The leaves of the plant are used for the treat-
(Chak), Ching-ringpao (Murang), Meilingper (Pan- ment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and whoop-
gkhoa), Murrow-bawn (Rakhaing). ing cough.Paste parepared from the leaves of the
plant is applied to the forehead to treat headache.
English name : Globe amaranth, Bachelor’s but-
Distribution : It is cultivated in almost all districts
ton, Gomphrena.
as an ornamental plant.
Description of the plant : An erect annual herb,
up to 50 cm tall. Leaves 4-10 cm, elliptic, obovate-
oblong or broadly lanceolate, base attenuate, tip
acute. Flowers are numerous, densely crowded
in globose heads, the heads are white, pink or
purple, solitary, peduncled, 1.5 to 2 cm in diam-
eter, subtended by 2 bracts. Capsule oblong-ovoid,
compressed.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction of leaves is used
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 64
 65. Grewia asiatica L.
G H
Family : Tiliaceae
Synonym : Grewia hainesiana Hole
Bengali/Vernacular name : Phalsa, Sakri, Pisla,
Pesondi, Datoi, Phepsia, Kapaija, Phuldamar, Na-
ris, Deogola, Sakri.
Tribal name : Tara fru (Marma).
English name : Phalsa.
Description of the plant : A shrub or small tree.
Leaves broadly ovate or suborbicular, obliquely
cordate or rounded at the base, acuminate at the
apex, margin crenate. Flowers are yellow, about
2 cm in length, borne in densely crowded, rarely
solitary, axillary cymes. Fruit a drupe, edible, small
and round, purple to almost black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the bark of the plant is taken thrice a day (40 ml
amount each time) for three days to treat diar-
rhoea.
65 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Juice extracted from the bark of the plant is taken
to treat tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases,
menorrhagia, and dysuria.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is
used to wash the head once a day until the dan-
druff is cured.
Powder prepared from the dried bark of the plant
is taken twice a day (4 gm amount each time) with
water until neurological disorders, constipation,
and gastritis are cured.
Distribution : The species sporadically occurs
almost throughout the country.
66. Heliotropium curassavicum L.
Family : Boraginaceae after adding few drops of honey it is taken thrice
a day (10 ml amount each time) for three days to
Synonym : Heliotropium glaucum Salisb.
treat cough.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nona hatishur. A curry cooked with the young shoots of the plant
is taken twice a day for ten days to treat anaemia.
English name : Salt heliotrope, Seaside heliotrope,
Decoction prepared from leaves of the plant is
Wild heliotrope.
given twice a day until the asthma is cured.
Description of the plant : A glabrous, prostrate, Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant, then
halophytic, perennial succulent herb, 30-80 cm the syrup is made with that juice, salt, water, and
long. Leaves simple, lower opposite, and upper it is taken twice a day for seven days to treat fever.
sub-opposite, subsessile, narrowly oblanceolate
Distribution : It occurs in coastal regions in Bhola,
or linear-spatulate. Inflorescence simple or forked,
Satkhira, and Noakhali districts.
a spike-like terminal, or dense cymes, 3-10 cm
long, lax in fruits. Flowers white, female sessile,
bracteate, the middle nerve terminating below the
rounded apex.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from leaves
of the plant is applied to the infected skin twice a
day until the boils is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from leaves of the plant,
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 66
 67. Hemigraphis hirta (Vahl) T.Anderson
H H
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonym : Ruellia hirta Vahl
Bengali/Vernacular name : Buripana, Borati gas.
Tribal name : Mrawnna (Marma).
English name : Hairy hemigraphis.
Description of the plant : A small prostrate, softly
hirsute herb, up to 30 cm long, with white hairs.
Leaves ovate, crenate, obtuse, petiole very small.
Flowers in small close terminal heads, pale blue.
Capsule linear-oblong, yellowish-brown, with
short, and glandular hairs, 10-12 seeded.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Gargling is done with the
plant extract thrice a day until the sore in mouth
is cured.
Decoction prepared from the plant is given for the
treatment of ureterolithiasis.
An extract prepared from the plant is administered
to treat shigellosis.
67 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
The leaves of the plant are chewed with betel leaf
for cure ulcer of the mouth.
Distribution : It is found throughout Bangladesh
in fallow lands.
68. Heritiera fomes Buch.-Ham.
Family : Sterculiaceae to the affected part of the body to treat eczema,
abscesses, boils, and scabies.
Synonym : Heritiera minor (Gaertn.) Roxb.
The plant is used in jaundice and hepatitis.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Sundori.
Distribution : It is found in the forests of the Sun-
English name : Sunder. darban, Chakaria Sundarbans, and other coastal
areas.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized man-
grove tree, 15-18 m tall, branches covered with
shining golden-brown scales. Leaves simple, 10-
16 cm long, alterrnate, elliptic-lanceolate, base
rounded, apex acute, glabrous above, adpressed
scaly beneath. Flowers small, unisexual, in axillary
panicles. Fruit a cluster of woody, indehiscent,
keeled, or winged ripe carpel.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The bark is used in relief
of pain and control diabetes.
The bark of the plant is used for the treatment
of gastrointestinal disease including diarrhoea,
dysentery, and stomachache.
Paste prepared from the bark of the plant is applied
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 68
 69. Holarrhena antidysenterica
(Roxb. ex Fleming) Wall. ex A.DC.
H H
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Nerium antidysentericum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kurchi, Kuruj, Kutess-
hor (Bengali); Karach (Chittagong); Karas (Sylhet);
Indrajib (Dinaj).
Tribal name : Kuruk gach (Chakma), Bol-dukhak-
ki-bipang (Garo), Krah-p-sen (Khasia), Lata baong
(Marma), Punarcha (Murang), Lakhow-bawn (Ra-
khaing), Kuruk (Tanchangya), Kuichiana-phang
(Tripura).
English name : Kurchi tree, Conessi tree, Bitter
oleander, Tellicherry bark.
Description of the plant : A small to medium-
sized tree. Leaves 10-15 cm long, petioles short,
ovate, elliptic, or elliptic-oblong, base rounded,
apex acuminate. White flowers appear in corymb-
like cymes, 5-15 cm across, at the end of branches.
Flowers have five white petals 2-3 cm long which
turn creamish yellow as they age.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the bark of the plant is taken twice a day (20 ml
69 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
amount each time) until the diarrhoea and hook
worm infestation is cured.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the dried barks
of the plant are taken (one pill each time) until the
gastric ulcer and hyperacidity is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the bark of the plant,
after adding some sugar it is taken twice a day (15
ml amount each time) until the abdominal pain,
dysentery is cured.
A paste made with the bark of the plant is applied
to the infected skin for leprosy and boils to treat it.
Decoction prepared from the dried barks of the
plant is taken four to five times a day (5 ml amount
each time) until the dysuria is cured.
Decoction prepared from the bark of the plant
is taken in empty stomach thrice a day (100 ml
amount each time) for three days to treat thread
worm infestation.
An extract is made with the bark of the plant;
gargling is done with that extract of the plant three
times a day until the sore in mouth is healed.
Distribution : The species occurs very commonly
in the northern, central, and eastern parts of the
country.
70. Hoya parasitica (Roxb.) Wall. ex Wight
Family : Asclepiadaceae ache, a piece of cloth can be used to fix the paste
properly.
Synonym : Asclepias parasitica Roxb.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
Bengali/Vernacular name : Serapata hoya (Ben- is taken three times a day (100 ml amount each
gali), Chera pata (Rajshahi-Khulna). time) until the paralysis and fever is cured.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves of the
Tribal name : Fessya gach (Chakma), Seya-souchii
plant are taken with honey and goat milk thrice
(Khasia), Nui-bawn (Rakhaing), Faissa gaith (Tan-
a day (one pill each time) for seven days to treat
changya), Chiki-phang (Tripura).
rheumatoid arthritis.
Description of the plant : An epiphytic, creeping The plant is used for the treatment of jaundice,
plant. Leaves petiolate, glabrous, ovate-elliptic, tumour, leprosy, and diseases associated with
lanceolate, oblong or elliptic, 10-16 cm long, fleshy, cancer.
tips acute, base cuneate or obtuse. Cymes umbel-
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
late, many-flowered, solitary at the nodes, flowers throughout the country.
pearly white.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the affected parts
of the body for seven days to treat gout.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the forehead twice a day to treat head-
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 70
 71. Hydnocarpus kurzii (King) Warb.
H H
Family : Flacourtiaceae
Synonym : Taraktogenos kurzii King
Bengali/Vernacular name : Chalmugra, Chaul-
mugra (Bengali); Dulmugra (Sylhet).
Tribal name : Balgach (Chakma), Tanu panu (Mogh).
English name : Chaulmugra.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized ev-
ergreen tree, 12-15 m high. Leaves thinly coria-
ceous, entire, 18-25 cm long, lanceolate or oblong-
lanceolate. Flowers in axillary cymes; petals 8,
in 2-rows, broadly ovate, ciliate. Fruit, size of an
orange, tawny-velvety, pericarp reddish-brown.
Plant parts used : Bark, seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
bark of the plant, after warming it is applied to
the tumour once a day until the disease is cured.
Juice extracted from the bark of the plant is ad-
ministered for the treatment of fever.
Seeds yield chaulmoogra oil, which is used in
leprosy and other skin diseases.
71 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Distribution : The species occurs rarely in the
greater districts of Sylhet, Chittagong, and Chit-
tagong Hill Tracts.
72. Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser.
Family : Hydrangeaceae
Synonym : Hydrangea maritima Haw.-Booth
Bengali/Vernacular name : Hydrangea.
English name : Hydrangea.
Description of the plant : A stout, dense, un-
dershrub with rounded crown. Leaves simple,
opposite-decussate, elliptic to broadly-ovate, up
to 20 cm long, coriaceous, apex acuminate, base
cuneate, margin coarsely serrate. Flowers are in
large, terminal cymes; clusters up to 12 cm across,
blue, pink, or white, with broadly oval sepals.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is taken twice a day (5 ml
amount each time) for seven days to treat malaria.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of
enlarged prostate, prostate infection, bladder infec-
tion, urethral infection, kidney stone, and hay fever.
Distribution : It is cultivated in gardens.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 72
 73. Hyptis brevipes Poit.
H I
Family : Lamiaceae
Synonym : Hyptis acuta Benth.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Gol tokma.
Tribal name : Mrachi (Chakma).
Description of the plant : An erect annual plant
up to 1 m high with the typical square stem of a
labiate. Leaves coarsely hairy on both surfaces,
opposite, narrowly ovate or lanceolate, 5–7 cm
long, up to 2 cm wide, cuneate at the base, the
margins irregularly serrate. The inflorescence is a
dense raceme, almost globose, 14 mm in diameter,
axillary; flowers white.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant is taken for the treatment
of diarrhoea and fever.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is ad-
vised to take for the treatment of gastric disorder.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
73 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
plant is applied to the forehead twice a day for
relief of headache.
A decoction made with the leaves of the plant,
after adding some sugar it is advised to give for
the treatment of skin disease.
Distribution : This species occurs in Chittagong,
Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar,
and Sylhet district.
74. Impatiens balsamina L.
Family : Balsaminaceae The flowers of the plant are used for snake bite,
lumbago, intercostal neuralgia, and dysmenor-
Synonym : Balsamina coccinea (Sims) DC.
rhoea.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dupati, Dopatta.
Distribution : It is found in all districts.
Tribal name : Dhayn-payn (Chak), Thetra (Khumi),
Zir-khuang (Lushai), Che-pan (Murang).
English name : Garden balsam, Rose balsam,
Lady slipper.
Description of the plant : An annual herb, up to
80 cm tall. The leaves are spirally-arranged, 3-9
cm long, lanceolate, base cuneate, apex acute,
serrate along margin. Flowers are axillary, showy,
2 to 3 cm long, usually pink, but forms with white,
red, purple, or variegated petals are also found in
cultivation. Capsules spindle-shaped, tomentose.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to treat broken nails.
Leaf juice is used for the treatment of warts. The
plant is used to treat painful inflammation, joint
pain, carbuncles,
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 74
 75. Ixora coccinea L.
I I
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonym : Ixora grandiflora Ker Gawl.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Rangan, Lalrangan,
Ranjan, Rangan phul, Jhumka phul.
Tribal name : Shoita chu-payn (Chak), Kathangpo
(Khumi), Kaya machaoi (Marma), Rabai (Mogh),
Shan-kran-paw (Murang), Kufuangper (Pangkhoa),
Lakka-peyn-bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Ixora, Flame of the woods, Jungle
flame, Jungle geranium.
Description of the plant : A branched shrub, about
2 m tall. Leaves sessile, elliptic, or obovate, 5-9 cm
long, obtuse. Flowers numerous, bright scarlet,
in sessile, corymbiform, dense-flowered cymes.
Fruits globose, 7-8 mm across, crowned with calyx
teeth, fleshy.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The juice extracted from
the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml
75 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
amount each time) until the dysentery is cured.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied for the treatment of eczema and boils.
A decoction made with the roots of the plant, after
adding some sugar it is taken thrice a day (50 ml
amount each time) until the dysmenorrhoea is
cured.
An extract is made with the roots of the plant by
boiling in water is used for gargling twice a day
until the sore in mouth is healed.
The flowers of the plant are used to treat leucor-
rhoea.
Decoction prepared from roots of the plant is ad-
vised to take for the treatment of nausea, hiccups,
and loss of appetite.
Decoction of leaves is used to treat wounds, and
skin ulcer.
Distribution : It is commonly cultivated in gardens
throughout the country.
76. Ixora finlaysoniana Wall. ex G.Don
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonym : Ixora findlayana B.S.Williams
Bengali/Vernacular name : Sada rangan.
English name : White ixora.
Description of the plant : A small tree or shurb.
Leaves stipulate, stipules sheathing, acute, peti-
oles short, lamina glabrous, coriaceous, elliptic-
obovate, apex acute, base cordate. Inflorescence
terminal corymbs, flowers white.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the boils twice a
day for seven days to treat it.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of fever.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the forehead two times a day until the
headache is cured.
Distribution : It is cultivated all over the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 76
 77. Ixora nigricans R.Br. ex Wight & Arn.
I J
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonym : Ixora affinis Wall. ex Craib
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kuthi rangan.
Tribal name : Dikranga chuillya (Chakma), Rongma
(Marma), Bumma-raja (Rakhaing), Khuom-chung-
kheng (Tripura).
English name : Black ixora.
Description of the plant : A shrub, up to 3 m tall.
Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, ob-
lanceolate, 6-10 cm long. Flowers white, small,
few or numerous in sessile or peduncled brachi-
ate cymes, broader than long. Fruit globose, size
of a pea.
Plant parts used : Root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the roots of the plant is taken three times a day
(5 ml amount each time) for three days to treat
diarrhoea.
A paste made with the roots of the plant is applied
77 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
two times a day to treat paralysis.
An extract made with the roots of the plant is used
to stop vomiting.
Distribution : The species occurs in Chittagong,
Cox’s Bazar, and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
78. Jasminum multiflorum
(Burm.f.) Andrews
Family : Oleaceae
Synonym : Jasminum pubescens (Retz.) Willd.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Meghmollika, kunda,
Kundaphul.
English name : Star jasmine, Downy jasmine,
Hairy jasmine.
Description of the plant : A scandent shrub. The
stems and leaves are covered with a downy pubes-
cence (micro hair) that gives the plant an overall
grayish-green appearance. Leaves simple, oppo-
site, 4-8 cm long, lanceolate-oblong to broadly
ovate, acute at the apex, rounded at the base,
margin entire. Flowers white.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, and root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is taken twice a day (two
tea spoons amount each time) for three days to
treat fever and epilepsy.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the dried leaves
of the plant with little amount of honey are taken
thrice a day (one pill each time) for one month to
treat impotence.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant
is used for the treatment of asthma, cough, and
bronchitis.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
externally to treat headache, leprosy, wounds, and
skin disease.
Decoction of dried flowers is used as eye wash
for eye redness and swelling.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat urinary tract infection.
The roots of the plant are used for the treatment
of ulcer and insanity.
Distribution : The species is found in Chittagong,
Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Sylhet districts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 78
 79. Laportea interrupta (L.) Chew
L L
Family : Urticaceae
Synonym : Urtica interrupta L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bichuti, Chutra, Lal-
bichuti.
Tribal name : Aatran (Khumi), Gachsatta (Chak-
ma), Mangjoigri (Marma), Kormai yearang (Tri-
pura), Thawk-pui (Lushai).
English name : Hen's nettle, Hawaii woodnettle,
Stinging nettle.
Description of the plant : A small, hardly branched,
slightly fleshy herb, bearing hairs which irritate
the skin, up to 1.5 m tall. Leaves are ovate, 5-15
cm long, with tapering pointed tips and broad
rounded bases, toothed margins, with scattered
hairs on both surfaces. Inflorescence is narrow,
axillary, slender, up to 20 cm in length, of numer-
ous, short paniculately arranged cymes. Flowers
are tiny, green, with most organs in 4 parts. Fruit
is a heart- shaped achene.
79 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to treat muscular pain.
The leaves of the plant are applied locally for car-
buncles.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant is
used to treat asthma and cough.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the boils to treat it.
Distribution : The species grows all over the coun-
try as a weed.
80. Lathyrus sativus L.
Family : Fabaceae body once a day until the rheumatism and pa-
ralysis is cured.
Synonym : Lathyrus asiaticus (Zalkind) Kudr.
Distribution : It is cultivated throughout the coun-
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kheshari.
try as a winter pulse.
English name : Grass pea, Chickling pea.
Description of the plant : A procumbent, much
branched herb. Leaves alternate, even pinnate,
leaflets 2-4, entire, linear-lanceolate, sessile, 5-7
cm long. Flowers axillary, solitary, blue, or purple
with white keel. Fuit a pod, oblong, retuse, flat-
tened, dorsally winged, 3-5 seeded. Seeds globose
or angled, white, brown, grey, or mottled.
Plant parts used : Seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Infusion prepared from the
seeds of the plant is taken for the treatment of
constipation. 5 gm seeds of the plant are soaking
in hot water overnight, next days this water is taken
three to four times to releif vomiting.
A paste made with the seeds of the plant, after
warming it is applied to the affected part of the
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 80
 81. Lawsonia inermis L.
L L
Family : Lythraceae
Synonym : Lawsonia spinosa L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Mehedi, Mendi, Sudi.
Tribal name : Mintipada (Chakma), Dan-apang
(Rakhaing), Mendi bofang (Tripura), Mendi gach
(Marma).
English name : Henna, Indian privet, Mignonette
tree.
Description of the plant : A much-branched shrub.
Leaves opposite, small, 1.0-4.4 cm long, elliptic,
obovate, apex acute, base tapering. Inflorescence
panicle, up to 25 cm long. Flowers numerous, 1.3
cm across, greenish-yellow or white. Capsule glo-
bose, 4-6 mm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant and mixed with some sugar,
then the mixture is taken twice a day (two tea
spoons amount each time) until the spermator-
81 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
rhoea is cured.
A paste prepared from leaves of the plant is applied
to the head-skin once a day until the dandruff is
cured.
Infusion made from leaves of the plant is taken in
empty stomach once a day in morning for seven
days to treat general weakness.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant by
boiling in water, gargling is done with that extract
thrice a day for seven days to treat sore in mouth.
A mixture made with the leaf juice and some sugar,
then the mixture is taken twice a day (three tea
spoons amount each time) until the leucorrhoea
is cured.
Leaves powdered then the leaf powder is used for
the treatment of boils and skin disease. Leaves
crushed and made into paste are applied to the
forehead for relief of headache.
Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country under planted condition.
82. Leonurus sibiricus L.
Family : Lamiaceae headache.
The fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
Synonym : Leonurus occidentalis Colla
is advised to take twice a day (5 ml amount each
Bengali/Vernacular name : Roktodron, Juma, time) for three days to treat fever. Juice extracted
Jajura. from leaves of the plant is used for the treatment
Tribal name : Mau-cco-deyn-pang (Rakhaing). of bronchitis.
The juice extracted from leaves of the plant is
English name : Motherwort, Honeyweed. poured in to ear to relieve earache.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
Description of the plant : An erect, branched,
of rheumatism, dysmenorrhoea, psoriasis, scabies,
somewhat hairy, annual herb, up to 2 m tall.
Leaves are 5-10 cm long, pinnately or palmately and various skin eruptions.
3- to many-parted; lobes are narrow and often Distribution : It is found almost throughout the
incised, the upper leaves entire, linear and pale country.
beneath. Flowers are crowded, occurring in nu-
merous whorls, red.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml
amount each time) for three days to treat hysteria.
A paste made with leaves of the plant is applied
to the forehead twice a day for the treatment of
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 82
 83. Lindernia antipoda (L.) Alston
L L
Family : Scrophulariaceae
Synonym : Ruellia antipoda L., Vandellia veronicifolia
(Retz.) Haines
Bengali/Vernacular name : Zai ghas, Sada pani
ghas, Choto helencha.
Tribal name : Junnihar (Chakma).
English name : Sparrow false pimpernel.
Description of the plant : A small annual herb with
stems erect or prostrate and then usually rooting
at lower nodes, 20-30 cm long, branched at base,
hairless. Leaves 1-4 cm long, variable in shape,
ovate-oblong, obovate-oblong, oblanceolate, base
cuneate, apex obtuse, margin with shallow to sharp
serration or crenate-serrate, sometimes almost
entire. Flowers in terminal or axillary racemes,
pale violet or violet-blue to pale blue or white, oc-
casionally pale purple. Capsules linear-cylindric,
5-12 mm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
83 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied externally to the boils
twice a day for five days to treat it.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is taken for abdominal pain.
Leaf paste is applied for cut and wound healing.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of biliousness affections and dysentery; in poultices
for sores, ringworm, and itches.
Distribution : The species occurs commonly
throughout the country.
84. Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Alston
Family : Scrophulariaceae
Synonym : Gratiola rotundifolia L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Tan chapra.
English name : Baby’s tears.
Description of the plant : A small, annual herb,
up to 30 cm high. Leaves sessile, 5-18 mm long,
broadly ovate, base truncate, apex obtuse, glabrous
on both surfaces. Flowers solitary in leaf axils,
bluish-white. Capsules ovoid-globose.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with leaves
of the plant is applied to the boils once a day for
seven days to treat boils.
Paste prepared from leaves of the plant is applied
to the forehead twice a day for two days to treat
headache.
Distribution : The species occurs commonly
throughout the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 84
 85. Linum usitatissimum L.
L L
Family : Linaceae
Synonym : Linum humile Mill.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Tisi.
Tribal name : Krah-tisi (Khasia).
English name : Linseed, Flax.
Description of the plant : An annual herb, 60-
120 cm tall, branches ascending towards the
apex. Leaves 1-3 cm long, alternate, sometimes
whorled, linear-lanceolate, acute. Flowers blue,
2-3 cm across, in corymbose panicles. Capsules
ovoid; seed ellipsoid, reddish, shiny.
Plant parts used : Seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
seeds of the plant is taken with warm water twice
a day to relief cough, cold, and bronchitis.
Seeds of the plant are soaking in water overnight,
next morning this is taken for the treatment of
constipation.
A paste made with the seeds of the plant is mixed
85 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
with water then the mixture is taken to treat dys-
uria.
Infusion of seed is taken for the treatment of gas-
tric ulcer.
Distribution : The plant is cultivated throughout
the country.
86. Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex
Britton & P.Wilson
Family : Verbenaceae day for three days to treat it.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
Synonym : Lantana alba Mill.
is taken thrice a day until the cough is cured.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Pichas-lakri. Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves of
the plant are taken with warm water thrice a day
English name : Bushy matgrass, Bushy lippia.
(one pill each time) until the bronchitis is cured.
Description of the plant : A gregarious, strongly A powder made from dried leaves of the plant is
aromatic shrub, branches erect, slender, obscurely mixed with water and juice, then the mixture is
angled, can be easily broken, hairy. Leaves simple, given two times a day (10 ml amount each time)
opposite, 8-13 cm long, ovate-lanceolate or lanceo- until the stomachache is cured.
late, serrate, apex acute, base cuneate, hairy. In-
Distribution : The species occurs all over the
florescence axillary, cylindric, sub-capitate spikes.
country.
Flowers sessile, light to rosy-pink, scented. Fruit
globose, 2 mm across.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Infusion of leaves is taken
thrice a day until the hypertension is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day for three days to treat diar-
rhoea.
Leaf paste is applied to the cutting wound once a
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 86
 87. Ludwigia adscendens (L.) H.Hara
L L
Family : Onagraceae
Synonym : Jussiaea adscendens L., Jussiaea re-
pens L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Keshordam, Malcha,
Mulsi.
Tribal name : Gangku maichya (Chakma), Gandu-
pawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Water primrose, Water dragon,
Marshy jasmine.
Description of the plant : A floating herb, rooting
at the nodes, and cluster of conspicuous white,
spindle-shaped, pneumatophores at the nodes.
Leaves simple, 1-4.5 cm long, alternate, broadly
oblong-elliptic, obtuse. Flowers white, slightly yel-
low at the base, axillary, solitary. Capsule linear-
cylindric.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the biting place
87 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
once a day for two days to treat snake bite.
Extracted juice is given for curing dysentery.
Paste prepared from leaves of the plant is used
as a poultice in skin disease.
Paste is applied to the cut, injuries, and boils to
treat it.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is used to treat cold, cough, fever, and dysuria.
Distribution : It is very common aquatic weed
all over the country, found floating in ponds and
ditches.
88. Ludwigia hyssopifolia (G.Don) Exell
Family : Onagraceae for the treatment of gynecological disorder.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
Synonym : Jussiaea hyssopifolia G.Don
is given for the treatment of hysteria.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Zaikura, Panilong. Extracted juice is used for the treatment of tetanus.
Tribal name : Gangchuma (Chakma), Naikrang Distribution : The species commonly occurs
(Marma). throughout the country as weed.
English name : Seedbox.
Description of the plant : An erect, branched
herb, up to 3 m tall, stem angled. Leaves simple,
alternate, linear to lanceolate, narrowly cuneate
at the base, apex acuminate. Flowers yellow, axil-
lary, solitary, petals 4, free. Capsule linear, 12-25
mm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the flowers of the plant is taken twice a day (5 ml
amount each time) for two days to treat stom-
achache.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves of the plant
are advised to take with a little amount of honey
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 88
 89. Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll.Arg.
M M
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Croton philippensis Lam.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Sinduri, Kamalagu-
li, Kamela, Kingur, Punag, Tung (Bengali); Raini
(Dhaka-Mymensingh); Rora (Dinajpur).
Tribal name : Kuruar gach (Chakma), Bol-thuthu
(Garo), Nikhrow (Marma), Mounoajaya (Tanchangya).
English name : Monkey face tree, Kamela tree,
Red berry.
Description of the plant : A small tree, up to
15 m tall. Leaves 5-15 cm long, ovate to ovate-
lanceolate. Flowers dioecious, small; the males
clustered in erect, long, terminal spikes; the fe-
males in short spikes. Capsules 8-10 mm across,
3-lobed, brick-red.
Plant parts used : Leaf, fruit, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the infected skin
twice a day for three days to treat wounds, cuts,
and skin disease.
89 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
The fruits of the plant are used to treat ringworms,
bronchitis, stone in the bladder, and scabies.
A decoction of leaves is administered for anorexia,
diarrhoea, constipation, and dysmenorrhoea.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is
used for having hot bath once a day for two weeks
to treat paralysis.
A paste made with the roots of the plant is applied
to the affected part of the body until the rheuma-
tism is cured.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) until the spermatorrhoea is cured.
Distribution : The species sporadically occurs
almost all over the country.
90. Malvaviscus penduliflorus
Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Family : Malvaceae Distribution : It is commonly grown as an orna-
mental plant in gardens.
Synonym : Malvaviscus longifolius (A. St.-Hil.) Spach
Bengali/Vernacular name : Lanka joba, Morich
joba.
English name : Pendulous sleeping hibiscus.
Description of the plant : A shrub, up to 2 m tall.
Leaves are lanceshaped to narrowly ovate, 6-12
cm long, both surfaces nearly hairless or hairy,
base broadly wedge-shaped to nearly rounded,
margin toothed. Flowers occur singly, hanging
from leaf axils, on 1.5 cm long stalks. Flowers
are red, tubular, about 5 cm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the affected area
to treat measles and boils.
Decoction of leaves is used for the treatment of cold.
Decoction made from the leaves of the plant is given
for the treatment of leucorrhoea
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 90
 91. Melastoma malabathricum L.
M M
Family : Melastomataceae
Synonym : Melastoma candidum D. Don
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bontejpata, Datranga,
Lutki.
Tribal name : Magapittungulu (Chakma), Ustal-
lo-goh (Chak), Kakku-phang (Garo), Soh-lot-ot
(Khasia), Masmatairum (Marma), Ak-mio (Murang),
Koin-phey-bawn (Rakhaing), Khom-took (Tripura).
English name : Indian rhododendron.
Description of the plant : A much-branched bushy
shrub. Leaves 5-20 cm long, elliptic to lanceo-
late, 5-nerved, slightly rough, and hairy on both
surfaces. Flowers 5-merous, pink to mauve, or
purple. Fruit a capsule, dark purple.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Pea-sized pills made from
leaves of the plant are taken to treat body pain
and flatulence.
Juice extracted from roots is applied to lessen
91 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
the soreness associated with thrush in children.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the boils to treat it.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves are taken
with warm water thrice a day (one pill each time)
for one week to treat gynecological complexity.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant
is used as mouthwash to relieve toothache or to
treat epilepsy.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is applied to the biting place twice a day to treat
snake bite.
Young leaves are eaten to treat diarrhoea; pre-
mature leaves are taken in raw to cure dysentery.
Powder of root is applied to the infected skin to
treat smallpox. Leaves are chewed up, pounded,
and applied as poultice to cut or wound.
Distribution : This species is commonly found
throughout the country, especially in the hilly areas
of greater Sylhet, Chittagong, Dhaka, Mymensingh,
Tangail districts, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
92. Morinda angustifolia Roxb.
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonym : Morinda squarrosa Buch.-Ham.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Banamali, Bonsak,
Baroful, Daru haridra, Harinar phul.
Tribal name : Koba bena (Chakma), Aasu (Tripura),
Elingba (Mogh), Cheng rong (Garo), Krah-chermit
(Khasia), Thachi (Marma).
English name : Thin-leaved morinda, Narrow-
leaved Indian mulberry.
Description of the plant : An evergreen shrub,
up to 6 m tall. Leaves 20-36 cm long, lanceolate,
or oblanceolate, apex narrowly acuminate, base
caudate-acuminate, glabrous. Flowers 5-merous,
white, sweet-scented, heterostylous, arranged
on globose heads which gradually elongates as
a small compound fruit, hypanthium fused be-
low. Fruits turbinate, few fruits set in each head,
mostly free.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : An extract made with the
leaves and stems of the plant is used for having
hot bath once a day for three days to treat blisters.
A decoction made with the roots of the plant is
taken three times a day (50 ml amount each time)
for three days to treat urinary tract infection.
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) for seven days to treat irregular menstruation.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves of the plant
are taken with honey thrice a day (one pill each
time) for two weeks to treat tetanus.
An extract prepared from the stems of the plant,
after adding some sugar it is taken thrice a day
(100 ml amount each time) until the jaundice is
cured.Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the
plant is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time)
for three days to treat fever.
Distribution : The species occurs less frequently
in the greater districts of Sylhet, Noakhali, Chit-
tagong, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 92
 93. Morinda citrifolia L.
M M
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonym : Morinda macrophylla Desf.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Noni, Ach, Banach,
Barachand, Haldi kachu.
Tribal name : Ken-thug-blag (Khasia), Rimi owa
rih (Marma).
English name : Indian mulberry, Great morinda.
Description of the plant : A shrub or small tree,
stem obtusely 4-angled, glabrous. Leaves are
broadly elliptic to oblong, 12-25 cm long, with
pointed or blunted tips. Flowers 5- merous, white,
in dense ovoid heads. Fruits compound, fleshy,
white, or greenish white, ovoid.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, fruit.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction of leaves is used
for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Fruit juice used as a gargle for sore throat.
A powder made with the dried leaves of the plant
and then fume is obtained from the dried powder
inhaled four times a day until the anal blister is
93 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) for one week to treat irregular menstruation.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken after adding some sugar thrice a day until
the jaundice is cured.
A decoction made with the bark of the plant is
taken to treat fever.
Leaf juice is used for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis.
Heated leaves are applied to the chest and abdo-
men to treat cough and enlarged spleen.
The fruits of the plant are used to treat dysentery
and leucorrhoea.
Juice of over-ripe fruit used in diabetes.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
applied to relieve pain in gout.
Distribution : It occurs in Bhola, Chittagong, Cox’s
Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Manikganj, Noakhali, Ra-
jshahi, and Tangail districts.
94. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem.
Family : Cucurbitaceae. for seven days to treat dysuria. Extract prepared
from the leaves of the plant is taken to treat cold,
Synonym : Cucumis maderaspatanus L.
cough, and fever.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Agmukhi, Bilari. A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the affected part of the body to treat burning
Tribal name : Medha tida (Chakma).
sensation.
English name : Madras pea pumpkin, Rough The leaves of the plant are used for the treat-
bryony. ment of asthma, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipa-
Description of the plant : A climbing herb; stem tion, ulcers, neuralgia, vertigo, dysuria, piles, and
tuberculosis.
scandent, much branched, sulcate; tendrils slen-
der, elongate. Leaves ovate to ovate-cordate, an- Distribution : This species is found in Chittagong,
gular or 3-5 lobed, minutely denticulate, both Bandarban, Chuadanga, Dinajpur, Gazipur, Jes-
surfaces scabrous. Flowers yellow, 1 cm across. sore, Kushtia, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts.
Pea-sized fruits are green, turning to orange and
then red, as they mature.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant is advised to take for the
treatment of hypertension and bronchitis.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken four times a day (5 ml amount each time)
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 94
 95. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.
M M
Family : Rutaceae
Synonym : Bergera koenigii L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Karipata, Choto ka-
mini, Borosunga, Girineem, Bhatraj.
Tribal name : Shatley (Khumi).
English name : Curry leaf.
Description of the plant : A large shrub or small
tree, up to 6 m tall. Leaves imparipinnate, up to
50 cm long, petiolate, leaflet 15-27, 2-6 cm long,
alternate. Flowers small, white in much-branched,
many-flowered, terminal corymbs. Berry ovoid or
subglobose, purplish to black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is taken as a cure for diar-
rhoea and dysentery.
A paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the affected parts of the body to treat
bruise.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
95 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
is taken twice a day for three days to treat fever.
An infusion made with the leaves of the plant is
taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) until
the vomiting is stopped.
Crushed leaves applied externally to relieve burn,
to cure skin eruptions, and leucoderma.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
externally to treat the bites of poisonous animals.
The plant is used for the treatment of piles; reduce
body heat, thirst, inflammation, itching, and blood
disorders.
Distribution : The species is found in the forests
of Kishorganj, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Kurigram, Pan-
chagarh, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Dhaka
districts.
96. Mussaenda roxburghii Hook.f.
Family : Rubiaceae is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount each time) until
the epilepsy is cured.
Synonym : Mussaenda corymbosa Kurz
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
Bengali/Vernacular name : Chauri-chaonri, Sil- to the cutting wound twice a day for two days to
chaonri, Silchauri, Sildaura, Raniratak. treat bleeding from cutting wound.
The juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
Tribal name : Sheodima (Chakma), Sichamba
is used for gargling once a day (before go to the
(Marma), Ranirtak (Tanchangya), Ranertago gaas
(Tripura). bed) for one week to treat pyorrhoea.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant
English name : Himalayan mussaenda. are taken twice a day (one pill each time) until the
Description of the plant : An erect or suberect hyperacidity is cured.
shrub. Leaves petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, 10- Distribution : The species occurs in Sylhet, Co-
20 cm long. Cymes very dense, many-flowered; milla, Chittagong, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Ban-
corolla silky, tube narrow, lobes very small with darban, and Cox’s Bazar districts.
filiform tips. Berries oblong or ellipsoid, crowned
in a head-like mass.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
flowers of the plant is applied to the navel region
for seven days to treat abdominal pain.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 96
 97. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. 98. Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f.

N N

Family : Nelumbonaceae
Synonym : Nymphaea nelumbo L., Nelumbo spe-
ciosa Willd.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Padma, Shotodol,
Komol, Raktapadma, Jolpadma, Poddo.
Tribal name : Padma phul (Chakma), Kraa-khaw-
lang (Rakhaing), Kodombo-chik (Tripura).
English name : Lotus, Sacred lotus.
Description of the plant : A perennial, aquatic
herb with creeping rootstocks. Leaves are raised
above the water, large, rounded, peltate, and 50-90
cm wide. Flowers solitary, pink, red, or white, and
15-25 cm in diameter, standing out of the water.
Mature fruit is formed by the enlargement of the
spongy, cone-shaped structure in the center of
the flower. Rich carpel (fruit and seed in one) is
about 13 mm long, with a black, bony, and smooth
pericarp.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
leaves is given in diarrhoea.
Pounded leaves applied to the body for the treat-
ment of high fever, mucous membranes, and skin
irritation, and over the forehead for headache.
Paste prepared from the seeds of the plant is ap-
plied to treat skin disease and leprosy.
Decoction of flowers used for premature ejaculation.
Juice extracted from flowers, flower-stalks are used
in diarrhoea, cholera, liver complaints, and fever.
Syrup made from the flowers used in cough, to
check hemorrhages in bleeding piles, menorrhagia,
and dysentery.
Distribution : The lotus is found in many districts,
such as Dhaka, Khulna, Kishoreganj, Rajshahi,
Maulvi Bazar, Sunamganj, and Nawabganj.
Family : Nymphaeaceae
Synonym : Nymphaea stellata Willd.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nil-shapla, Nilkomol,
Nilpaddo.
Tribal name : Bibalchak (Garo), Kra pao (Murang),
Sapla (Pangkhoa), Kraa-phru-bawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Blue water lily, Blue lotus.
Description of the plant : A long-lived aquatic
herb, with rootstock rooting in the mud. Leaves are
long-stalked and leathery, floating on the surface
of water, ovate to almost circular, prominently
toothed, slightly peltate, 12-15 cm across, with the
base deeply heart-shaped, and densely hairy be-
neath. Petioles are long, slender and submerged.
Flowers 5-20 cm across; sepal entire, acute, usu-
ally green, often marked with darkers dots and
lines; petals oblong to oblong-lanceolate, acute,
light blue, dull yellowish-white, rose or purplish.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Flowers of the plant are
used in the traditional system of medicine to treat
diabetes.
The roots of the plant are used to treat dysuria,
urinary tract infection, and leucorrhoea. Also, used
for indigestion, heart diseases, stomachache, and
cancer.
Flowers are given for the treatment of gastroin-
testinal disorders and jaundice.
Powdered root prescribed for piles as demulcent;
also for dysentery and dyspepsia.A paste made
with the flowers of the plant is applied to the af-
fected area for the treatment of burning sensation
of the body.
Distribution : The species is commonly found
throughout the country in lakes, ponds, and
ditches.

Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, seed. Plant parts used : Flower, root.

97 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 98

 99. Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) Kuntze
N N
Family : Menyanthaceae
Synonym : Menyanthes hydrophyllum Lour.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Chand mala, Chan-
dmona.
Tribal name : Krajeeng-kashey-pawn (Rakhaing).
English name : Crested floating heart.
Description of the plant : A floating annual herb,
with long branches, which reach the surface of
the water, producing a node from which start a
tuft of roots and a cluster of flowers. Leaves or-
bicular, deeply cordate, and purplish with green
veins. Flowers densely fascicled at the nodes, co-
rolla white, yellow towards the base within, 2 cm
across when expanded. Capsules broadly ovoid
or subglobose, 10-20 seeded.
Plant parts used : Leaf, seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Leaves of the plant are
used for the treatment of fever and jaundice.
Leaves are pounded with oil and applied to insect
99 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
bites to treat it.
Leaf paste is used in scorpion sting and snake
bite to treat it.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the
plant is applied as a drop against in eye disease
to treat it.
Decoction prepared from leaves of the plant is
used as a wash for parasitic skin infection.
Powder prepared from the seeds of the plant is
given in worm infestation.
Distribution : It is common throughout the country
in lakes, ponds, and ditches.
100. Nypa fruticans Wurmb
Family : Arecaceae A tooth powder made with the burning ash of the
leaves is used for brushing teeth twice a day until
Synonym : Nipa fruticans (Wurmb) Thunb.
the toothache is cured.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Golpata. Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the forehead for remedy of headache.
Tribal name : Ree-um-bawn (Rakhaing).
Distribution : The species is found in coastal areas,
English name : Nipa palm, Mangrove palm.
especially in the Sundarbans.
Description of the plant : A monoecious palm,
with stout, subterranean, trunkless rootstock.
Leaves are at the ends of the rootstocks, large,
rosette and compound, 5-10 m long, arising from
the stout underground stem (rhizome). Leaflets
are numerous, rigid, lanceolate, up to 1 m long,
2-7 cm wide. Male inflorescence is brown, erect,
up to 1 m high. Female inflorescence is stout, 1 m
high or less. Fruit is globose, nodding, up to 40 cm
in diameter. Carpels are numerous, dark-brown,
compressed, and irregularly angled. Seeds are
hard, white, and as large as a hen's egg.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction of fresh leaves
used for indolent ulcers.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 100
 101. Ophiorrhiza mungos L.
O O
Family : Rubiaceae
Bengali/Vernacular name : Gandhanakuli, Ka-
lashona.
Tribal name : Kelarazi (Chakma), Maitu (Bawm).
English name : Mongoose plant, Snakeroot.
Description of the plant : An annual herb or un-
dershrub. Leaves elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate,
apex acuminate, base narrowed, puberulous.
Cymes corymbose, puberulous, peduncles up to
6 cm long; flowers white and smooth. Capsules
are pedicelled, 2-5 mm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Root decoction is used for
the treatment of stomachache.
Decoction prepared from roots of the plant is used
for wound healing, cleaning ulcer. Paste prepared
from the leaves of the plant is used for the treat-
ment of snake poison, boils, oedema, and skin
disease.
101 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Juice extracted from the roots of the plant is ad-
vised to take two times a day (5 ml amount each
time) until the mental disorder is cured.
Distribution : The species occurs in the forests
of Chittagong, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Kha-
grachari.
102. Ormosia robusta Baker
Family : Fabaceae
Synonym : Arillaria robusta Kurz
Bengali/Vernacular name : Ghorachokha shim.
English name : Horse-eye-bean.
Description of the plant : A tree. Leaves odd-
pinnate, leaflets opposite, stipules small, stipels
absent. Flowers in terminal panicles, bracts small,
sepals 5, petals little exserted, shortly clawed.
Fruit a pod, bright-orange when ripe, somewhat
hard and fleshy.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction of the bruised
leaves is used in the treatment of stomachache.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
externally to the affected part of the body twice a
day until the rheumatism is cured.
Distribution : It occurs in the forests of Chittagong,
and Sylhet districts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 102
 103. Oxalis corniculata L.
O P
Family : Oxalidaceae
Synonym : Oxalis minima Steud.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Amrul, Amrul sak,
Amboli, Chuka tripati.
Tribal name : Marianthur (Bawm), Amilani (Chak-
ma), Mring blu (Marma), Kamduahung (Rakhaing).
English name : Creeping wood sorrel, Creeping
oxalis, Yellow sorrel.
Description of the plant : A small creeping herb;
stems rooting. Leaves are trifoliate, with three
small heart-shaped leaflets, petioles 5 cm long
more or less, slender, pubescent, and sessile.
Flowers are yellow, one to several on each pe-
duncle, subumbellately disposed, and nearly 1 cm
long. Capsules 2 cm long, linear-oblong, 5-angled.
All parts of the plant are sour.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant is taken twice a day (two
103 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
tea spoons amount each time) for one week to
treat dysentery.
A paste made with the plants is applied to the boils
twice a day until the disease is cured.
Leaf juice mixed with the water is taken to treat
urination problem.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
applied for the treatment of itches, eczema, and
wounds.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is
taken to treat cold-fever and diarrhoea.
Poultice prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied for the treatment of sprain, bruise, and
poisonous snake bite.
The leaves mixed with onion and salt is taken to
treat stomachache.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat cough.
Distribution : The plant is found throughout the
country as a common weed.
104. Parkinsonia aculeata L.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae medicine by the local population and traditional
healers for the treatment of hyperglycaemia.
Synonym : Parkinsonia thornberi M.E.Jones
The leaves of the plant are used to treat epilepsy
Bengali/Vernacular name : Belatibabla, Belari and stop vomiting.
kikar, Nabina.
Distribution : It occurs in the Chittagong Hill
English name : Jerusalem thorn, Mexican palo Tracts, Sundarban, also reported as planted at
verde, Horse bean. Lawachara in Maulvi Bazar districts.
Description of the plant : A fast growing, thorny
bush or small tree, up to 4 m tall. Leaves alter-
nate, bipinnate, stipulate, stipules 2, forming short
spines, rachis broad, pinnae 2-4 pairs, leaflets
tiny, linear to linear-oblanceolate. Inflorescence of
axillary racemes, up to 30 cm long; flowers bright
yellow, tubular orange center. Fuit a slender, ir-
regularly torulose pod, yellowish to dark brown.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the leaves of the plant is given for the treatment
of fever, arthritis, and malaria.
The leaves of the plant are used as traditional
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 104
 105. Passiflora foetida L.
P P
Family : Passifloraceae
Synonym : Passiflora balansae Chodat, Dysosmia
foetida (L.) M.Roem.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Buno jhumka, Buno
jhumka-lata, Gorakphal.
Tribal name : Pokgula (Chakma), Fuck-shui
(Chak), Thaplang (Khumi), Powmachi (Marma),
Koapakrui (Murang), Poakfut (Pangkhoa), Ooma-
bawn (Rakhaing), Mathri gula (Tanchangya), Bu-
lumgni pukki (Tripura).
English name : Passion-flower, Wild passion fruit,
Love-in-a-mist.
Description of the plant : A climbing or trailing
herb. Leaves alternate, base cordate, palmately 3-5
lobed. Flowers pink, purplish, sometimes white.
Fruit a dry berry, yellowish to red, glabrous.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Pea-sized Pills made from
the leaves and roots of the plant are taken with
105 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
water three times a day (one pill each time) for
30 days to treat asthma.
Infusion prepared from the leaves and roots of the
plant is used for the treatment of hysteria.
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is
taken twice a day (three tea spoons amount each
time) for one week to treat menopause.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the infected skin once a day for seven days to
treat ringworm, skin diseases with inflammation.
A paste made from the plant is applied to the fore-
head to treat headache.
A decoction made with the roots of the plant is
advised for the treatment of nervous anxiety and
epilepsy.
Distribution : The species occurs almost through-
out the country.
106. Peltophorum pterocarpum
(DC.) K.Heyne
Family : Caesalpiniaceae The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment
of dysentery.
Synonym : Peltophorum roxburghii (G.Don) Degener
An extract prepared from the leaves of the plant
Bengali/Vernacular name : Konokchura, is used to wash the wounded place twice a day
Shwarnachura, Aurunjyoti. to treat bruise.
English name : Yellow gold mohor, Yellow flame Distribution : The species is planted throughout
tree, May flower. the country, especially in cities.
Description of the plant : A large, handsome,
semi-evergreen tree, up to 35 m tall. Leaves com-
pound, bipinnate, stipulate, deltoid, rachis 10-15
cm long, pinae 8-24 pairs, leaflets 12-30 pairs,
opposite, sessile, apex obtuse, unequal at the
base. Inflorescence much branched, stiff, terminal
panicles, up to 30 cm long, erect, rusty tomentose;
flowers golden yellow. Pod shield-shaped, flat,
and reddish-brown.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The burning ashes of the
leaves are used for brushing teeth twice a day for
six days to treat toothache.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 106
 107. Pentapetes phoenicea L
P P
Family : Sterculiaceae
Synonym : Brotera phoenicea (L.) Cav.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dupurchundi, Du-
purmoni, Surjomoni, Kailata, Duporia, Bandhuli.
Tribal name : Dibujja phul (Chakma), Moidya koain
(Marma).
English name : Noon flower, Mid day flower, Scar-
let mallow, Copper cup.
Description of the plant : An erect herb, 1-2 m
tall. Leaves simple, alternate, linear-lanceolate,
apex acute, base obtuse, margin serrate. Flowers
are axillary, with 5 large, deep rose, and showy
petals. Capsule subglobose, 5-valved, loculicid-
ally dehiscent.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Powder prepared from the
dried flowers of the plant is used for killing hair
lice, and advise people to smoke as tobacco for
releif of headache.
107 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Bark paste is used to treat rheumatic swelling.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves and
stems of the plant are taken twice a day (one pill
each time) for two weeks to treat dysmenorrhoea.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken once a day (25 ml amount each time) until
the hysteria is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) for one week to treat menopause.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the plant
is applied to the biting place to treat snake bite.
The roots of the plant are used for the treatment
of fever, skin disease, and leucoderma.
Distribution : It is cultivated throughout the country.
108. Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth
Family : Piperaceae.
Synonym : Peperomia concinna (Haw.) A. Dietr.,
Piper pellucidum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Luchi pata, Joldata,
Peperomia, Pithapata, Shamoli ghas.
Tribal name : Drulturnah (Bawm), Samol-h-pang
(Garo), Tuiching (Murang), Aree-u-apang (Rakha-
ing), Chasherrow (Tripura).
English name : Shiny bush, Slate pencil plant,
Pepper elder, Rat's ear, Silverbush.
Description of the plant : A branched, annual
herb, shallow rooted, up to 40 cm high, with very
succulent stems; stems are round, often about
5 mm thick. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped
and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle
wax. Spikes are green, erect, very slender, 1-6 cm
long. Tiny dot-like flowers scattered along solitary
and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; maturing
gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown
when ripe. Fruit drupe-like, minute, subglobose.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The juice extracted from
the plant is used for massaging on the whole body
once a day for two days to treat allergy.
Decoction of leaves is advised to take for urinary
tract infection. Fresh juice extracted from the
laeves and stems of the plant is taken twice a
day (10 ml amount each time) until the boils and
headache is cured.
Decoction prepared from the leaves and stems of
the plant is used for gout and arthritis.
A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant is applied to the infected skin twice a day
until the eczema is cured.
Decoction prepared from the plant is advised to
give for the treatment of fever, stomach disorder,
rheumatic pain, and impotence.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves and stems
of the plant is used for eye inflammation.
Distribution : The species is found all over the
country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 108
 109. Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC.
P P
Family : Cactaceae
Synonym : Cactus bleo Kunth
Bengali/Vernacular name : Golap cactus phul.
English name : Leaf cactus, Rose cactus.
Description of the plant : A deciduous, shrub-
by, tree-like plant with a height of 1–8 m. Young
branches are red and leafy and often bear 5–7
black spines up to 1 cm in length. The leaves are
thin, oblong to oblanceolate, glossy, and succu-
lent, 6–21 cm long, and 2–7 cm wide. The flowers
are orange-red and grouped in 2–4 terminally and
laterally. The fruits are yellow, thick walled, fleshy,
and glossy and look like conical berries at maturity,
and containing black colour seeds.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh leaves eaten for relief
cancer and gastric pain.
Leaves of the plant are taken for the treatment
of muscular ache.
109 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to treat boils.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) until
the diabetes is cured.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is
taken thrice a day (20 ml amount each time) for
three days to treat hypertension.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves of the
plant are taken thrice a day (one pill each time)
for two days to treat stomachache.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
externally to treat inflammatory diseases such as
dermatitis and rheumatism.
Distribution : It is planted in garden as an orna-
mental plant.
110. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Lippia nodiflora Cham., Verbena nodi-
flora L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bhuiokra, Karoghas,
Bakkam.
Tribal name : Shamtu bakor (Murang), Maro
(Marma).
English name : Frog fruit, Turkey tangle, Creep-
ing lip plant.
Description of the plant : A prostrate, much
branched annual herb, often rooting at the nodes,
up to 90 cm long. Leaves are numerous, nearly
sessile, obovate, 1-2.5 cm long, with blunt or
rounded tip and wedged-shaped base; margins
on the upper half are sharply toothed. Flowers
are very small, pink, or white, crowded in ovoid
or cylindric spikes, 1-2.5 cm long, and about 6
mm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted
from leaves and stems of the plant, after add-
ing some sugar it is taken twice a day (two tea
spoons amount each time) for two days to treat
stomach disorder.
A curry cooked with the leaves and stems of the
plant is eaten with rice twice a day until the piles
is cured.
Infusion prepared from leaves of the plant is given
in empty stomach once a day (10 ml amount) for
one month to treat hepatitis.
Paste prepared from leaves and stems of the plant
is applied to the boils twice a day for seven days
to treat boils.
Root juice used for gastric problems. Decoction
prepared from leaves of the plant is advised to
take twice a day (50 ml amount each time) until
the asthma is cured.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant
are taken with warm water thrice a day (two pills
each time) for seven days to treat bronchitis.
Distribution : The species occurs commonly
throughout the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 110
 111. Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br.
P P
Family : Lamiaceae
Synonym : Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Pathor-chur, Pata
bahar.
English name : Common coleus, Butterfly coleus.
Description of the plant : An erect, branched,
fleshy, annual herb; stems are purplish and 4-an-
gled. Leaves are variously blotched or coloured,
usually more or less hairy, ovate, rather coarsely
toothed in the margins; and in the most com-
mon form uniformly velvety-purple. Flowers are
purplish, numerous, and borne in lax, terminal,
simple or branched inflorescences, 15-30 cm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Poultice of fleshy leaves
applied to bruises and contusions.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is
given to treat dyspepsia and indigestion.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
111 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
to the forehead twice a day to treat headache; a
piece of cloth can be used to fix the paste properly.
Decoction used as eye drops for ophthalmia and
conjunctivitis.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treat-
ment of asthma, bronchitis, diarrhoea, epilepsy,
insomnia, and skin rashes.
Distribution : It is planted in garden as an orna-
mental plant.
112. Plumeria alba L.
Family : Apocynaceae is taken twice a day (5 gm amount each time) until
the tuberculosis is cured.
Synonym : Plumeria revolutifolia Stokes
An extract made with the bark of the plant is used
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kath golap, Gulachin. for gargling four times a day for seven days to
Tribal name : Gulchi (Tripura). treat toothache.
Decoction prepared from the bark of the plant
English name : White frangipani, Noseay tree.
is used for the treatment of gonorrhoea, dropsy,
Description of the plant : A small tree. Leaves and dysuria.
simple, large, pubescent beneath, 25-30 cm long,
Distribution : It is planted throughout the country.
linear-oblong, rounded at the base, apex acute
or acuminate, margin revolute. Cymes terminal,
peduncles 30-35 cm long. Flowers white with yel-
low centre, fragrant. Follicles linear.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with the
bark of the plant, after adding little amount of salt
and sugar it is taken once a day (50 ml amount)
for three days to treat constipation.
A decoction made with the bark of the plant is
taken twice a day until the gastric ulcer is cured.
Powder prepared from the dried bark of the plant
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 112
 113. Plumeria rubra L.
P P
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Plumeria angustifolia A.DC.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kath golap, Chalta
golap.
Tribal name : Aungra-paing (Chak), Lingmei-kam-
seng (Khumi), Angara (Marma), Mortam (Murang),
Angra-pay (Rakhaing), Gulchi (Tripura).
English name : Temple tree, Frangipani.
Description of the plant : A small tree. Leaves
simple, large, 28-34 cm long, obovate, acute or
acuminate at the apex. Cymes terminal, peduncles
up to 17 cm long; flowers dark red. Calyx 5-lobed;
corolla about 5-6 cm in diameter, tinged with pink
or purple at least on the outside of the tube, pink
with a yellow base.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with
the bark of the plant is advised to take once a
day (50 ml amount each time) for one month to
113 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
treat anaemia.
Paste prepared from the bark of the plant is applied
to the affected part of the body to treat burning
sensation of the body, facial paralysis, and bone
fracture.
The juice extracted from the bark of the plant is
taken thrice a day (25 ml amount each time) until
the jaundice and piles are cured.
Distribution : It is commonly grown in throughout
the country
114. Pogostemon auricularius (L.) Hassk.
Family : Lamiaceae poultice with lime, then applied to the abdomen
to treat abdominal pain.
Synonym : Dysophylla auricularia (L.) Blume
A fresh juice extracted from leaves and stems of
Bengali/Vernacular name : Aripachuli. the plant is applied into the eye twice a day (one
drop each time) to treat hysteria.
Tribal name : Rixom payo (Marma), Paichungsa
(Chakma). A paste made with the leaves and stems of the
plant, after warming it is applied to the stomach
English name : Tiger steam, Buntot pusa. once a day for three days to treat flatulence.
Description of the plant : An annual, hairy herb, Distribution : It is found all over the country.
30 to 60 cm in height. Leaves 2-8 cm long, elliptic
to ovate, subentire to serrate, hairy. Flowers are
small, pink, borne in whorls or hairy spikes.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the forehead to
treat headache.
The juice extracted from leaves of the plant, after
adding little amount of salt it is taken thrice a day
(two tea spoons amount each time) for three days
to treat diarrhoea.
The leaves of the plant are pounded, alone or
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 114
 115. Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites
P P
Family : Annonaceae
Synonym : Uvaria suberosa Roxb.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Barachali, Murmuri,
Kukuriam.
English name : Corky debbar tree.
Description of the plant : A shrub or small tree
growing to a height of 2-4 m. Leaves are oblong to
narrowly oblong-obovate, 5-11 cm long. Flowers
are solitary, yellowish-green; sepals and petals
are slightly hairy. Fruits are numerous, ovoid or
globose, 4-5 mm long, purple, fleshy and edible.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied externally to treat
scorpion stings.
The bark of the plant is used for the treatment
of fever, high blood pressure, and respiratory
problem.
Distribution : It is found throughout the country.
115 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
116. Premna esculenta Roxb.
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Gumira esculenta (Roxb.) Kuntze
Bengali/Vernacular name : Lalana, Lalong.
Tribal name : Unarei (Bawm), Lelom pada
(Chakma), Kramuk kai-fung (Chak), Angkung-
gam (Khumi), Lamur (Marma), Kasobu (Murang),
Taw-mow-poo-chow-koo-mow-row (Rakhaing),
Arai-blei (Tripura).
Description of the plant : A small, glabrous,
branching shrub. Leaves simple, opposite, 10-20
cm long, obovate, elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate,
acuminate at the apex, base cuneate, sharply
serrate at the margin. Inflorescence axillary or
terminal, compact, globose corymb. Fruit a drupe,
small, globose, 3 mm across.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the infected skin
for the treatment of eczema.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken (10 ml amount each time) until the hys-
teria is cured.
The fume is obtained by putting leaves of the plant
in boiling water, inhaled twice a day for seven days
to treat leucorrhoea.
Extract prepared from roots of the plant is taken
twice a day for two days to treat over bleeding
during delivery.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the leaves of the
plant are taken thrice a day (one pill each time)
for one month to treat oedema.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the biting place twice a day for three
days to treat snake bite.
Distribution : It is found in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar,
Sylhet, Dinajpur, Gazipur, Tangail districts, and
the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 116
 117. Rauvolfia serpentina
(L.) Benth. ex Kurz
R R
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Rauvolfia trifoliata (Gaertn.) Baill.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Swarpagandha.
Tribal name : Bauma raja (Bawm), Bhomara
(Chakma), Pomanyrajafing (Chak), Do-grak-mi
(Garo), Braymaraya (Khumi), Kayamusiba (Marma),
Thongclang (Murang), Kayamusiba (Rakhaing),
Chan-dugma (Tripura), Bowmba raja (Tanchangya).
English name : Serpentina.
Description of the plant : An erect, glabrous,
perennial herb, about 30 cm tall. Leaves simple,
whorled, elliptic-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate,
8-16 cm long, widest in the middle, tapering to
both ends, tip acute. The flowers are white, pinkish,
or red, clustered in axillary cymes, with slender
corolla tube and 5 spreading lobes. Its fruit are tiny,
oval, fleshy which turn a purplish-black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Half a teaspoon amount
117 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
of root powder is taken with water thrice a day is
effective in relieving hypertension.
One gram of powdered root can be taken twice a
day with 250 ml of goat’s milk for the treatment
of insanity.
The root extract is given with salt for the treatment
of cough and constipation.
One gram of powdered root can be administered
thrice a day with milk until the hysteria is cured.
Root powder is taken with water for the treatment
of itchy skin.
Pea-sized pills made from the root of the plant
are administered for the treatment of pneumonia
and abdominal pain.
Distribution : It occurs sporadically in Chittagong,
Sylhet, Kushtia, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi
districts; sometimes also cultivated.
118. Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Rauvolfia hirsuta Jacq.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Gandhakuli, Bara
chadar.
English name : Be still tree, Devil pepper, Four-
leaf devil pepper.
Description of the plant : A small shrub. Leaves
in whorls of 4 pubescent, short peduncle, 6-9 cm
long, elliptic-lanceolate or obovate, cuneate at the
base, acute at the apex. Cymes terminal or axil-
lary, flowers white. Fruits 5 mm in diameter, red,
ovoid, pointed, turning shining black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Powder made from the
roots of the plant is taken twice a day (4 gm amount
each time) with water until the control of high
blood pressure.
The juice extracted from the roots of the plant is
taken three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
until the body pain is cured.
Powder made from the roots of the plant is taken
for the treatment of amenorrhoea, oligomenor-
rhoea, and dysmenorrhoea.
Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken four times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) until the chest pain is cured.
Powder made from the roots of the plant is taken
twice a day (5 gm amount each time) with water
until the excessive menstruation is cured.
Paste prepared from the roots of the plant is ap-
plied for the treatment of snake bite and scorpion
bites.
Distribution : The species is found in Chittagong,
and Rajshahi.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 118
 119. Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume
R S
Family : Orchidaceae
Synonym : Aerides retusa (L.) Sw.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shial leza orchid.
English name : Fox tail orchid.
Description of the plant : A stout epiphytic herb,
with long thick spreading roots. Leaves thick,
leathery, alternate, distichous, 15-20 cm long,
dense, linear, sharply-pointed praemorse at the
apex, sheathing at the base. Inflorescence long,
drooping racemes, 32-41 cm long, axillary. Flowers
1-8 cm across, densely arranged, pinkish. Sepals
and petals white with a faint pinkish tinge. Capsule
long, oblong-obovoid, more or less ridged.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Leaves of the plant are
used for the treatment of blood dysentery, men-
strual disorders, fever, and gout.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is applied to the infected skin twice a day for three
119 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
days to treat skin disease.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
administered for the treatment of asthma, tuber-
culosis, and epilepsy.
Paste prepared from leaves of the plant is applied
to treat rheumatism.
Juice extracted from leaves of the plant is applied
to treat cuts and wounds.
Distribution : The species is distributed through-
out the country but more abundent in hilly areas.
120. Salvia splendens Sellow ex Schult.
Family : Lamiaceae
Synonym : Salvia brasiliensis Spreng.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shumo salvia.
English name : Scarlet sage, Red salvia.
Description of the plant : An erect herb. Leaves
petiolate, ovate, serrate, acute to acuminate. In-
florescence a terminal panicle; flowers bright red.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The leaves of the plant
are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Paste prepared form the leaves of the plant are
used to treat wounds and itchy skin.
The leaves of the plant are used in cold, cough,
dysentery, and colic disorder.
Distribution : It is widely cultivated.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 120
 121. Saurauia roxburghii Wall.
S S
Family : Actinidiaceae
Synonym : Saurauia tristyla DC.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dalup.
Tribal name : Bhola kadam (Chakma), Baimu
maiya (Marma).
English name : Singkrang.
Description of the plant : A large shrub or small
tree, up to 10 m tall. Leaves simple, alternate, el-
liptic, elliptic-oblong, oblanceolate, base acute or
cuneate, acute or shortly acuminate at the apex,
margin obtusely or finely serrulate, glabrous above,
and tomentose beneath. Flowers in axillary cymes,
white or pink. Fruit a berry, sub-globose, fleshy,
whitish.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied to the boils twice a
day for one week to treat it.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant,
121 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
after warming it is applied to the infected skin twice
a day for three days to treat eczema.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken twice a day (two tea spoons amount each
time) for one week, at the same time leaf extract
of the plant is used to have a hot bath once a day
for seven days to treat epilepsy.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken three times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) for three days to treat fever.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant,
after adding frew drops of honey it is taken once a
day (two tea spoons amount each time) for seven
days to treat piles.
Distribution : The species less frequently occurs
in the greater districts of Sylhet, Chittagong, and
the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
122. Senna alata (L.) Roxb.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
Synonym : Cassia alata L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dadmardan.
Tribal name : Delong pata (Chakma), Skly-asi
(Khumi), Krah-kheyath (Khasia), Aicia-kung
(Lushai), Pui chi (Marma), Pley (Murang), Pailang
(Pangkhoa), Pui-bawn (Rakhaing), Dotlong (Tan-
changya), Khaichuani-bithi (Tripura).
English name : Ringworm senna.
Description of the plant : A fast growing, erect
shrub. Leaves paripinnately compound, leaflets
8-14 pairs, 5-15 cm long, oblong from an oblique
base, entire, obtuse. Leaflets gradually increase
in size from the base towards the tip of the leaf.
Inflorescence of racemes 15-30 cm long; flow-
ers bright yellow, showy, bracteate. Pod 10-18 cm
long, oblong, wing with transversely crenulated
margin, runing along the length of each valve,
turned blak when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with the
leaves and flowers of the plant is taken to treat
cough, bronchitis, and asthma.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the infected skin, after washing twice a
day for three days to treat eczema.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is
used to wash the scabies and itches twice a day
until the disease is cured.
Leaf decoction is used as mouthwash in stomatitis.
Leaves of the plant are used as cure for poisonous
insect bite.
Boiled young leaves are eaten once a day (10 gm
amount every time) for three days to treat hook
worm infestation.
The leaves of the plant are taken internally to re-
lieve constipation.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied to the infected skin for three days to treat
ringworm.
Infusion of leaves is taken once a day after adding
some sugar to treat constipation.
Distribution : It is found in most districts of Ban-
gladesh.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 122
 123. Sesamum indicum L.
S S
Family : Pedaliaceae
Synonym : Sesamum africanum Tod.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Til.
Tribal name : Goisshya (Chakma), Chaa-naw
(Chak), Katteyei (Khumi), Sarria (Pangkhoa), Ney-
da-sha-bawn (Rakhaing), Gaishya (Tanchangya),
Nahaing pang (Marma).
English name : Sesame.
Description of the plant : An erect, annual, hairy
herb, up to 1 m or more tall. Leaves oblong or
ovate, 3-10 cm long, the lower ones lobed, the
middle ones toothed, and the uppermost sub-
entire. Flowers 3 cm long, solitary, axillary, and
white to cream-coloured. Fruits are capsules, 2- or
4-celled, oblong, about 2.5 cm long.
Plant parts used : Leaf, seed.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Roasted seeds are taken
with honey for remedy of constipation.
Paste prepared from the seeds of the plant is ap-
123 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
plied on the boils and wounds to treat it.
Leaves, which abound in the gummy matter, mixed
with water to form bland mucilage used for infan-
tile cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, catarrh, cystitis,
and strangury.
Decoction prepared from the seeds of the plant
is taken for the treatment of cough.
Oil extracted from the seeds of the plant, massage
that oil into the scalp, and leave it overnight for
remedy of itching scalp and dandruff.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is advised to take for the treatment of fever and
malaria.
A paste is made with the seeds of the plant is
applied on the forehead for remedy of headache.
Powdered leaf applied to treat snake bite.
Oil extracted from the seeds of the plant is mixed
with ginger powder then it is massage over the
area for relief from swelling in any part of the body.
Distribution : The species occurs in cultivated
condition throughout the country.
124. Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam.
Family : Solanaceae Ethnomedicinal uses : Pea-sized pills made from
the leaves of the plant are taken with warm water
Synonym : Solanum sisymbriifolium f. lilacinum
to treat hysteria.
Kuntze
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kanta begun, Kan- is administered for the treatment of stomachache.
tikari. Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken twice a day (two tea spoons amount each
Tribal name : Cow-kha-ray-pawn (Rakhaing), time) until the remittent fever is cured.
Karnophuli (Chakma).
Distribution : The species occurs frequently
English name : Prickly brinjal.
throughout the country.
Description of the plant : A densely prickly peren-
nial herb. Leaves are up to 30 cm long, sinutely
lobed or deeply pinnatified, pinnae lobed. Leaves
have thorns. Even the sepals are armed with yellow
prickles. Star-like flowers are purplish or white,
1.6-3.5 cm across, with ovate petals, 1 cm long,
4-8 mm wide. Filaments are about 1 mm, with
prominent yellow lance-shaped anthers, about
9 mm long. Fruit is a berry, looking like a small
tomato, red in color, and finally turning yellow,
1.2 cm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 124
 125. Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl.
S S
Family : Sonneratiaceae
Synonym : Sonneratia ovalis Korth.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Ora, Orali, Shouila.
English name : Apple mangrove, Crabapple man-
grove.
Description of the plant : A small evergreen tree,
up to 15 m tall. Leaves petiolate, elliptic-oblong or
obovate, 5-13 cm long, coriaceous, mucronate at
the apex, base cuneate, entire. Flowers solitary or
in few-flowered dichasia, red colours. The fruit is
large, about 4 cm across, green, leathery berries
with a star-shaped base.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, fruit.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
halfripe fruits of the plant is taken twice a day (5
ml amount each time) until the cough is cured.
Pounded leaves are used for haematuria and
smallpox.
An extract made with the leaves of the plant is used
125 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
to wash wounded place twice a day to treat bruise.
Fresh juice extracted from the fruits of the plant
is advised to take for the treatment of fever.
The juice of the flowers is used to treat urinary
tract infection.
Distribution : The species is found in Barishal,
Chittagong, and Khulna districts.
126. Spermacoce exilis (L.O.Williams)
C.D.Adams ex W.C.Burger & C.M.Taylor
Family : Rubiaceae to the affected parts of the body once a day for 15
days to treat rheumatism.
Synonym : Borreria exilis L.O.Williams, Borreria
repens DC. Distribution : The species is found in Noakhali,
Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Laksmipur, Maulvi Bazar,
Bengali/Vernacular name : Butamphul.
and Sylhet.
English name : Pacific false buttonweed.
Description of the plant : An annual herb. Stem
decumbent, many branched, sparsely to densely
crisped puberulent in lines on the angles. Leaves
opposite, elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate, 0.4-3.5
cm long, apex acute to rounded, base cuneate.
Flowers few in axillary, dense, sessile clusters,
white. Fruits oblong, compressed, 2-lobed, finely
transversely wrinkled, and very shortly pubescent;
seeds oblong ellipsoid.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from leaves
of the plant is applied to the forehead twice a day
until the headache is cured.
A paste made with leaves of the plants is applied
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 126
 127. Spermacoce ocymoides Burm.f.
S S
Family : Rubiaceae.
Synonym : Borreria ocymoides (Burm.f.) DC.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Arunpata.
English name : Purple-leaved button weed.
Description of the plant : A weak erect, decum-
bent, or procumbent annual herb, well-branched,
3-40 cm tall, with fine fibrous roots; stems with
sparse to fairly dense crisped hairs on the wing-
like prominent angles. Leaf-blades elliptic to
elliptic-lanceolate, 0.4-3.5 cm long, 0.25-1.5 cm
wide, rounded to acute at the apex, concavely nar-
rowed into the petiole at the base, glabrous on
both surfaces save for short marginal hairs or
pubescent on the main nerve beneath; petiole 0-8
mm long, with scattered hairs; stipules with base
2 mm long. Flower clusters appear at the end
of branches or in leaf axils. Sepals are narrowly
triangular, length variable on individual flowers.
Flowers are white, petals much longer than the
tube. Fruit oblong, 1 mm long, compressed, finely
127 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
transversely wrinkled, and very shortly pubescent.
Seeds chestnut-brown, oblong-ellipsoids.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
leaves and stems of the plant is taken twice a
day (100 ml amount each time) for seven days to
treat malaria.
The fresh juice extracted from leaves and stems
of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount
each time) for three days to treat cold and fever.
A fresh juice extracted from leaves and stems
of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount
each time) for three days to treat diarrhoea and
dysentery.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied externally to treat eczema and skin diseases.
Distribution : The species was recorded from Chit-
tagong, and Cox’s Bazar.
128. Sphaeranthus indicus L.
Family : Asteraceae plant is used as gargle in inflammation of the
throat.
Synonym : Sphaeranthus hirtus Willd.
Decoction of the plant is said to be active against
Bengali/Vernacular name : Indisag, Murmoria, bronchitis, asthma, leucoderma, jaundice, and
Borokhulkurhi, Chagoldi, Chagal nudie, Mundi, scabies.
Gorakh mundi. The juice of the plant is said to be useful in liver
and gastric disorder.
Tribal name : Mraa-shey-ammay (Rakhaing).
The paste prepared from the plant is applied to the
English name : East Indian globe-thistle, Indian affected part of the body to treat itching.
sphaeranthus.
Distribution : It is found in Dhaka, Dinajpur, Sylhet,
Description of the plant : A much-branched Chittagong, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
herb, 12-35 cm tall, stem divaricately branched,
4-winged, wings irregularly and sharply toothed,
glandular and spreading, whitish pilose. Alternately
arranged obovate-oblong leaves are narrowed at
the base, dentate and serrate, 2-6 cm long. Flow-
ers occur in purple spherical heads, 8-15 mm,
consisting of numerous tiny flowers. Flowers are
purple and the stamens pale-purple.
Plant parts used : Whole plant.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 128
 129. Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers
S S
Family : Menispermaceae
Synonym : Menispermum japonicum Thunb.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Akundi, Makundi,
Akandi manik, Nimulkha, Raj pathada.
Tribal name : Patalpur (Chakma), Ajing-kammu
(Khumi), Tung nah way (Marma), Mrein-noie (Ra-
khaing).
English name : Tape vine, Stephania, Snake vine.
Description of the plant : A slender wiry climber.
Leaves peltate, thinly papyraceous, glabrous on the
surfaces, broadly triangular, ovate-acuminate, 3-12
cm long, and apex acutely acuminate or obtuse,
base rounded, margin entire. Inflorescences are in
umbels on peduncles 3 to 4 cm in length. Male and
female flowers are small, and pale yellow. Drupes
light yellow to orange red, obovate, glabrous.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted
from the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day
(one tea spoon amount each time) for three days
to treat fever.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant
129 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
are taken thrice a day (one pill each time) for one
month to treat impotence.
A fresh juice xtracted from the leaves of the plant,
after adding some sugar it is taken twice a day (5
ml amount each time) until the leucorrhoea and
asthma is cured.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
taken four times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) until the chest pain is cured, at the
same time a paste made with the leaves is ap-
plied to the chest.
The roots of the plant are used for the treatment
of stomachache, dyspepsia, and urinary diseases.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant
are taken with warm water four times a day (one
pill each time) until the colic is cured.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken with some sugar thrice a day (two tea
spoons amount each time) for three days to treat
diarrhoea and dysentery.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the infected skin once a day for seven days to
treat scabies.
Distribution : The species occurs almost all over
the country.
130. Sterculia foetida L.
Family : Sterculiaceae Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the bark of the plant is used for the treatment of
Synonym : Sterculia mexicana var. guianensis Sagot
dropsy and rheumatism.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Jongli badam, Udal Decoction of fruit is used for blennorrhagia
badam. Decoction of leaves used as wash for skin eruptions.
Paste prepared from the seeds of the plant is used
Tribal name : Yaa-hea (Chak), Hla-kho-dei (Ra-
to treat skin disease.
khaing).
Distribution : The plant is usually planted as road-
English name : Poom tree, Wild almond, Java
side shade tree in Chittagong, and Mymensingh
olive, Sterculia nut.
districts and other parts of the country.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized to
fairly large deciduous tree, up to 40 m tall. Leaves
crowded at the ends of thick branchlets, digitately
compound, 5-10 foliate, leaflets 8-15 cm long, el-
liptic-lanceolate, entire. Flowers are malodorous,
dull, yellowish to purplish, 2-2.5 cm in diameter,
and borne on panicles at the axils of the leaves,
appearing with new leaves. Fruit a follicle, smooth,
boat-shaped, woody, short beaked, red when ma-
ture; seed black, oblong, arranged in two rows.
Plant parts used : Leaf, fruit, seed.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 130
 131. Suregada multiflora (A.Juss.) Baill.
S T
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Synonym : Suregada glabra Roxb.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Ban-naranga, Ban-
naringa, Maricha, Samloksree.
Tribal name : Chasesii (Chakma), Fa choin da
(Marma), Soijja gaas (Tanchangya).
English name : False lime.
Description of the plant : A small to medium-sized
evergreen tree, up to 12 m tall. Leaves elliptic-
oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 15-22 cm long, acu-
minate at the apex, cuneate at the base. Flowers
diocious, yellowish, apetalous in pedunculate cor-
ymbs. Fruit a globose capsule, obscurely 3-lobed,
about 2.5 cm across, orange-yellow when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the bark of the plant is administered for the treat-
ment of fever.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
131 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
plied to the affected areas to treat rheumatism.
The juice extracted from the barks of the plant
is used for the treatment of sores and stomach
troubles.
Pea-sized pills made from the leaves of the plant
are taken with warm water three times a day (one
pill each time) until the pneumonia is cured.
Distribution : This species is found in Bogra,
Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka, Mymensingh,
Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Tangail, and the
Chittagong Hill Tracts.
132. Tabernaemontana divaricata
(L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult.
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Nerium divaricatum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Bantagar, Jongli
tagar, Kathmaloti, Dudhphul, Rupa-tola.
Tribal name : Oiakte (Bawm), Hastadangar
(Chakma), Aungche paing fung (Chak), Aekachop
(Khumi), Boyomaa baajaa (Marma), Caney-pawn
(Rakhaing), Khom-tok-twi (Tripura).
English name : Moon bean, Wax flower.
Description of the plant : A slender, bushy shurb,
dichotomously branched with milky latex. Leaves
opposite, glabrous, 5-12 cm long, elliptic-oblong,
acuminate. Cymes peduncled, dichotomously
branched, terminal or axillary, corymbose, flow-
ers white. Follicles divaricate, up to 8 cm long,
fleshy, orange-red inside.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction made from leaves
of the plant is taken for the treatment of cough.
Root or root-bark chewed for relief of toothache.
Cottonseed-sized pills made from the leaves of the
plant are taken thrice a day (one pill each time) until
the abdominal pain is cured.
Powder of the leaves is administered to treat
asthma.
An extract made from the leaves of the plant is
taken for the treatment of chest pain.
Milky juice of leaves used as drops for ophthalmia;
also used as cooling application to irritable surfaces
and wounds to prevent inflammation.
Cottonseed-sized pills made from the leaves of the
plant are given to treat tuberculosis.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is advised
to apply to the infected skin once a day until the
eczema is cured.
Distribution : It is found almost throughout the
country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 132
 133. Tagetes erecta L.
T T
Family : Asteraceae
Synonym : Tagetes patula L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Gendaphul, Gand-
haphul, Genda, Gadaphul.
Tribal name : Khathpo (Murang), Darken (Pang-
khoa), Assai-tara (Rakhaing).
English name : French marigold, African marigold.
Description of the plant : A ribbed, hairy, annual
ornamental herb, growing up to 60 cm or more.
Leaves pinnately divided, pinnae serrulate. Flow-
ers in terminal heads, colour ranges from a light
yellow to a deep orange.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Fresh juice extracted from
the leaves of the plant, after adding little amount
of honey it is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons
amount each time) until the diabetes is cured.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is
used for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea.
133 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Decoction of flowers is used for colds, conjuncti-
vitis, mumps, and sore eyes.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken thrice a day (10 ml amount each time)
until the blood dysentery is cured.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is used
for the treatment of boils, eczema, rheumatism,
and cutting wound.
Juice extracted from flowers of the plant is ad-
ministered to treat piles.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is
advised for the treatment of earache.
Distribution : It occurs in cultivated condition
throughout the country.
134. Tamilnadia uliginosa
(Retz.) Tirveng. & Sastre
Family : Rubiaceae Distribution : It occurs in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar,
Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh.
Synonym : Gardenia uliginosa Retz.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Piralu, Pedalu.
Tribal name : Monkala (Murang).
English name : Divine jasmine, Tamilnadia.
Description of the plant : A deciduous medium-
sized tree, bark reddish-brown, shoot 4-angled,
pubescent. Leaves elliptic, obovate-oblanceolate,
5-20 cm long, clustered at the end of short shoots,
apex obtuse to slightly acute, base cuneate. Flow-
ers solitary, white. Fruits ovoidal, yellowish.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : An extract prepared from
the leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of
diarrhoea, cholera, and dysentery.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the acne twice a day until the disease is cured.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is
used for the treatment of urination problem.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 134
 135. Tectona grandis L.f.
T T
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Tectona theca Lour.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Shegun, Shegoon, Teak.
Tribal name : Saccon (Chakma), Segun (Bawm),
Sagunkung (Pangkhoa), Chyan-way-pawn (Ra-
khaing).
English name : Teak, The teak tree.
Description of the plant : A large deciduous tree,
up to 50 m tall. Leaves opposite, broadly elliptic,
15-75 cm long, cuneate, margin wavy, entire, apex
acute to shortly acuminate. Flowers are numerous,
white, short stalked, and arranged in large, termi-
nal, much-branched panicles. Fruit a subglobose
to tetragonally flattened drupe.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction of fresh or dried
leaves used for menstrual disorders.
Paste prepared from the teak wood powder is ap-
plied to the fractured bone and tied with a piece
135 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
of cloth, the bandage to be replaced at three days
interval up to 15 days to treat it.
Decoction of fallen yellow leaves used in anaemia.
Teak wood powder boiled in water then it keep
for one hour to get upper clear extract and this
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
the treatment of worm infestation.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant
is used as a gargle for sore throat.
Paste prepared from the teak wood powder is ap-
plied to the forehead twice a day for three days to
treat headache.
Distribution : It is introduced mainly in the Chit-
tagong Hill Tracts and also planted all over the
country roadside, road-dividers, gardens, and vil-
lage thickets.
136. Tetrastigma angustifolium
(Roxb.) Planch.
Family : Vitaceae A decoction made with the leaves of the plant is
taken thrice a day (50 ml amount each time) for
Synonym : Cissus angustifolia Roxb.
twenty days to treat liver cancer.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Sarupati lata, Nekung A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
riubi. to the infected skin twice or thrice a day until the
septic sore is cured.
Tribal name : Langa appo (Chakma), Chagrey aik
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the plant is taken
(Marma), Nekung riubi (Murang).
with warm water twice a day (one pill each time)
Description of the plant : A large herbaceous until the stomachache is cured.
climber. Leaves 3-foliolate, leaflet elliptic-lanceo-
Distribution : The species occurs in less frequently
late, acute, base cuneate, tendrils leaf-opposed,
in the districts of Tangail, Sylhet, Chittagong, Cox’s
slender, simple. Cymes usually nearly sessile, axil-
Bazar, and Rangamati.
lary; flowers almost sessile, yellowish-green, dioe-
cious. Fruit a spherical berry, bright red when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the face once a
day to treat facial paralysis.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the tumour once a day until the lipoma
(tumour) is cured.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 136
 137. Thunbergia grandiflora
(Roxb. ex Rottl.) Roxb.
T T
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonym : Flemingia grandiflora Roxb. ex Rottl.,
Thunbergia cordifolia Nees
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nillata, Nol lata.
Tribal name : Jaunghilang (Bawm), Deldi pata
(Chakma), Kaly-kholo-ajing (Khumi), Zawng-hawi-
leng (Lushai).
English name : Bengal clock vine, Bengal trumpet
vine, Blue sky flower, Blue sky vine, Blue trumpet
vine.
Description of the plant : A large climber. Leaves
opposite, 8-15 cm long, 4-10 cm wide, often an-
gular, sometimes ovate, uppermost lanceolate or
lanceolate ovate, acute to acuminate, base cordate,
entire or toothed. The beautiful 3 inch wide pale
blue or white flowers are cup-like with pale yellow
to cream blue striped centers. Capsule 4-seeded,
globular.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
137 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : A decoction made with the
stems of the plant is taken (100 ml amount each
time) after adding little amount of honey for seven
days to treat blood dysentery.
Fresh juice extracted from the stems of the plant
is applied into the eye thrice a day (two drops each
time) for three days to treat conjunctivitis.
Pea-sized pills made with dried stems of the plant
are taken twice a day (two pills each time) for 45
days to control diabetes.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the affected parts of the body twice a day
until the gout is cured.
The stems of the plant are used for the treatment
of hysteria, malaria, ophthalmia, spermatorrhoea,
and stomachache.
Distribution : It is found throughout the country.
138. Trema orientalis (L.) Blume
Family : Ulmaceae
Synonym : Trema africana Blume
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kapaisha, Kapashia,
Jiban, Jigal, Chikan, Godorjiga, Banjiga.
Tribal name : Shimutta (Chakma), Phakram
(Garo), Sai saw apang (Marma), Sukorsamila
(Tanchangya).
English name : Indian charcoal tree, Indian nettle,
Oriental nettle, Pigeon wood.
Description of the plant : A small tree, 5-8 m
high, with elongated branches. Leaves alternate,
ovate-lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, 5-15 cm
long, base obliquely cordate, apex acute to acumi-
nate, crenate-serrulate, upper surface greenish,
under surface densely silvery tomentose, nerves
4-6 pairs. Flowers 5-merous, greenish, unisexual,
subsessile, minute in axillary cymes. Fruit a drupe,
more or less globose, black when mature.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Decoction prepared from
the bark of the plant is used for gargling four times
a day for seven days to treat toothache.
Bark infusion is drunk to control dysentery.
Decoction prepared from the bark of the plant is
administered in hypertension.
Bark of the plant is used as a poultice for mus-
cular pain.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
for two days to treat stomachache.
Bark decoction is used for the treatment of cough,
sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, gonorrhoea, ma-
laria, and yellow fever.
Distribution : It is found in the forests of Chittagong,
Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Dinajpur,
and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Also grows in the
villages all over the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 138
 139. Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour.
T T
Family : Cucurbitaceae
Synonym : Trichosanthes bracteata (Lam.) Voigt
Bengali/Vernacular name : Makal.
Tribal name : Mamalaru (Garo), Choim-chapray
(Khumi), Caha-sthei (Rakhaing), Hedaphal (Chak-
ma).
English name : Indrayan.
Description of the plant : A large climber, 5-20
m long. It has strong, woody and grooved stem,
with trailing branches. Tendrils are divided into
2-3 parts. Leaves, 6-12 cm across, are broadly
heart-shaped, but palmately 3-5 lobed. The leaf
margin is toothed. Flowers occur either singly or
in 5-10 flowered racemes, in leaf axils. Sepal cup
is tubular, 3-4 cm long. Flowers 4-5 cm, white,
with 5 wedge-shaped petals with frilly margins.
Fruit is spherical, 4-5 cm across, red when ripe,
streaked with 10 orange streaks.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
139 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Ethnomedicinal uses : Pea-sized pills made with
the leaves of the plant are taken three times a
day (one pill each time) for seven days to treat
abdominal pain.
Leaf-paste of the plant is applied to the infected
skin to treat allergy.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for
seven days to treat dysmenorrhoea.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant
are taken thrice a day (one pill each time) for two
days to treat flatulence.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied externally to treat boils, rheumatism, and
snake bite.
Distribution : This species is found in Tangail,
Chittagong, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
140. Tridax procumbens (L.) L.
Family : Asteraceae. a day for seven days to treat hair fall.
Paste prepared from the leaves and stems of the
Synonym : Balbisia elongata Willd.
plant is applied to the affected parts of the body
Bengali/Vernacular name : Tridhara, Tridaksa. to healing wounds.
Tribal name : Bisalyakaroni (Munda), Mraa-praw The crushed leaves are applied to arrest bleeding
(Rakhaing). in bruises and cuts.
English name : Mexican daisy, Coat buttons. Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country.
Description of the plant : An annual or perennial,
procumbent, hirsute, rarely slightly wooly herb.
Leaves ovate, lanceolate-oblanceolate, petiolate,
apex acute, base cuneate, pinnatisect, usually
tri-lobed, or coarsely incised-dentate to serrate,
scabrid-hirsute on both surface. The small creamy
or white flower has five petals which are notched
on the outer edges. The centre of the flower is
yellow. Fruit a cypsela, silky, truncate at the apex,
pappus of numerous, feathery bristles.
Plant parts used : Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses : : A paste made with the
leaves of the plant is applied to the head-skin once
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 140
 141. Typhonium trilobatum (L.) Schott
T V
Family : Araceae
Synonym : Arum trilobatum L.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Kharkon, Ghetkachu,
Ghetkul, Ghikul.
Tribal name : Harbaj (Chakma), Sangfa sarakang
(Marma), Harbait (Tanchangya), Kalman (Garo),
Alenda (Tripura).
English name : Bengal arum, Lobed leaf typhonium.
Description of the plant : A small tuberous terres-
trial herb. Leaves petiolate, petiole up to 25-40 cm
long, sheathing at the basal part, leaf blade usu-
ally deeply trilobed. Peduncle slender, up to 5 cm
long; spathe 15-18 cm long, tube elliptic, greenish
outside, and purplish inside. Spadix erect, around
15 cm long. Female inflorescence short-cylindric,
about 7 mm long; male inflorescence 1.25-1.5 cm
long, rose-pink, situated above the female.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the
141 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
leaves of the plant is applied externally to the mouth
of boils twice a day for three days to treat it.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is applied
to the burned skin once a day until the wound is
healed.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
is taken three times a day (5 ml amount each time)
for 3 days to treat fever.
A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken three times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) with water for three days to treat colic.
Cottonseed-sized pills made from the leaves of the
plant are taken twice a day (one pill each time) until
the dry cough is cured.
The roots of the plant are used to treat piles, stom-
ach complaints, vomiting, asthma, excessive ex-
pectoration; sore throat, headache, gastric ulcer,
abscesses, and snake bite.
Distribution : The species commonly occurs
throughout the country.
142. Vanda tessellata
(Roxb.) Hook. ex G.Don
Family : Orchidaceae to the affected area for the treatment of rheu-
matism.
Synonym : Vanda roxburghii R.Br.
Powdered roots and flowers are used in bronchitis,
Bengali/Vernacular name : Rasna. piles, and boils.
Tribal name : Deli (Khumi), Sor-mok-lou (Khasia), Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
Chai-key-pawn (Rakhaing). applied to the body to bring down fever.
The roots of the plant are used in nervous prob-
English name : Checkered vanda, Vanda orchid. lems, dysentery, dyspepsia, and fever.
Description of the plant : A medium to large sized,
Distribution : The species is widely distributed
warm growing epiphytic orchid, with a climbing throughout the country except greater Chittagong,
stem. Leaves are linear, narrow. Raceme usually and Sylhet district.
longer than the leaves, 2-10 flowered, terete, pen-
dulous. Flowers 5 cm across, bracteate, pedicel-
late. Lip 3-lobed, lateral lobes white, middle lobe
twice as long, colour varying from purplish-blue to
red, with white streaks or white with yellow streaks.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The leaf juice is used for
the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions;
it is also instilled into the ear as a remedy for otitis.
Paste prepared from roots of the orchid is applied
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 142
 143. Vitex negundo L.
V V
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Vitex arborea Desf.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nishinda, Bara-
nishinda.
Tribal name : Niramisludi (Chakma), Soyin ma
pata (Tanchangya), Thoai bai gach (Marma).
English name : Indian privet, Chinese chaster tree,
Five-leaved chaster tree.
Description of the plant : A large shrub to small
tree, 8-10 m tall. Leaves digitately 3-5 foliolate,
leaflets 4-12 cm long, lanceolate, acute to acu-
minate at the apex, base cuneate. Flowers are
numerous, blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long, borne in
terminal inflorescences (panicles) 10-20 cm long.
Fruit is a succulent drupe, globose, black when
ripe, about 4 mm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, flower, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Pounded leaves are applied
to the forehead to treat headache.
143 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
An extract made with the leaves is used for hot
bath once a day for two days to treat fever.
Infusion of seeds used for disinfecting wounds
and ulcers.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is applied to the whole body once a day for three
days to treat mania infantum.
Powder prepared from the roots of the plant is
taken to treat dysentery.
The roots of the plant are used for dyspepsia, colic,
rheumatism, worm infestation, boils, and leprosy.
Decoction made from the leaves is administered
for the treatment of cough, asthma, toothache,
and ringworm.
Flowers are used for diarrhoea, cholera, fever,
and diseases of the liver.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves is taken twice
a day (two tea spoons amount each time) for two
weeks to treat black fever.
Distribution : The species occurs throughout the
country.
144. Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Vitex peduncularis var. roxburghiana
C.B.Clarke
Bengali/Vernacular name : Arsol, Awal, Boruna,
Goda, Horina.
Tribal name : Ashmul gaas (Chakma), Ashhoi
(Garo), Kraktha (Khumi), Salong (Marma), Chi-
lei-phang (Tripura).
Description of the plant : A small tree, 5-15 m
high. Leaves 3-foliate, rarely 4, petiole up to 10 cm
long; leaflets lanceolate or narrow elliptic, 5-15
cm long, entire, long acuminate, base cuneate.
Flowers greenish-white, in axillary many-flowered,
panicled cymes, 15-20 cm long. Fruit a drupe,
black when ripe, 5 mm in diameter.
Plant parts used : Leaf, bark, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A fresh juice extracted from
the bark of the plant is taken to treat anal fissure
and diabetes.
The fresh juice extracted from the roots of the
plant is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time)
for three days to treat excessive menstruation.
A paste made with the bark of the plant is applied
to the affected parts of the body and kept for three
days at a length by wetting with water in times to
treat gout.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant
is taken three times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) to treat anal fissure.The juice extracted
from the roots of the plant is used for massaging
to the whole body once a day for three days to
treat epilepsy.
The fresh juice extracted from the bark of the plant
is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) for
30 days to treat malaria.
Distribution : The species frequently occurs in the
forest areas of the northern, central, and eastern
parts of the country.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 144
 145. Vitex trifolia L.
V W
Family : Verbenaceae
Synonym : Vitex triphylla Royle
Bengali/Vernacular name : Nil nishinda, Choto
nishinda.
Tribal name : Khupaninda (Chakma), Niramizhechi
(Marma), Chanpain (Rakhaing).
English name : Simple leaf chaste tree, Shrubby
chaste tree, Three-leaved chaste tree.
Description of the plant : An aromatic slender
shrub, sometimes a small tree, up to 6 m tall.
Leaves simple, 3-foliolate, leaflets obovate-elliptic,
sessile, puberulent, apex obtuse or blunt, base
rounded or cuneate, dark green above, matted
closely with grayish tomentum beneath. Flowers
purplish-blue, often leafy at the base. Fruit a drupe,
5 mm across, ellipsoid, black when ripe.
Plant parts used : Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Lotion prepared from the
leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of
145 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
glandular tumours and breast cancer.
A paste made with the leaves of the plant is ap-
plied to the affected part of the body thrice a day
for three days to treat bruise.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is
applied for the treatment of rheumatic pain, head-
ache, and skin disease.
Powder prepared from the leaves of the plant is
administered for the treatment of fever.
Distribution : It is found in forests of Cox’s Bazar,
Teknaf, and other coastal areas.
146. Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz
Family : Lythraceae Juice extracted from the flowers is administered
for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Synonym : Woodfordia tomentosa Bedd.
Pea-sized pills made with the dried barks of the
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dhaiphul, Rangkat, plant are taken thrice a day (two pills each time)
Dhatriphul, Dhain. until the splenomegaly is cured.
Tribal name : Japa-deli (Khumi), Se be gra (Mar- Flower juice is applied to the cutting wound until
ma), Mricha (Murang), Agunitita (Tanchangya). the bleeding is stopped.
Dried flowers are used to treat liver disorder.
English name : Fire-flame bush, Shiranjitea.
Distribution : It occurs in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar,
Description of the plant : A large shrub, about 2.5 Dhaka districts, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
m tall. Leaves 5-14 cm long, lanceolate or ovate-
lanceolate, rarely falcate, more or less oblique,
apex acuminate, base rounded to subcordate,
entire, very shortly petiolate or almost sessile.
Inflorescence axillary, short peduncled cymes, 3 to
16-flowered. Flowers tubular, bright red. Capsule
ovate to elliptic.
Plant parts used : Bark, flower.
Ethnomedicinal uses : A paste made with the flow-
ers of the plant is applied to the infected skin for
the treatment of skin disease.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 146
 147. Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) Mabb.
W X
Family : Apocynaceae
Synonym : Wrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dudh-koraiya, Dudhi,
Dudh-kuruch, Shet-kurchi.
Tribal name : Bol-matra (Garo), Lak thok (Marma).
English name : Woolly dyeing rosebay.
Description of the plant : A medium-sized de-
ciduous tree with profound milky latex. Leaves
tomentose on both surfaces, elliptic or ovate,
elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate, base cuneate,
margin thickly undulate. Cymes terminal, cor-
ymbose, tomentose. Flowers white, turning yel-
low with unpleasant odour. Fruits 5-18 cm long,
cylindrical, pendulous.
Plant parts used : Bark, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Latex of the plant is applied
externally to the infected nails twice a day for two
days to treat nail infection.
A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant
147 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
is taken three times a day (two tea spoons amount
each time) until the asthma is cured.
A paste made with the bark of the plant is applied
externally to the snake biting place twice a day
until the poison is eliminated.
Milky juice of the plant is applied externally to the
cutting place twice a day to treat bleeding from
cutting wound.
Distribution : The species occurs in the forests
of Sylhet, Mymensingh, Tangail, Chittagong, and
the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
148. Xylocarpus granatum J.Koenig
Family : Meliaceae diarrhoea, cholera, and dysentery.
The leaves of the plant are used to treat malaria.
Synonym : Xylocarpus obovatus (Blume) A.Juss.
Distribution : It occurs in Khulna, Satkhira, Cha-
Bengali/Vernacular name : Dhundul, Putar, Tutul,
karia Sundarbans, and other coastal areas.
Karamphul, Karambola.
English name : Cannonball mangrove, Apple
mangrove.
Description of the plant : A small to medium-sized
evergreen mangrove tree, up to 20 m tall. Leaves
abruptly pinnate, with pairs of leaflets which are
elliptic or obovate, 5-15 cm long, apex rounded,
base cuneate. Flowers are small, white, 4-parted,
borne on short terminal or axillary panicles. Fruit
is very large, 15-25 cm in diameter, flattened-
globose, pericarp woody, with a short pointed tip.
Plant parts used : Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Paste prepared from the
leaves of the plant is applied for the treatment of
inflammation.
The roots of the plant are used as a treatment for
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 148
 149. Xylocarpus moluccensis
(Lam.) M.Roem.
X Z
Family : Meliaceae
Synonym : Carapa moluccensis Lam.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Passur, Ail.
English name : Cedar mangrove.
Description of the plant : An evergreen mangrove
tree, 6-20 m tall. Leaves abruptly pinnate, rachis
terete, petioles up to 10 cm long, leaflets 2-3 pairs,
7-15 cm long, elliptic-oblong, apex acute to obtuse,
base cuneate. Flowers small, pinkish-yellow or
creamy-white. Fruits the size of orange, flattened-
globose, 4-grooved, 7-12 cm across, valves woody.
Plant parts used : Bark.
Ethnomedicinal uses : Juice extracted from the
bark of the plant is given in gastrointestinal disor-
der such as diarrhoea, dysentery, stomachache,
and constipation.
Decoction made with the bark of the plant is given
for the treatment of fever.
The bark of the plant is used to treat candidiasis,
scabies, and baby rash.
149 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Distribution : This species is found in the Sundar-
bans, Chakaria Shundarbans, and other coastal
areas of the country.
150. Zephyranthes grandiflora Lindl.
Family : Liliaceae
Synonym : Zephyranthes rosea Hort.
Bengali/Vernacular name : Golapi ghashphul.
English name : Pink rain lily, Fairy lily, Zephar lily.
Description of the plant : A bulbous perennial
herb, bulb up to 2 cm across. Leaves up to 35 cm
long, linear, appearing with flowers. Scape hol-
low, spathe simple, 2 cm long, hyaline, tubular,
2-notched. Perianth funnel-shaped, segments 6
(rarely up to 8), rose or pink coloured, 3-4 cm long,
sub-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate. Fruit a capsule.
Plant parts used : Bulb.
Ethnomedicinal uses : The plant is used to treat
tumour and diabetes.
Distribution : It is widely grown in garden.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 150
Photographs of Field Work ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Picture 1
Voucher specimen preparation.

Picture 2
Author is taking photograph of
ethnomedicinal plant.

5 6

Picture 3 Picture 4 Traditional healers are talking about the ethnomedicinal plants.
Traditional healer is showing an Picture 5 An indigenous man is showing an ethnomedicinal plant.
ethnomedicinal plant. Picture 6 An indigenous man is showing an ethnomedicinal plant.

151 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 152

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163 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 164

Glossary of Medical Terms
Abdominal pain : Pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions.
Abscess : A swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus.
Acne : The occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition
characterized by red pimples on the face, prevalent chiefly among teenagers.
Allergy : A damaging immune response by the body to a substance, esp. pollen, fur, a particular food,
or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.
Alopecia : The partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows; baldness.
Amenorrhoea : An abnormal absence of menstruation.
Anaemia : A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting
in pallor and weariness.
Anal fissure : A tear in the lining of the anus and anal canal that causes pain during bowel movements
and bleeding from the anus.
Anorexia : A lack or loss of appetite for food.
Aphthae : A small ulcer occurring in groups in the mouth or on the tongue.
Arsenic poisoning: Also known as arsenicosis occurs when a person's body contains greater than nor-
mal levels of arsenic.
Arthritis : Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.
Ash : The dried plant materials are put into fire and allowed for full combustion. After cooling, the ash
is taken out and applied with oil or water.
Asthma : A chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult, there is inflammation of the
air passages that results in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. This
results in asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Back pain : The pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, or
other structures in the spine.
Baldness : The condition of having no hair on the top of the head.
Beriberi : A disease causing inflammation of the nerves and heart failure, caused by a deficiency of
vitamin B1.
165 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Biliousness : A term used in the 18th and 19th centuries pertaining to bad digestion, stomach pains,
constipation, and excessive flatulence (passing gas).
Black fever : Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, black fever, and Dumdum fever, is the
most severe form of leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the
Leishmania genus.
Blennorrhagia : An excess of such discharge, often specifically referring to that seen in gonorrhoea.
Blister : A small pocket of fluid within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing
(friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid
called serum or plasma.
Blood disease : A disease or disorder of the blood.
Boils : Also known as a furuncle is a skin abscess, acausedbybacteria;itisfullofpusanddeadtissue,often
lookslikeanovergrownpimple.
Bone fracture : A medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone.
Bowel : The part of the alimentary canal below the stomach; the intestine.
Breast cancer : A form of cancer that affects the cells of the breast.
Bronchitis : Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes it typically causes broncho-
spasm and coughing.
Bruise : An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rup-
turing underlying blood vessels.
Cancer : The disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
Candidiasis : Infection with candida, especially as causing oral or vaginal thrush.
Carbuncles : A severe abscess or painful clusters of boils in the skin that are contagious typically infected
with Staphylococcus bacteria.
Catarrh : Excessive discharge or build-up of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation
of the mucous membrane.
Chickenpox : An infectious disease causing a mild fever and a rash of red itchy spots that turn into
inflamed fluid blisters, it is caused by the herpes zoster virus and mainly affects children, who are af-
terward usually immune.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 166
Glossary of Medical Terms
Cirrhosis : A chronic disease of the liver marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous
thickening of tissue. It is typically a result of alcoholism or hepatitis.
Cold : A common viral infection in which the mucous membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed,
typically causing running at the nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and other similar symptoms.
Colic : Severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the in-
testines and suffered esp. by babies.
Conjunctivitis : Inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva).
Constipation : A condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with
stools that are hard, dry, and small, making them painful or difficult to pass.
Contraception : The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a
consequence of sexual intercourse.
Contusion : A region of injured tissue or skin in which blood capillaries have been ruptured; a bruise.
Cough : A sudden, usually noisy expulsion of air from the lungs, often involuntary.
Cut wound : A wound is a type of injury in which skin is torn, cut, or punctured, or where blunt force
trauma causes a contusion. In pathology, it specifically refers to a sharp injury which damages the der-
mis of the skin.
Cystitis : Inflammation of the urinary bladder. It is often caused by infection and is usually accompanied
by frequent painful urination.
Dandruff : The shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.
Decoction : Both the fresh and or dried materials are boiled in wide mouth earthen pot in water (1:10
ratio) and are reduced to about one fourth of the original volume. Sometimes a pinch of salt or honey is
added in it. The decoction is used internally and may be preserved for 2-3 weeks.
Dehydration : The excessive loss of body water, the body does not have as much water and fluids as it
should.
Dermatitis : A condition of the skin in which it becomes red, swollen, and sore, sometimes with small
blisters, resulting from direct irritation of the skin by an external agent or an allergic reaction to it.
Diabetes : Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from
defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.
167 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Diarrhoea : A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.
Dysentery : Infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhoea with the presence of blood and
mucus in the feces.
Dysmenorrhoea : Painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.
Dyspepsia : A vague discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that may be described as gas, a feeling
of fullness, gnawing, or burning.
Dysuria : Painful or difficult urination.
Eclampsia : A condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from
high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby.
Eczema : A medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that
cause itching and bleeding, sometimes resulting from a reaction to irritation (eczematous dermatitis)
but more typically having no obvious external cause.
Epilepsy : A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of
consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Erysipelas : An acute, sometimes recurrent disease caused by a bacterial infection, characterized by
large raised red patches on the skin.
Extract : Both the fresh and or dried materials are boiled in wide mouth earthen pot in water or alcohol
(1:20 ratio) and are reduced to about one third of the original volume. The extract is used internally and
may be preserved for 2-3 weeks.
Facial paralysis : Loss of facial movement because of nerve damage.
Faint : Lose consciousness for a short time because of a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen to
the brain.
Feces : Waste matter discharged from the bowels after food has been digested; excrement.
Febrile convulsion : A convulsion which associated with significant rise in body temperature suddenly,
most commonly occur in children between the ages of 6 months to 6 years.
Fever : An abnormally high body temperature, usually accompanied by shivering, headache, and in
severe instances, delirium.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 168
Glossary of Medical Terms
Filariasis : A parasitic and infectious tropical disease caused by the presence of thread-like filarial
nematode worms, esp. in the lymph vessels where heavy infestation can result in elephantiasis.
Fistula : An abnormal or surgically made passage between a hollow or tubular organ and the body sur-
face, or between two hollow or tubular organs.
Flatulence : The accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal.
Fomentation : The fresh leaves, mainly latex bearing plants, are put on fire for about few minutes after
adding little oils. Then the leaves are allowed for cooling for about 1-2 minutes and applied externally
on the affected parts of the body.
Fresh juice : The fresh plants or plant parts are cut into pieces and is crushed either in mortar like stone
or in between the two palms. Then the extract is made by squeezing. It is believed that the fresh juice
has the highest potency and is administered orally or applies externally. Fresh juice is always advised to
prepare a new just before use every time.
Fume : The fume is created by burning the dried material or boiling dried or fresh material water. It is
inhaled by covering the part of the body with cloth.
Gallstone : A small, hard crystalline mass formed abnormally in the gall bladder or bile ducts from bile
pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts. Gallstones can cause severe pain and blockage of the bile duct.
Gastric ulcer : This is a sore in the lining of stomach.
Gastritis : An inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
Gastroenteritis : Inflammation of the stomach and intestine.
Gingivitis : Inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that
accumulate on the teeth - plaque; this type is called plaque-induced gingivitis.
Goiter : A swelling of the neck resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Gonorrhoea : A bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI), involving inflammatory discharge from the
urethra or genital organ.
Gout : An extremely painful inflammation of joints, especially of the big toe, caused by a metabolic defect
resulting in the accumulation of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urates around the joints.
Haematuria : The presence of red blood cells in the urine.
Hay fever : An allergy caused by pollen or dust in which the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose
are inflamed, causing running at the nose and watery eyes.
169 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Head lice : Tiny gray-brown wingless parasitic insects that affect only humans, they live by sucking blood
from the scalp.
Headache : Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck.
Hemiplegia : Paralysis of one side of the body.
Hemorrhage : Any profuse internal or external bleeding from the blood vessels.
Hemorrhoids : A painful, swollen vein or group of veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus.
Hepatitis : An inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection.
Hepatomegaly : Abnormal enlargement of the liver.
Hepatosplenomegaly : The simultaneous enlargement of both the liver and the spleen.
Hernia : A sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Herpes : A sexually transmitted infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the
genitals, the cervix, as well as the skin in other parts of the body.
Hiccup : An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and respiratory organs, with a sudden closure of the
glottis and a characteristic sound like that of a cough.
Hookworm : A parasitic nematode that lives in the small intestine of its host.
Hyperacidity : A condition in which a person's stomach produces too much acid during digestion, caus-
ing gasiness, vomiting.
Hyperglycaemia : An excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often associated with diabetes mellitus.
Hypertension : Abnormally high blood pressure.
Hysteria : An uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter,
weeping, etc.
Impotence : Also known as erectile dysfunction an erection problem is when a man cannot get or keep
an erection that is firm enough to have intercourse. May be unable to get an erection at all. Or, may lose
the erection during intercourse. If the condition continues, it is called erectile dysfunction.
Indigestion : Mild pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 170
Glossary of Medical Terms
Indolent ulcer : A defect in the cornea that is unable to heal due to a layer of denatured tissue on the
surface of the eye.
Inflammation : A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot,
and often painful, esp. as a reaction to injury or infection.
Infusion : The dry materials, after cleaning, are cut into pieces and soak in drinking water about 1:6 ratio
overnight. The decanted water is used as medicine and taken orally. Sometimes a pinch of salt or honey
is added in the infusion is used internally and cannot be preserved more than once a day.
Insanity : The state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
Intermittent fever : A malarial fever in which feverish periods lasting a few hours alternate with periods
in which the temperature is normal.
Itch : An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
Jaundice : A medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of
the pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive
breakdown of red blood cells.
Leishmaniasis : A tropical and subtropical disease caused by leishmania and transmitted by the bite of
sandflies. It affects either the skin or the internal organs.
Leprosy : A chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium leproma-
tosis that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin.
Leucoderma : White skin, medically known as Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that causes de-pig-
mentation of skin. It causes discolouration of parts of skin forming patches due to gradual decrease of
melanin from the dermal layers or when the skin cells known as melanocytes, which are responsible
for the pigmentation of skin are unable to function.
Leucorrhoea : A whitish or yellowish discharge of mucus from the vagina.
Lipoma : A soft fatty lump. It is a non-cancerous (benign) growth made up from fat cells that clump
together. A lipoma can occur in any part of the body where there are fat cells.
Liver disease : Many diseases and disorders that cause the liver to function improperly or stop function-
ing. Abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or abnormal results of liver function tests
suggest you have liver disease.
Liverish : Slightly ill, as though having a disordered liver.
171 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Lumbago : Pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back.
Malaria : An intermittent and remittent fever caused by a protozoan parasite that invades the red blood
cells. The parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Malnutrition : Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the
right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat.
Mania : Mental illness marked by periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity.
Massage balm : The dried plant and animal produces are mixed with oil or butter or ghee by stirring for
hours. Then it is boiled for about 30 minutes to one hour. The massage balm is advised to use externally
and can be stored for a long time at normal temperature.
Measles : An infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in
childhood.
Meningitis : Inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection and marked by intense
headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity, leading (in severe cases) to convulsions,
delirium, and death.
Menopause : The point in time (typically between the ages of 45 and 50) when menstrual cycles perma-
nently cease due to the natural depletion of ovarian oocytes from aging.
Menorrhagia : Abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation.
Menstrual disorder : An irregular condition in a woman's menstrual cycle.
Mixture : This either the combination of the powders of dried materials or the combination of the de-
coctions and extracts of plant materials in a certain ratio. The mixture is used internally and may be
preserved for 2-3 weeks in tight mouth jar.
Mouth sore : A sore or open lesion in the mouth.
Mumps : A contagious and infectious viral disease causing swelling of the parotid salivary glands in the
face, and a risk of sterility in adult males.
Nausea : A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.
Neuralgia : Intense, typically intermittent pain along the course of a nerve, esp. in the head or face.
Night blindness : Also called nyctalopia, the inability to see well at night or in poor light.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 172
Glossary of Medical Terms
Oedema : Also known as dropsy is where there is an excessive build-up of fluid in the body's tissues.
Oligomenorrhea : Light or infrequent menstrual periods. A woman who regularly goes more than 35
days without menstruating may be diagnosed with oligomenorrhea.
Ophthalmia : Inflammation of the eye, esp. conjunctivitis.
Osteomalacia : Softening of the bones, typically through a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium.
Otitis : Inflammation of the ear, usually distinguished as otitis externa (of the passage of the outer ear),
otitis media (of the middle ear), and otitis interna (of the inner ear; labyrinthitis).
Paralysis : The loss of muscles function for one or more muscles, inability to move (and sometimes to
feel anything) in part or most of the body.
Parturition : The action of giving birth to young; childbirth.
Paste : Both the fresh and dried materials, after cleaning, are made into paste on a stone and are used
both orally and apply externally. The paste is usually used fresh or can be preserved for 24 hours by
adding honey or common salt.
Piles : Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings that contain enlarged and swollen blood ves-
sels in or around the rectum and anus.
Pill : The powder of the dried plant materials or paste of the fresh plant materials mixed with some
edible gums, honey, maize or rice powder, which act as binding materials, are made into small round
pill and then dried in the sun. The pills are advised to take orally and can be preserved for a long time.
Pimple : A small swelling in the skin caused by the blockage of a pore.
Plaster : It is made from the pastes of fresh plant materials in a specific ratio, sometimes lime is added
to it.
Pleurisy : Inflammation of the pleurae, which impairs their lubricating function and causes pain when
breathing. It is caused by pneumonia and other diseases of the chest or abdomen.
Pneumonia : Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus
and may become solid. Inflammation may affect either lungs (double pneumonia) or only one (single
pneumonia).
Powder : The dried materials are pounded and made into fine powder. The powder is used internally
and preserved for a longer period. It is believed that the medicine gets more potency with storage for a
longer period.
173 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH
Psoriasis : A skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.
Pyorrhoea : The inflammation of the gums and tooth sockets and leads to pus formation and loosening
of the teeth.
Rabies : A contagious and fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals that causes madness and
convulsions, transmissible through the saliva to humans.
Rheumatism : Any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue
and other parts of the body.
Ringworm : A contagious itching skin disease occurring in small circular patches, caused by any of a
number of fungi, and affecting chiefly the scalp or the feet. The most common form is athlete's foot.
Roundworm : A nematode worm, especially a parasitic one found in the intestines of mammals.
Scabies : A contagious skin disease marked by itching and small raised red spots, caused by the itch mite.
Scurvy : A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the
opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished people.
Shigellosis : An infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Symptoms of Shigella
infection include diarrhoea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure
to the bacteria.
Sinusitis : Inflammation of a nasal sinus.
Smallpox : An acute contagious viral disease, with fever and pustules that usually leave permanent scars.
Snakebite : An injury caused by a bite from a snake, often resulting in puncture wound inflicted by the
animal's fangs.
Sore throat : Pain or irritation of the throat.
Sore : A painful wound, ulcer or skin lesion.
Spasm : A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement.
Spermatorrhoea : An involuntary discharge/ejaculation of semen without any sexual event or thoughts.
Spleen : An abdominal organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells in most vertebrates
and forming part of the immune system.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 174
Glossary of Medical Terms ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Sprain : Wrench or twist the ligaments of (an ankle, wrist, or other joint) violently so as to cause pain Urticaria: A rash of round, red weals on the skin which itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swell-
and swelling but not dislocation. ing, caused by an allergic reaction, typically to specific foods.

Stomachache : A pain in a person's belly.
Stomatitis : A viral infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth, that causes small sore or ulcers and
inflammation. It is not a stomach problem. “Stoma” is a medical term referring to a “mouth-like” opening.
Strangury : A condition caused by blockage or irritation at the base of the bladder, resulting in severe
pain and a strong desire to urinate.
Venereal disease : A disease typically contracted by sexual contact with a person already infected; a
sexually transmitted disease.
Vomiting : The forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach via the mouth or sometimes the nose,
also known of as emesis.
Wart : A small, hard, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus.

Suppuration : The formation or discharge of pus. Weakness : The state or condition of lacking strength.
Swelling : An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid.
Whooping cough : Also known as pertussis, a contagious bacterial disease chiefly affecting children,
characterized by convulsive coughs followed by a whoop.
Syphilis : The result of a bacterial infection of the genital tract by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. a
highly contagious disease spread primarily by sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. Occasionally,
Worm : Any of various invertebrates, as those of the phyla Annelida, Nematoda, Nemertea, or Platyhel-
the disease can be passed to another person through prolonged kissing or close bodily contact.
minthes, having a long, flexible, rounded or flattened body, often without obvious appendages.
Syrup : The powdered dried raw materials are soaked in drinking water and put in an earthen pot covered
Wound : An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin
with lids for 3-4 days. The contained is shaked for about 30 minutes every day. The decanted liquid is
is cut or broken.
then mixed with honey (4:1 ratio) is considered as syrup. The syrup is advised to take orally and can be
preserved for several months.

Tetanus : A bacterial disease marked by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles.

Threadworms : A very slender parasitic nematode worm, especially a pinworm which are tiny that hatch
eggs in and infect the large intestine of humans.

Tonsillitis : Inflammation of the most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infection.

Toothache : A pain in and around the tooth or teeth.

Tuberculosis : An infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles) in the
tissues, especially the lungs.

Tumour : A swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth
of tissue, whether benign or malignant.

Ulcer : An open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or
mucous membrane that fails to heal.

Urethritis : Inflammation of the urethra.

175 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 176

Index of Scientific Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

A B Cardamomum maximum (Roxb.) Kuntze 11 Cyathula repens Moq. 46

Abelmoschus moschatus Medik 1 Balbisia elongata Willd. 140 Carissa carandas L. 29 Cycas dilatata Griff. 47
Abroma alata Blanco 2 Balsamina coccinea (Sims) DC. 74 Carissa salicina Lam. 29 Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham. 47
Abroma augusta (L.) L.f. 2 Barleria hystrix L. 17 Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold 30
Abroma elongata Lam. 2 Barleria prionitis L. 17 Cassia alata L. 122 D
Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. 3 Bergera koenigii L. 95 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don 31 Dentella repens (L.) J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. 48
Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. subsp. indica (Benth.) Bidens alba (L.) DC. 18 Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. 32 Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. 49
Brenana 4 Bidens hirta Jord. 18 Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) C.D.Specht 33 Desmodium polycarpum (Poir.) DC. 49
Acacia wallichiana DC. 3 Bidens pilosa L. 18 Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) A.Juss. ex Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. 50
Acalypha chinensis Benth. 5 Boehmeria glomerulifera Miq. 19 Spreng. 34 Dilivaria ilicifolia (L.) Juss. 6
Acalypha indica L. 5 Boehmeria malabarica Wedd. 19 Cissus angustifolia Roxb. 136 Dillenia minor (Zoll. & Moritzi) Gilg 51
Acalypha spicata Forssk. 5 Boerhavia diffusa L. 20 Cissus edulis Dalzell 36 Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. 51
Acanthus doloarin Blanco 6 Boerhavia paniculata f. esetosa Heimerl 20 Cissus elongata Roxb. 35 Diospyros cordifolia Roxb. 52
Acanthus ilicifolius L. 6 Bombax pentandrum L. 32 Cissus quadrangularis L. 36 Diospyros montana Roxb. 52
Achyranthes prostrata L. 46 Borreria exilis L.O.Williams 126 Cleome ciliata Schumach. & Thonn. 37 Duranta erecta L. 53
Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f. 7 Borreria ocymoides (Burm.f.) DC. 127 Cleome rutidosperma DC. 37 Duranta repens L. 53
Adiantum philippense L. 7 Borreria repens DC. 126 Cleome viscosa L. 38 Dysophylla auricularia (L.) Blume 114
Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco 8 Breynia patens (Roxb.) Rolfe 21 Clerodendrum balfourii Dombrain 39 Dysosmia foetida (L.) M.Roem. 105
Aegiceras majus Gaertn. 8 Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston 21 Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.f. 39
Aerides retusa (L.) Sw. 119 Brotera phoenicea (L.) Cav. 107 Clitoria parviflora Raf. 40 E
Allamanda cathartica L. 9 Brownlowia elata Roxb. 22 Clitoria philippensis Perr. 40 Eranthemum bicolor Schrank 54
Allamanda latifolia C.Presl 9 Brownlowia gamosepala (Turcz.) Burret 22 Clitoria ternatea L. 40 Eranthemum pulchellum Andrews 54
Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. 10 Bruguiera sexangula (Lour.) Poir. 23 Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. 111 Euphorbia cotinifolia L. 55
Amomum maximum Roxb. 11 Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken 24 Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps 41 Euphorbia cotinoides Miq. 55
Amorphophallus bulbifer (Roxb.) Blume 12 Costus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sm. 33 Euphorbia edulis Lour. 57
Anacardium microcarpum Ducke 13 C Costus zerumbet Pers. 10 Euphorbia elliptica Lam. 56
Anacardium occidentale L. 13 Cactus bleo Kunth 109 Couroupita guianensis Aubl. 42 Euphorbia heterophylla L. 56
Annona hexapetala L.f. 16 Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. 25 Couroupita peruviana O.Berg 42 Euphorbia neriifolia L. 57
Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. 14 Calendula eriocarpa DC. 26 Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore 43
Argemone mexicana L. 15 Calendula officinalis L. 26 Crinum asiaticum L. 44 F
Argemone spinosa Gaterau 15 Callicarpa arborea Roxb. 27 Crinum macrophyllum Hallier f. 44 Firmiana colorata (Roxb.) R.Br. 58
Arillaria robusta Kurz 102 Callicarpa magna Schauer 27 Crotalaria mollis Weinm. 45 Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. 59
Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Bhandari 16 Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.) Lam. ex Poir. 62 Crotalaria verrucosa L. 45 Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. 60
Artabotrys odoratissimus R.Br. 16 Canna indica L. 28 Croton philippensis Lam. 89 Flacourtia sapida Roxb. 59
Arum bulbiferum Roxb. 12 Canna macrophylla Horan. 28 Croton plicatus Vahl 34 Flemingia grandiflora Roxb. ex Rottl. 137
Arum trilobatum L. 141 Canna occidentalis Ker Gawl. 28 Cucumis maderaspatanus L. 94 Foeniculum dulce Mill. 61
Asclepias parasitica Roxb. 70 Carapa moluccensis Lam. 149 Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume 46 Foeniculum vulgare Mill. 61

177 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 178

Index of Scientific Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

G J Menyanthes hydrophyllum Lour. 99 Peltophorum roxburghii (G.Don) Degener 106

Gardenia uliginosa Retz. 134 Jasminum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Andrews 78 Mimosa catechu L.f. 3 Pentapetes phoenicea L 107
Getonia floribunda Roxb. 62 Jasminum pubescens (Retz.) Willd. 78 Mimosa nilotica L. 4 Peperomia concinna (Haw.) A. Dietr. 108
Globba radicalis Roxb. 63 Jussiaea adscendens L. 87 Morinda angustifolia Roxb. 92 Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth 108
Gomphrena globosa L. 64 Jussiaea hyssopifolia G.Don 88 Morinda citrifolia L. 93 Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. 109
Gomphrena rubra Moq. 64 Jussiaea repens L. 87 Morinda macrophylla Desf. 93 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene 110
Gratiola rotundifolia L. 84 Justicia nervosa Vahl 54 Morinda squarrosa Buch.-Ham. 92 Phyllanthus retusus Dennst. 21
Grewia asiatica L. 65 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem. 94 Piper pellucidum L. 108
Grewia hainesiana Hole 65 K Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. 95 Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. 111
Gumira esculenta (Roxb.) Kuntze 116 Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. 24 Mussaenda corymbosa Kurz 96 Plumeria alba L. 112
Gynura crepidioides Benth. 43 Mussaenda roxburghii Hook.f. 96 Plumeria angustifolia A.DC. 113
L Plumeria revolutifolia Stokes 112
H Lantana alba Mill. 86 N Plumeria rubra L. 113
Hedysarum triflorum L. 50 Laportea interrupta (L.) Chew 79 Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. 97 Pogostemon auricularius (L.) Hassk. 114
Heliotropium curassavicum L. 66 Lathyrus asiaticus (Zalkind) Kudr. 80 Nelumbo speciosa Willd. 97 Poinciana pulcherrima L. 25
Heliotropium glaucum Salisb. 66 Lathyrus sativus L. 80 Nerium antidysentericum L. 69 Poinsettia heterophylla (L.) Klotzsch & Garcke 56
Hemigraphis hirta (Vahl) T.Anderson 67 Lawsonia inermis L. 81 Nerium divaricatum L. 132 Polanisia viscosa (L.) Blume 38
Heritiera fomes Buch.-Ham. 68 Lawsonia spinosa L. 81 Nipa fruticans (Wurmb) Thunb. 100 Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites 115
Heritiera minor (Gaertn.) Roxb. 68 Leonurus occidentalis Colla 82 Nymphaea nelumbo L. 97 Premna esculenta Roxb. 116
Hibiscus abelmoschus L. 1 Leonurus sibiricus L. 82 Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. 98
Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming) Lindernia antipoda (L.) Alston 83 Nymphaea stellata Willd. 98 Q
Wall. ex A.DC. 69 Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Alston 84 Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) Kuntze 99 Quisqualis indica L. 41
Hoya parasitica (Roxb.) Wall. ex Wight 70 Linum humile Mill. 85 Nypa fruticans Wurmb 100
Hydnocarpus kurzii (King) Warb. 71 Linum usitatissimum L. 85 R
Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. 72 Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson 86 O Rauvolfia hirsuta Jacq. 118
Hydrangea maritima Haw.-Booth 72 Lippia nodiflora Cham. 110 Oldenlandia repens L. 48 Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz 117
Hyptis acuta Benth. 73 Ludwigia adscendens (L.) H.Hara 87 Ophiorrhiza mungos L. 101 Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. 118
Hyptis brevipes Poit. 73 Ludwigia hyssopifolia (G.Don) Exell 88 Ormosia robusta Baker 102 Rauvolfia trifoliata (Gaertn.) Baill. 117
Oxalis corniculata L. 103 Rhizophora sexangula Lour. 23
I M Oxalis minima Steud. 103 Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume 119
Impatiens balsamina L. 74 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll.Arg. 89 Ruellia antipoda L. 83
Ixora affinis Wall. ex Craib 77 Malvaviscus longifolius (A. St.-Hil.) Spach 90 P Ruellia hirta Vahl 67
Ixora coccinea L. 75 Malvaviscus penduliflorus Moc. & Sessé ex DC 90 Parkinsonia aculeata L. 104
Ixora findlayana B.S.Williams 76 Mantisia radicalis (Roxb.) D.P.Dam & N.Dam 63 Parkinsonia thornberi M.E.Jones 104 S
Ixora finlaysoniana Wall. ex G.Don 76 Melastoma candidum D. Don 91 Passiflora balansae Chodat 105 Salvia brasiliensis Spreng. 120
Ixora grandiflora Ker Gawl. 75 Melastoma malabathricum L. 91 Passiflora foetida L. 105 Salvia splendens Sellow ex Schult 120
Ixora nigricans R.Br. ex Wight & Arn 77 Menispermum japonicum Thunb. 129 Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) K.Heyne 106 Saurauia roxburghii Wall. 121

179 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 180

Index of Scientific Names Index of Bengali / Vernacular Names

Saurauia tristyla DC. 121 Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. 139

A Banjiga 138
Senna alata (L.) Roxb. 122 Tridax procumbens (L.) L. 140 Ach 93 Banmethi 49
Sesamum africanum Tod. 123 Typhonium trilobatum (L.) Schott 141 Agar 14 Ban-naranga 131
Sesamum indicum L. 123 Agmukhi 94 Ban-naringa 131
U Agni pata 56
Solanum sisymbriifolium f. lilacinum Kuntze 124 Bansan 45
Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. 124 Urtica interrupta L. 79 Ail 149 Bara chadar 118
Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. 125 Uvaria suberosa Roxb. 115 Ajugi 51 Barachali 115
Sonneratia ovalis Korth. 125 Ajuli 51 Barachand 93
V
Spermacoce exilis (L.O.Williams) C.D.Adams Akandi manik 129 Barakanur 44
ex W.C.Burger & C.M.Taylor 126 Vanda roxburghii R.Br. 142 Akdana 21 Baranishinda 143
Spermacoce ocymoides Burm.f. 127 Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G.Don 142 Akundi 129 Barashiyalkanta 15
Sphaeranthus hirtus Willd. 128 Vandellia veronicifolia (Retz.) Haines 83 Alakananda 9 Baroful 92
Sphaeranthus indicus L. 128 Verbena nodiflora L. 110 Amboli 103 Barotera 11
Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers 129 Vinca rosea L. 31 Amla-bela 12 Begunehurhurey 37
Sterculia colorata Roxb. 58 Vitex arborea Desf. 143 Amrul 103 Belari kikar 104
Sterculia foetida L. 130 Vitex negundo L. 143 Amrul sak 103 Belatibabla 104
Sterculia mexicana var. guianensis Sagot 130 Vitex peduncularis var. roxburghiana C.B.Clarke 144 Aparajita 40 Beuchi 59
Stigmarota jangomas Lour. 60 Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer 144 Argeza 51 Bhatraj 95
Suregada glabra Roxb. 131 Vitex trifolia L. 145 Aripachuli 114 Bhuiokra 110
Suregada multiflora (A.Juss.) Baill. 131 Vitex triphylla Royle 145 Arsol 144 Bhuipat 48
Vitis elongata (Roxb.) Wall. 35 Arunpata 127
Bichuti 79
Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight 36 Aurunjyoti 106
T Biddapata 7
Awal 144
Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. 132 W Bidenlosa 18
& Schult Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz 146 Bilari 94
Tagetes erecta L. 133
B Biralhatchi 5
Woodfordia tomentosa Bedd. 146
Tagetes patula L. 133 Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) Mabb. 147 Babla 4 Boiciful 59
Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz.) Tirveng. & Sastre 134 Wrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult. 147 Babul 3 Bonsak 92
Taraktogenos kurzii King 71 Baicha 59 Bontejpata 91
Tectona grandis L.f. 135 X Bakkam 110 Borati gas 67
Tectona theca Lour. 135 Xylocarpus granatum J.Koenig 148 Banach 93 Bormala 27
Tetrastigma angustifolium (Roxb.) Planch. 136 Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M.Roem. 149 Banamali 92 Borokhulkurhi 128
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K.Schum. 30 Xylocarpus obovatus (Blume) A.Juss. 148 Banchalta 51 Borosunga 95
Thunbergia cordifolia Nees 137 Bandherosh 1 Borthurthuri 19
Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb. ex Rottl.) Roxb 137 Z Bandhuli 107 Boruna 144
Trema africana Blume 138 Zephyranthes grandiflora Lindl. 150 Banduki 33 Botamphul 64
Trema orientalis (L.) Blume 138 Zephyranthes rosea Hort. 150 Banduri 23 Buno jhumka 105
Trichosanthes bracteata (Lam.) Voigt 139 Zerumbet speciosum J.C.Wendl 10 Bangab 52 Buno jhumka-lata 105

181 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 182

Index of Bengali / Vernacular Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Buripana 67 Dhalahuja 27 Ghorachokha shim 102 Huri 58

Burma shimul 32 Dhatriphul 146 Girineem 95 Hurkcuh 6
Butamphul 126 Dhemna 35 Goda 144 Hydrangea 72
Dhundul 148 Godorjiga 138
C Dopatta 74 Gol tokma 73 I
Dudhi 147 Golap cactus phul 109
Calendula 26 Indisag 128
Dudh-koraiya 147 Golapi ghashphul 150
Chagal nudie 128 Indrajib 69
Dudh-kuruch 147 Golkamal 64
Chagoldi 128
Dudhphul 132 Golpata 100
Chalmugra 71 J
Dulmugra 71 Gondhapurna 20
Chamri 58 Jajura 82
Dungkhar 59 Gorakh mundi 128
Chand mala 99 Jhanjhani 45
Dupati 74 Gorakphal 105
Chandmona 99 Jhumka phul 75
Duporia 107 Guichapa 16
Charkona lota 36 Jiban 138
Dupurchundi 107 Guichia lata 62
Chaulmugra 71 Jigal 138
Dupurmoni 107 Gulachin 112
Chauri-chaonri 96 Joldata 108
Duranto 53 Gul-makhmal 64
Chemna lata 35 Jolpadma 97
Duubbecrepi 43
Chera pata 70 Jongle-ol 12
Chikan 138 H
Jongli badam 130
Chitki 21 E Haja 27 Juma 82
Choto helencha 83 Ekush 51 Halde hurhure 38
Choto kamini 95 Haldi kachu 93 K
Choto nishinda 145 F Haptabanga 36
Chotto-krishnachura 25 Kailata 107
Filipino pakha 7 Harbhangalata 36
103 Kaju 13
Chuka tripati Hargaza 51
Kajubadam 13
Chutra 79 G Hargoza 6
Kalaboti 28
Cycas 47 Harinar phul 92
Gadaphul 133 Kalaliya 50
Harjora 36
Gandhakuli 118 Kalashona 101
D Harkakra 9
Gandhamul 10 Kalijhant 7
Dadmardan 122 Harkuch kanta 6 Kalke phul 9
Gandhanakuli 101
Dalup 121 Heza 21 Kalokasturi 1
Gandhaphul 133
Daru haridra 92 Hijlibadam 13 Kamalaguli 89
Genda 133 Holde kolkephul 30
Datoi 65 Kamela 89
Gendaphul 133 Horina 144
Datranga 91 Kamkoi 21
Deogola 65 Ghanta phul 9 Hridoyhara 39 Kankra 23
Deoudal 58 Ghetkachu 141 Hridoykhora 39 Kanta begun 124
Dhain 146 Ghetkul 141 Hur ujal 58 Kanta-janti 17
Dhaiphul 146 Ghikul 141 Hurhuria 38 Kantakoi 21

183 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 184

Index of Bengali / Vernacular Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Kanta-manasa 57 Kingur 89 Meghmollika 78

O
Kanthalichapa 16 Kodaliya 50 Mehedi 81 Ora 125
Kantikari 124 Koilsha 8 Mendi 81 Orali 125
Kantokushi 21 Koja 27 Modhumanjuri 41
Kapaija 65 Kolkephul 30 Mohesh kanda 52 P
Kapaisha 138 Komol 97 Moos 22 Padma 97
Kapashia 138 Konokchura 106 Morich joba 90 Painnagola 60
Karach 29, 69 Kotki 6 Mowri 61 Pan muhori 61
Karambola 148 Kukuriam 115 Much gach 22 Paniala 59, 60
Karamcha 29 Kulaliya modi 50 Muktajhuri 5 Paniamala 60
Karamphul 148 Kuljon 10 Mulsi 87
Panilong 88
Karancha 29 Kund 78 Mundi 128
Passur 149
Karanga 29 Kundphul 78 Murmoria 128
Pata bahar 111
Karas 69 Kura 33 Murmuri 115
Kurantak 17 Mus 22 Pata gota 58
Karipata 95
Kurchi 69 Mushakdana 1 Patasij 57
Karoghas 110
Kuruj 69 Pathor-chur 111
Karpo modi 49
Kasalong 8 Kutesshor 69 N Pathorkuchi 24
Katai 59 Kuthi rangan 77 Nabina 104 Pedalu 134
Katamehedi 53 Nagdaun 44 Peperomia 108
Katchampa 16 L Nagkeshor 42 Pesondi 65
Kath golap 112, 113 Lalana 116 Naglingom 42 Phalsa 65
Katha 3 Lalbichuti 79 Nagpata 44 Phepsia 65
Katshareya 17 Lalnatinga 23 Phuldamar 65
Naichicha 58
Kekanta 6 Lalong 116 Pichas-lakri 86
Naris 65
Kengrabiji 15 Lalrangan 75
Nayan tara 31 Piralu 134
Keshordam 87 Lanka joba 90
Nekung riubi 136 Pisi 58
Keu 33 Luchi pata 108
Nil aparajita 40 Pisla 65
Keumol 33 Lukluki 60
Lutki 91 Nil nishinda 145 Pithapata 108
Khadira 3
Nila 40 Poddo 97
Khair 3
M Nilkomol 98 Punag 89
Khalisa 8
Madhunikkon 10 Nillata 137 Punarnava 20
Khalsi 8
Kharkon 141 Makal 139 Nilpaddo 98 Putar 148
Kheshari 80 Maknadi 129 Nil-shapla 98
Khoja 27 Makundi 129 Nimulkha 129 R
Khudi okra 34 Malcha 87 Nishinda 143 Radhachura 25
Khudi phora 34 Mansa 57 Nol lata 137 Raini 89
Khulsa 8 Mansasij 57 Nona hatishur 66 Raj pathada 129
Kikar 4 Maricha 131 Noni 93 Raktapadma 97

185 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 186

Index of Bengali / Vernacular Names Index of Tribal Names

Rangan 75 Sildaura 96
A Banitak 27
Rangan phul 75 Sinduri 89 Aasu 92 Banka 12
Rangkat 146 Sudi 81 Aatran 79 Bardhoman gach 47
Raniratak 96 Sukdarshan 44 Aekachop 132 Bauma raja 117
Ranjan 75 Sundori 68 Agar gach 14 Bawngkawr 28
Rasna 142 Surjomoni 107 Agunitita 146 Bawnkawr 28
Ratkheya 63 Swarnajhinti 17 Aicia-kung 122 Bay song kra 40
Reng 57 Swarpagandha 117 Ajing-kammu 129 Bely-plow 32
Rohinia 23 Swetbasanta 5 Ak-mio 91 Bhola kadam 121
Roktodron 82
Swetpurna 20 Alenda 141 Bhomara 117
Rora 89
Swetshimul 32 Amilani 103
Rupa-tola 132 Bibalchak 98
Amio 40 Bisailla kuruli 17
T 40
S Ammai-noo-apang Bisalla koroni 17
Tagar 132 Angara 113 Bisalyakaroni 140
Sada jabri 48
Tagar phul 132 Angje 51
Sada pani ghas 83 Bobipui 21
Tamat 55 Angkung-gam 116
Sada phuli 48 Bol-ajun 58
Tambol 2
Sada rangan 76 Angra-pay 113 Bol-dukhak-ki-bipang 69
Tan chapra 84
Sakri 65 Anu choiloi 9 Bol-matra 147
Teak 135
Samarri 58 Apung fai 40 Bol-thuthu 89
Tia tot 33
Samloksree 131 Arai-blei 116 Bormajal 50
Til 123
Sarupati lata 136 Arang jura 36 Bowmba raja 117
Tisi 85
Serapata hoya 70 Aree-u-apang 108 Boyomaa baajaa 132
Tokroi 60
Shamoli ghas 108 Aroow-cha-sthei 36 Braymaraya 117
Tomal 52
Shegoon 135 Tre-potrishak 50 Aruleng 19 Bulumgni pukki 105
Shegun 135 Tridaksa 140 Ashhoi 144 Bumma-raja 77
Shet-kurchi 147 Tridhara 140 Ashmul gaas 144
Shial leza orchid 119 Tung 89 Assai-tara 133 C
Shialkanta 15 Tutul 148 Aungche paing fung 132
Caha-sthei 139
Shorbojoya 28 Aungra-paing 113
Caney-pawn 132
Shotodol 97 U
Chaa-naw 123
Shouila 125 Udal badam 130 B
Chagrey aik 136
Shukh murali 54 Ulatkambal 2 Baa-thaw-shaw 50
Chai-key-pawn 142
Shumo salvia 120 Ulki 12
Baghadumm 12 Champuither 35
Shwarnachura 106 Ulutkambal 2
Baimu maiya 121 Chan-dugma 117
Shyontula 46
Siakanta 15 Z Baiunkasa 43 Chanpain 145
Silchaonri 96 Zai ghas 83 Balgach 71 Chasesii 131
Silchauri 96 Zaikura 88 Bandar tala 7 Chasherrow 108

187 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 188

Index of Tribal Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Cheai-lo-par 64 Dotlong 122 arjola 51 Kamduahung 103

Che-marang 60 Drulturnah 108 Harma pada arsanga 49 Kan kung 45
Cheng rong 92 Harsanga 36 Karasangban 58
Che-pan 74 E Haruan ludi 46 Karnophuli 124
Cherry-pawn 30 Hastadangar 132 Kasobu 116
Elingba 92
Chieyong-caarah 13 Hatvanga daru 36 Kathangpo 75
El-lid 35
Chiki-phang 70 Haza 51 Katteyei 123
Chikonjat bandartala 7 Hedaphal 139 Kaya machaoi 75
F Kayamusiba 117
Chi-lei-phang 144 Heja 21
Fa choin da 131 Kelarazi 101
Ching-ringpao 64 Hla-kho-dei 130
Fai-mong 21 Kenra-kachu 12
Choim-chapray 139 Hoba rasun 44
Faissa gaith 70 Ken-thug-blag 93
Chok phul 31 Hodogi 33
Fala chingey 33 Keshna 13
Chudaw-payn 28 Holabe phul 28
Fessya gach 70 Khaichuani-bithi 122
Chui-daw 62 Holemfry 19
Fluma oijik 1 Khathpo 133
Chung-moro 12 Honga 35
Fluma umaiejik 1 Khaw-rung 9
Chyan-way-pawn 135 Hri-hri-chene-bawn 31
Khedogi 33
Cow-kha-ray-pawn 124 Fra-pang-pao 31 Huney gach 1 Khom-lyru-dong 28
Crachi 38 Fuck-shui 105 Hutam khang 36 Khom-tok-twi 132
Cry tong mui 33 Khom-took 91
G J Khoro gola 60
D Gach chola 2 Jang gach 27 Khuom-chung-kheng 77
Dah-apayn 64 Gachsatta 79 Janum-daru 4 Khupaninda 145
Daiya 2 Gaishya 123 Japa-deli 146 Kiloni gach 33
Gandu-pawn 87 Jaunghilang 137 Koapakrui 105
Dan-apang 81
Gangchuma 88 Koba bena 92
Darken 133 Jeejak laua 24
Gangku maichya 87 Koba raun 44
Daway-ma-apnag 41 Jeos 24
Gawnja-bawn 32 Kobamoin phul 7
Deihnak 61 Junnihar 83
Goi phul 30 Kobamugo aso phul 7
Deinak 61
Goisshya 123 Kodombo-chik 97
Deldi pata 137 K Koilabi-khlom 30
Guestunut 13
Deli 142 Kaduk chapaing 30 Koingdo pang 33
Gulchi 112, 113
Delong pata 122 Kadyo-shya-payn 9 Koin-phey-bawn 91
Dhayn-payn 74 Kaju dare 13 Kongkoi 21
Dibujja phul 107 H
Kakku-phang 91 Konku 21
Diggi-threngi 36 Hamussa gas 21 Kala ongey phil 40 Koo-shey-dung 49
Diggi-walsun 28 Hara 51 Kalakot 3 Kormai yearang 79
Dikranga chuillya 77 Harbait 141 Kalman 141 Kra pao 98
Do-grak-mi 117 Harbaj 141 Kaly-kholo-ajing 137 Kraa-khaw-lang 97

189 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 190

Index of Tribal Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Kraa-phru-bawn 98
M Mrein-noie 129 Piyong 31
Krah-chermit 92 Maa-khaw-daa-bawn 43 Mricha 146 Pley 122
Krah-dey 33 Magapittungulu 91 Mring blu 103 Poakfut 105
Krah-kheyath 122 Magato mini 25 Muring 61 Pokgula 105
Krah-p-sen 69 Mahaga 14 Murrow-bawn 64 Polumaoeba 2
Maitu 101 Pomanyrajafing 117
Krah-tisi 85
Makaclilum 44 N Powmachi 105
Krajeeng-kashey-pawn 99
Mamalaru 139 Praing daing muk 33
Kraktha 144 Nahaing pang 123
Mangjoigri 79 Prein-taw-mey-bawn 33
Kramo-kujii 33 Naikrang 88
Marianthur 103 Prindey 43
Kramuk kai-fung 116 Nekung riubi 136
Maro 110 Pui chi 122
Kra-sam-baing 58 Ne-re-shi 60 Pui-bawn 122
Mashkhanchi 27
Kresenath gach 13 Ney-da-sha-bawn 123 Puincha 60
Masmatairum 91
Krow-naa-row 20 Nikhrow 89 Punarcha 69
Mathri gula 105
Kuduk jhunjhuni 45 Niramisludi 143 Purnima gaith 1
Mau-cco-deyn-pang 82
Kufuangper 75 Niramizhechi 145 Pyandhum 36
Medha tida 94
Nui-bawn 70
Kuichiana-phang 69 Meilingper 64
R
Kum-tluang-par 31 Mendi bofang 81
Kunei gach 1
O Rabai 75
Mendi gach 81
Kural gach 17 Mintipada 81 Oal sup 33 Radhachura gas 25
Kuruar gach 89 Misti zeera 61 Oiakte 132 Ranertago gaas 96
Mitha jhira 61 Ooma-bawn 105 Ranirtak 96
Kuruk 69
Moah soyaleh 45 Ree-um-bawn 100
Kuruk gach 69
Moi-bhanga 36 P Riam shang 60
Moidya koain 107 Riamcha 60
L Padma phul 97
Moidya safai 47 Rimi owa rih 93
Lak thok 147 Pagara kot 3
Monirajphul gach 47 Rixom payo 114
Lakhow-bawn 69 Paichungsa 114
Monkala 134 Roah kapanghey 24
Pailang 122
Lakka-peyn-bawn 75 Rocha-bawn 24
Mortam 113 Painna mola 60
La-kung 32 Mos gach 22 Rokeya panko 24
Painnya gula 60
Lamur 116 Moth gangath 33 Rokkapang bang 24
Parengnawa 20
Langa appo 136 Mounoajaya 89 Rongma 77
Patalpur 129
Lata baong 69 Mraa-praw 140 Rummoth-phang 25
Payng-she-cha 41
Lebbeteaowi 46 Mraa-shey-ammay 128 Pekhum 33
Lelom pada 116 Mrachi 73 S
Perunoa 20
Lihid-pana 27 Mrangna 19 Phakram 138 Saccon 135
Lingmei-kamseng 113 Mraug bra saphen 47 Phang-thaw-tara-sthei 13 Sagunkung 135
Lykee 27 Mrawnna 67 Pithok 58 Sai saw apang 138

191 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 192

Index of Tribal Names Index of English Names

Saing dacrilung 46 Tara fru 65

A Butterfly coleus 111
Sakho-kazzeye 30 Tara-mah 27 African arrowroot 28 Butterfly pea 40
Salik kushhom 5 Taw-mow-poo-chow-koo-mow-row 116 African marigold 133
Salong 144 Tea-teng 28 Agar 14 C
Salorok 45 Teolang 43 Apple mangrove 125, 148
Canna lily 28
Samjangi 24 Terpimungkhorol 33 Asian spider flower 38
Cannonball mangrove 148
Samol-h-pang 108 Thachi 92 Asian tick trefoil 49 Cannonball tree 42
Sampao 59 Thaplang 105 Asian ticktrefoil 49 Caribbean copper plant 55
Sangfa sarakang 141 Thawk-pui 79
Carpon desmodium 49
Sapla 98 Thetra 74 B Cashew nut 13
Sarria 123 Thingrong 60 Cedar mangrove 149
Se be gra 146 Thoai bai gach 143 Babul tree 4
Ceiba 32
Segun 135 Thongclang 117 Baby’s tears 84
Chaulmugra 71
Senabadam 13 Thur mui 1 Bachelor’s button 64
Checkered vanda 142
Seya-souchii 70 Tin thuppa annol 9 Barleria 17 Chickling pea 80
Shamtu bakor 110 Tong pa ma 43 Be still tree 118 Chinese chaster tree 143
Shan-kran-paw 75 Tuiching 108 Beautyberry tree 27 Chinese honey-suckle 41
Shatley 95 Tung nah way 129 Beggar’s ticks 18 Christ’s thron 29
Sheodima 96 Turkimadan 49 Bengal arum 141 Climbing ylang-ylang 16
Shimutta 138 Bengal clock vine 137 Coat buttons 140
Shoita chu-payn 75 U Bengal trumpet vine 137 Coloured sterculia 58
Shukujja gas 21 Unarei 116 Common coleus 111
Bitter oleander 69
Sichamba 96 Urmurpata 19 Conessi tree 69
Black babool. 4
Skly-asi 122 Ustal-lo-goh 91 Copper cup 107
Black catechu 3
Soh-k-noui 60 Corky debbar tree 115
Black ixora 77 Corpse flower 12
Soh-liang 13 W Black mangrove 8 Crabapple mangrove 125
Soh-lot-ot 91 Wakheponey 24 Bledding heart 39 Creeping dentella 48
Soijja gaas 131 Warongkheya 35
Blue lotus 98 Creeping lickstoop 48
Sor-mok-lou 142 Wekamthu-asi 15
Blue rattlesnake 45 Creeping lip plant 110
Soto hurhuri 37
Blue sage 54 Creeping oxalis 103
Soyin ma pata 143
Y Creeping tick trefoil 50
Sukorsamila 138 Blue sky flower 137
Ya re sur sah 50 Creeping wood sorrel 103
Sunk-kha-ray 15 Blue sky vine 137
Yaa-hea 130 Crested floating heart 99
Surma gach 1 Blue trumpet vine 137
Crinum lily 44
Z Blue water lily 98
Cup saucer plant 21
T Zambrun 51 Bombay ebony 52 Cupped coral-berry tree 21
Taipak 21 Zawng-hawi-leng 137 Buntot pusa 114 Curry leaf 95
Tamagry 59 Zejonglasa 36 Bushy lippia 86 Cutch tree 3
Tanu panu 71 Zir-khuang 106 Bushy matgrass 86 Cycad palm 47

193 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 194

Index of English Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

D Goa-almond 13
J Mignonette tree 81
Devil pepper 118 Golden dewdrop 53 Japanese poinsettia 56 Miracle plant 24
Devil’s cotton. 2 Golden trumpet 9 Java olive 130 Mole plant 56
Devil's backbone 36 Gomphrena 64 Jerusalem thorn 104 Mongoose plant 101
Devil's tongue 12 Grass pea 80 Jungle flame 75 Monkey face tree 89
Dillenia 51 Great morinda 93 Jungle geranium 75 Moon bean 132
Divine jasmine 134 Mother of thousands 24
Dog teak 51 K Motherwort 82
H
Downy jasmine 78 Mountain ebony 52
Kamela tree 89
Dwarf poinciana 25 Hairy hemigraphis 67
Kapok 32 Musk mallow 1
Hairy jasmine 78
Karmal 51
Hawaii woodnettle 79
E Kurchi tree 69 N
Hedge euphorbiaceae 57
East Indian globe-thistle 128
Heliotrope bush 53 Narrow-leaved Indian mulberry 92
Edible stemmed-vine 36 L
Henna 81 Nipa palm 100
Hen's nettle 79 Lady slipper 74 Noon flower 107
F Himalayan mussaenda 96 Leaf cactus 109 Noseay tree 112
Fairy lily 150 Holly mangrove 6 Linseed 85
False lime 131 Holly-leaved acanthus 6 Lobed leaf typhonium 141 O
Farmers friend 18 Honeyweed 82 Lotus 97
Oleander spurge 57
Fennel 61 Horse bean 104 Love-in-a-mist 105
Oriental nettle 138
Fire-flame bush 146 Horse-eye-bean 102 Lucky nut 30
Fireweed 43 Hydrangea 72
Five-leaved chaster tree 143 P
M
Flame of the woods 75 Madagascar periwinkle 31 Pacific false buttonweed 126
I
Flax 85 Paper flower climber 62
Madagascar plum 59
Florence fennel 61 Indian acalypha 5 Paradise flower 25
Madras pea pumpkin 94
Flower-fence 25 Indian charcoal tree 138 Passion-flower 105
Malabar tree nettle 19
Four-leaf devil pepper 118 Indian cherry 60 Pasture weed 46
Mangrove palm 100
Fox tail orchid 119 Indian gum-arabic tree 4 Peacock flower 25
Marshy jasmine 87
Frangipani 113 Indian mulberry 93 Pendulous sleeping hibiscus 90
May flower 106
French marigold 133 Indian nettle 5, 138 Pepper elder 108
Mexican daisy 140
Fringed spider flower 37 Indian privet 81, 143 Phalsa 65
Mexican fire plant 56
Frog fruit 110 Indian rhododendron 91 Philippine maiden hair 7
Mexican oleander 30
Indian short 28 Mexican palo verde 104 Pigeon wood 138
G Indian sphaeranthus 128 Mexican poppy 15 Pigweed 20
Garden balsam 74 Indian spurge tree 57 Mexican Prickly Poppy 15 Pink rain lily 150
Globe amaranth 64 Indrayan 139 Mexican shrubby spurge 55 Poison bulb 44
Glory bower 39 Ixora 75 Mid day flower 107 Poom tree 130

195 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 196

Index of English Names ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Porcupine flower 17 Scarlet mallow 107 Thin-leaved morinda 92

Z
Pot marigold 26 Scarlet sage 120 Three-flower beggarweed 50 Zephar lily 150
Prickly brinjal 124 Scarlet sterculia 58 Three-leaved chaste tree 145
Prickly poppy 15 Sea holly 6 Tickweed 38
Purple-leaved button weed 127 Seaside heliotrope 66 Tiger steam 114
Seedbox 88 Turkey tangle 110
R Serpentina 117 Turnsole 34
Rangoon-creeper 41 Sesame 123
Rat's ear 108 Shell ginger 10 U
Red berry 89 Shiny bush 108 Upriver orange mangrove 23
Red salvia 120 Shiranjitea 146
Red spurge 55 Shrubby chaste tree 145 V
Redflower ragleaf 43 Silverbush 108 Vanda orchid 142
Ringworm senna 122 Simple leaf chaste tree 145 Veld grape 36
River mangrove 8 Singkrang 121 Voodoo lily 12
Rose balsam 74 Skyflower 53
Rose cactus 109 Slate pencil plant 108 W
Rose periwinkle 31 Snake palm 12
Walking maiden hair fern 7
Rough bryony 94 Snake vine 129
Water dragon 87
Snakeroot 101
Water primrose 87
R Sparrow false pimpernel 83
Wax flower 132
Rangoon-creeper 41 Spiral ginger 33
White frangipani 112
Rat's ear 108 Spreading hogweed 20
White ixora 76
Red berry 89 Star jasmine 78
White silk cotton tree 32
Red salvia 120 Stephania 129
Wild almond 130
Red spurge 55 Sterculia nut 130
Wild heliotrope 66
Redflower ragleaf 43 Stinging nettle 79
Wild passion fruit 105
Ringworm senna 122 Sunder 68
Wineflower 20
River mangrove 8 Sweet fennel 61
Winged treebine 36
Rose balsam 74 Woolly dyeing rosebay 147
Rose cactus 109 T
Rose periwinkle 31 Tamilnadia 134 Y
Rough bryony 94 Tape vine 129 Yellow allamanda 9
Teak 135 Yellow flame tree 106
S Tellicherry bark 69 Yellow gold mohor 106
Sacred lotus 97 Temple tree 113 Yellow oleander 30
Salt heliotrope 66 The teak tree 135 Yellow sorrel 103

197 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 198

Index of Diseases ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

A Boils · 12, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 41, 43, 53, 54, 66, 68, 69, Cough · 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 24, 25, 32, 33, Epilepsy · 7, 19, 20, 24, 27, 29, 37, 43, 78, 91, 96, 104,
Abdominal complaints · 32 75, 76, 79, 81, 83, 84, 87, 90, 91, 101, 103, 108, 109, 34, 40, 44, 46, 49, 50, 57, 60, 64, 66, 78, 79, 85, 86, 87, 111, 119, 121, 144
Abdominal pain · 20, 28, 61, 69, 83, 96, 114, 117, 110, 121, 123, 133, 139, 141, 142, 143 93, 94, 97, 103, 117, 120, 122, 123, 125, 138, 141, 143 Erysipelas · 25
132, 139 Bone fracture · 113 Cut · 1, 18, 26, 83, 87, 89, 91, 119, 140 Excessive expectoration · 141
Abscesses · 11, 50, 56, 68, 141 Bowel complaints · 36 Excessive menstruation · 20, 118, 144
Cutting wound · 17, 34, 55, 86, 96, 133, 147
Acne · 5, 26, 134 Eye disease · 50, 99
Breast cancer · 145 Cystitis · 123
Allergy · 108, 139 Eye infections · 26
Breast swelling · 61
Alopecia · 42 Eye inflammation · 26, 108
Breast tumour · 47 D Eye redness · 78
Amenorrhoea · 28, 61, 118 Breathing difficulty · 25
Anaemia · 3, 66, 113, 135 Dandruff · 65, 81, 123
Broken nails · 74
Anal blister · 93 Dengue fever · 31 F
Bronchial asthma · 17
Anal fissure · 144 Dermatitis · 2, 109 Facial paralysis · 113
Bronchitis · 1, 3, 7, 12, 13, 25, 32, 33, 56, 57, 59, 60, 78,
Anal fistula · 57 Diabetes · 2, 7, 8, 13, 18, 24, 29, 31, 33, 36, 51, 64, Fainting · 49
82, 85, 86, 89, 94, 110, 111, 122, 128, 138, 142
Anorexia · 89 68, 93, 98, 109, 120, 133, 137, 144, 150 Falling hair · 7
Bruise · 24, 26, 95, 103, 106, 111, 125, 140, 145
Aphthae · 54 Diarrhoea · 1, 3, 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, Febrile convulsion · 7, 20, 46
Burning sensation · 94, 98, 113
Arthritis · 18, 44, 104, 108 32, 40, 41, 45, 47, 50, 51, 59, 60, 62, 65, 68, 69, 73, Fever · 1, 2, 7, 10, 17, 20, 25, 27, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42,
Burns · 13, 24, 26
Asthma · 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 20, 24, 31, 33, 36, 40, 77, 86, 89, 91, 95, 97, 103, 111, 114, 123, 127, 129, 44, 52, 53, 57, 59, 60, 66, 70, 71, 73, 76, 78, 82, 87, 92,
46, 47, 50, 56, 57, 59, 64, 66, 78, 79, 94, 105, 110, 111, 134, 143, 146, 148, 149 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 104, 107, 108, 115, 119, 121, 125,
C Difficulty urinating · 64
119, 122, 128, 129, 132, 138, 141, 143, 147 127, 129, 131, 141, 142, 143, 145, 149
Cancer · 31, 36, 70, 98, 109 Diseases of the liver · 143 Fistula · 51
Candidiasis · 149 Dropsy · 15, 112, 130
B Flatulence · 1, 18, 25, 32, 41, 61, 91, 94, 114, 139
Carbuncles · 24, 51, 74, 79 Dysentery · 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 29, 31, Food poisoning · 33
Baby rash · 149 32, 33, 40, 45, 46, 50, 51, 62, 64, 68, 69, 75, 83, 87,
Cardiac weakness · 14, 46 Fractured bone · 36, 44, 49, 135
Baldness · 7 91, 93, 95, 97, 98, 103, 106, 120, 123, 127, 129, 134,
Catarrh · 123 Fungal disease · 56
Biliousness · 16, 83 138, 142, 143, 146, 148, 149
Chest pain · 25, 118, 129, 132
Black fever · 143 Dysmenorrhoea · 2, 18, 26, 31, 32, 46, 47, 74, 75, 82,
Children’s ailments · 30 G
Bladder infection · 72 89, 107, 118, 133, 139
Cholera · 16, 24, 97, 123, 134, 143, 148 Dyspepsia · 1, 6, 13, 20, 31, 45, 61, 94, 98, 111, 129, Gallstone · 7
Bleeding · 116, 146
Chronic bronchitis · 64 142, 143 Gastric disorder · 73, 128
Blennorrhagia · 15, 130
Chronic respiratory diseases · 65 Dysuria · 24, 25, 32, 41, 52, 65, 69, 85, 87, 94, 98, 112 Gastric pain · 109
Blindness · 50
Gastric problems · 110
Blisters · 92 Cold · 3, 5, 7, 18, 34, 44, 85, 87, 90, 94, 103, 120, 127, 133
E Gastric ulcer · 44, 69, 85, 112, 141
Blood disorders · 95 Colic · 1, 25, 120, 129, 141, 143
Ear infection · 18, 38 Gastritis · 65
Blood dysentery · 51, 119, 133, 137 Conjunctivitis · 21, 30, 111, 133, 137
Earache · 5, 24, 29, 37, 40, 44, 57, 82, 133 Gastrointestinal disease · 68
Blood impurities · 45 Constipation · 3, 5, 14, 20, 32, 44, 56, 65, 80, 85, 89, Gastrointestinal disorders · 17, 98
Eczema · 13, 24, 26, 33, 48, 68, 75, 103, 108, 116, 121,
Blood pressure · 18, 24 94, 112, 117, 122, 123, 149 122, 127, 132, 133 General debility · 6
Body heat · 95 Contusions · 111 Enlarged prostate · 72 General weakness · 81
Body pain · 3, 30, 56, 63, 91, 118 Convulsion · 37, 49, 50 Enlarged spleen · 93 Genital problems · 13

199 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 200

Index of Diseases ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Gingivitis · 3, 25, 27 Inflammation · 8, 12, 17, 25, 30, 38, 40, 42, 57, 95, Loose motion · 14, 48
P
Glandular swellings · 17 105, 128, 132, 148 Loss of appetite · 75 Pain · 6, 20
Glandular tumours · 145 Inflammation of the eyes · 64 Lumbago · 74 Pain of rheumatic swelling · 12
Gonorrhoea · 1, 2, 28, 32, 56, 112, 138 Inflammatory diseases · 109 Painful arthritis · 8
Gout · 9, 20, 70, 93, 108, 119, 137, 144 Inflammatory swellings · 15 M Painful inflammation · 74
Gynecological complexity · 91 Injuries · 87 Painful micturation · 14, 47
Malaria · 9, 15, 18, 25, 28, 29, 36, 42, 53, 62, 72, 104,
Gynecological disorder · 88 Insanity · 78, 117 Paralysis · 6, 37, 60, 70, 77, 80, 89, 136
127, 137, 138, 144, 148
Insect bite · 5, 12, 19, 24, 30, 40, 52, 99, 122 Parturition pains · 15
Malignant tumours · 25
H Insect stings · 17, 22, 47, 53 Peptic ulcer · 36
Mania infantum · 143
Insomnia · 20, 31, 111 Piles · 40, 57, 94, 95, 97, 98, 110, 113, 121, 133, 141,
Haematuria · 125 Measles · 90
Intermittent fever · 25 142
Hair fall · 140 Menopause · 40, 105, 107
Intestinal worms · 53, 56 Pleurisy · 51
Hay fever · 72 Menorrhagia · 31, 36, 52, 65, 97
Irregular menstruation · 18, 47, 92, 93 Pneumonia · 5, 24, 46, 51, 52, 59, 117, 131
Headache · 1, 5, 18, 20, 38, 39, 41, 44, 46, 64, 70, 73, Menstrual disorders · 2, 119, 135
Itches · 16, 83, 103, 122 Poisonous snake bite · 103
76, 78, 81, 82, 84, 97, 100, 105, 107, 108, 111, 114, Mental disorder · 101
Itching · 95, 128 Premature ejaculation · 97
123, 126, 135, 141, 143, 145 Mouth ulcers · 18
Itchy skin · 117, 120 Prostate infection · 72
Heart disease · 16, 36, 98 Mumps · 11, 133
Psoriasis · 3, 13, 82
Heart problem · 32 Muscular ache · 109
J Pyorrhoea · 96
Hemiplegia · 19 Muscular debility · 13
Hemorrhoids · 12, 20, 26 Jaundice · 7, 9, 15, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 35, 40, 58, 68, Muscular pain · 79, 138
Hepatitis · 68, 110 70, 92, 93, 98, 99, 113, 128
R
Hepatomegaly · 63 Joint pain · 74 N Rabies · 3
Hiccups · 75 Rash · 33
Nail infection · 147
High blood pressure · 48, 115, 118 K Remittent fever · 29, 124
Nausea · 75
High fever · 97 Respiratory problem · 115
Kidney ailments · 59 Nervous debility · 1
Hoarseness · 59 Rheumatic pain · 15, 108, 145
Kidney problem · 18 Nervous disorders · 1
Hook worm infestation · 69, 122 Rheumatic swelling · 107
Kidney stone · 6, 72 Nervous problems · 142
Hyperacidity · 9, 47, 69, 96 Rheumatism · 5, 6, 8, 18, 27, 35, 44, 80, 82, 89, 102,
Neuralgia · 51, 52, 74, 94
Hyperglycaemia · 104 109, 119, 126, 130, 131, 133, 139, 143
L Neurological disease · 17
Hypertension · 10, 31, 32, 64, 86, 94, 109, 117, 138 Rheumatoid arthritis · 70, 93
Neurological disorders · 65
Hysteria · 1, 46, 49, 58, 82, 88, 105, 107, 114, 116, Leprosy · 3, 4, 7, 15, 30, 40, 44, 45, 62, 69, 70, 71, Ringworm · 10, 83, 89, 105, 122, 143
117, 124, 137 78, 97, 143 Roundworm · 20
O
Leucoderma · 16, 40, 57, 95, 107, 128
Leucorrhoea · 2, 6, 20, 75, 81, 90, 93, 98, 116, 129 Oedema · 44, 101, 116 S
I
Lipoma · 39, 136 Oligomenorrhoea · 118 Scabies · 5, 33, 45, 68, 82, 89, 122, 128, 129, 149
Impotence · 13, 20, 78, 108, 129
Liver cancer · 55, 136 Ophthalmia · 7, 24, 111, 132, 137 Scorpion bites · 118
Indigestion · 31, 33, 36, 50, 59, 98, 111
Indolent ulcers · 100 Liver complaints · 97 Osteomalacia · 19 Scorpion sting · 27, 99, 115
Infected nails · 55 Liver disorder · 43, 146 Otitis · 142 Scurvy · 4, 36

201 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 202

Index of Diseases ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH

Seminal emission · 58 Swelling · 19, 44, 78, 123

W
Septic sore · 136 Swollen fingers · 32 Wart · 26, 74
Shigellosis · 67 Syphilis · 13, 22 Weakness · 13
Skin disease · 3, 7, 10, 15, 16, 26, 29, 31, 34, 35, 40, Syphilitic pain · 29 Whooping cough · 17, 64
42, 71, 73, 78, 81, 87, 89, 97, 101, 105, 107, 119, 127, Women’s problem · 49
130, 145, 146 T Worm infestation · 27, 44, 61, 69, 99, 135, 143
Skin eruptions · 50, 82, 95, 130 Wound · 1, 6, 13, 15, 23, 24, 26, 32, 38, 40, 50, 54,
Tetanus · 60, 88, 92
75, 78, 83, 89, 91, 101, 103, 119, 120, 123, 132, 140,
Skin infection · 13, 38, 99 Thirst · 95
141, 143, 146
Skin irritation · 97 Throat ulcers · 25
Skin problem · 56 Thrush · 91 Y
Skin rashes · 111 Tonsillitis · 28
Yellow fever · 138
Skin tumours · 56 Toothache · 6, 15, 17, 42, 60, 91, 100, 106, 112, 132,
Skin ulcer · 41, 75 138, 143
Smallpox · 40, 91, 125 Tuberculosis · 4, 24, 50, 51, 65, 94, 112, 119, 132
Snake bite · 1, 5, 6, 7, 20, 26, 40, 57, 62, 74, 87, 91, Tumour · 7, 12, 20, 23, 39, 57, 70, 71, 150
99, 107, 116, 118, 123, 139, 141 Type II diabetes · 32
Sore eyes · 133 Typhoid · 43
Sore in mouth · 6, 67, 69, 75, 81
Sore throat · 7, 93, 135, 138, 141 U
Soreness of the mouth · 29 Ulcer · 78, 101
Sores · 3, 25, 32, 48, 51, 55, 64, 83, 131 Ulcer of the mouth · 67
Spasm · 37 Ulcers · 3, 7, 54, 94, 143
Spermatorrhoea · 17, 33, 35, 58, 81, 89, 137 Ureterolithiasis · 67
Splenomegaly · 146 Urethral infection · 72
Sprain · 1, 24, 26, 103 Urethritis · 20
Sterility · 7 Urinary diseases · 129
Stomach complaints · 141 Urinary disorder · 13, 29, 61
Stomach disorder · 108, 110 Urinary tract infection · 78, 92, 98, 108, 125
Stomach problem · 29 Urination problem · 103, 134
Stomach troubles · 131 Urticaria · 60
Stomachache · 2, 33, 38, 47, 50, 56, 68, 86, 88, 98,
102, 103, 109, 124, 129, 136, 137, 138, 149 V
Stomatitis · 122 Venereal diseases · 1
Stone in the bladder · 89 Vertigo · 94
Strangury · 123 Viral fever · 17
Sweat · 16 Vomiting · 1, 9, 16, 44, 60, 77, 80, 95, 104, 141

203 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF BANGLADESH 204

ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF
BANGLADESH