2020, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
Kh. Abdullah Al Mahmud and Mohammed Rahmatullah

abstract
Only a tiny fraction of the 250,000 or more plant species of the world has been explored for their therapeutic properties. It is quite possible that the solutions to the treatment of many complex diseases may lie in plants that are very commonly seen. The objective of this study was to document the phytotherapeutic practices of a folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) of Lakshmipur district, Bangladesh who used commonly available plants to treat complex diseases. The FMP claimed to cure diseases of heart, kidney and liver with fruits of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). Breast cancer and liver disorders were treated by him with black grapes (Vitis vinifera black variety). Plant parts from Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) were used by the FMP for treatment of obesity and heart attacks, respectively. Scientific validations of the folk medicinal practices of the FMP can lead to important drug discoveries.