RAHMAN Et Al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED by CHAKMA TRIBE of BANGLADESH

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp. 508-517

Medicinal plants used by Chakma tribe in Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh

M Atiqur Rahman1*, SB Uddin & CC Wilcock2 1Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh; Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 23UU, UK E-mail: [email protected] Received 11 July 2005; revised 21 December 2006

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the utilization of medicinal plants by Chakma tribe living in the remote hilly forest areas of Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh by interviewing traditional herbalists, called Baiddaya, and various elderly men and women. Indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine remains an integral part of the healthy system among chakmas in the Hill Tracts area. 198 plant species with their local (Chakma) names were recorded for their uses for curing at least 78 ailments. These species, belonging to 74 families, are listed in alphabetical order, each with local names, methods of preparation, route of administration and uses. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Ethnobotany, Indigenous knowledge, Chakma tribe, Hill Tracts, Bangladesh IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P1/08, A61P1/10, A61P1/16, A61P17/00, A61P17/10, A61P17/14, A61P19/00, A61P25/00, A61P25/08, A61P29/00, A61P31/00, A61P31/12, A61P33/06, A61P35/00, A61P35/04, A61P39/02

The use of medicinal plants as herbal remedy is a part people of these areas are mostly dependent on of traditional heritage in many rural areas of plant resources for their food and medicine. Bangladesh, especially among forest inhabitants. Chakma tribe has its own traditional system of The indigenous knowledge of use of plant herbal treatment for their primary healthcare and resources for the cure of various human ailments, is still dependent on it. Although it is yet difficult being used since immemorial time, are still to get modern medical facilities for their day-to- believed to be persisted among both Bengali and day problems, the advancement of modernization tribal communities of Bangladesh living in including establishment of community health Chittagong and Hill Tracts districts1.2. Among 19 services in the remote hill areas is in rapid major tribes of Bangladesh, 14 namely, Chakma, progress. However, it is alarming that the Marma, Murong, Thanchunga, Tripura, Chack, Indigenous Knowledge and practices are Bhome, Pangkhoa, Kheyang, Rheyang, Lushai, gradually disappearing day by day. The need for Kuki and Khumi living in the Hill Tracts documentation of such Indigenous Knowledge districts3,4. Among them, Chakma is the largest System of herbal medicine available among both tribe dominating by 1,50,000 populations. The bangalis and tribal communities is being Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, which includes three realized, and in recent years, some work has been districts, viz, Bandarban, Khagrachari and done4-9. The complete inventory and Rangamati, are located in the Southeast corner of documentation of this indigenous knowledge country with Kaptai watershed area between system (IKS) has not yet been made. However, 21°25 and 23°45 N and between 91°45 and research under AU-CU Biodiversity Link Project 92°52E. It is bordered by Tripura and Mizoram towards the completion of inventory and of India in the North and Northeast, Lushai Hills documentation of this IKS from tribal and Arakan hill tracts of Myanmar in the communities is in progress. Southeast and Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts in the West. It is situated with tropical Methodology rain forests and rich biodiversity. The tribal An investigation was conducted among chakmas under AU-CU Biodiversity Link Project l. The study ______area includes the entire Hill Tracts of Bangladesh *Corresponding author 253 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007 consisting of Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari Uses: For conjunctivitis and constipation, root districts. Documentation was made by taking random infusion is taken orally. interviews of the herbalists, elderly men and women. Plants used by them were collected from the wild and Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. (Mimosaceae); preserved at the Herbarium of Chittagong University Sikloroi (HCU) as voucher specimens. Local or chakma names Uses: For intestinal worms, fresh leaf juice is taken at of plants and methods of use were recorded during night before sleep. interviews. The authenticity of information on each Allophyllus triphyllus (Burm.f.) Merr. (Sapindaceae); plant was confirmed through repeated interviews. For Dhendrema, Jhandhara; Azadirachta indica A. Juss identification, plants were studied taxonomically by (Meliaceae); Neem; Hymenodictylon excelsum using a Long Arm Stereomicroscope at the Herbarium (Roxb.) Wall. (Rubiaceae); Pattyo mormoijja of Chittagong University and compared with the Uses: To treat goiter, paste of fresh leaves of A. identified specimens available at DACB, HCU and triphyllus and H. excelsum is applied to the affected Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong area; to treat scabies, infusion of A. triphyllus and A. (BFRIH). Local Floras were also consulted for current indica leaves is used for washing the infected part botanical nomenclature. daily twice for at least three days.

Enumeration Allophyllus villosa (Roxb.) Blume (Sapindaceae); One hundred ninety eight plant species belonging Then brama to 74 families, used by Chakma tribe with their local Uses: For the treatment of partial deafness, bark names, preparation, route of administration and uses extract is given as eardrop. have been enumerated below: Abelmoschus moschatus (L.) Medik. (Malvaceae); Alpinia conchigera Griff. (Zingiberaceae); Konigaas and Thladiantha cordifolia (Blume) Cogn. Khetranga; Carex continua C. B. Clarke (Cucurbitaceae); Paranga ludi (Cyperaceae); Daraglick Uses: Paste of fresh leaves of both plants is applied to Uses: To treat dysentery, A. conchigera rhizome juice the affected areas for rapid healing of cuts and extract is taken orally twice daily. To stop abdominal wounds. pain, 2 teaspoonfuls juice of A. conchigera rhizome and C. continua root is taken thrice a day. Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd. (Mimosaceae); Kanta naksha Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) Burtt (Zingiberaceae); Uses: To relieve headache, a fresh leaf paste mixed Bhulchengi, khetranga with mustard oil is rubbed on the forehead. Uses: Root extract is taken thrice daily to treat jaundice; for gastric ulcers, decoction of root is taken Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae); Upolengra, twice daily. Ublengra, Ublengra Uses: To treat cancer, juice extracted from fresh Amaranthus spinosus L. (Amaranthaceae); Kanta leaves is taken orally twice daily; to treat boils, fresh narich; Mallotus roxburghianus Muell. – Arg. leaf paste is supplied to the affected areas; a piece of (Myrsinaceae); Ketaki, Hur al ladi freshly cut root is inserted to the vagina and kept for Uses: Decoction of whole plant of A. spinosus is 2-3 hrs until abortion takes place. drunk twice daily to treat malarial fever. To stop Adina sessilifolia Hook.; f. (Rubiaceae); Kam gaas bleeding from the nose and mouth, decoction of roots Uses: To treat skin infections, fresh leaf paste is of both plants is drunk immediately. applied to the affected area. Amischotolype mollissima (Bl.) Hassk. Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Rutaceae); Bel (Commelinaceae); Cheyadiba; Physalis minima L. Uses: Fruit juice is given to drink frequently as a (Solanaceae); Pitting gul gaas, Pitus remedy for dysentery. Uses: To treat malarial fever, paste of fresh leaves of both plants mixed with onion extract is taken thrice a Aglaonema hookerianum Schott (Araceae); day. Sikkachalal RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 254

Amomum aromaticum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae); Uses: To treat tongue abnormalities, stem extract is Palachevi; Boehmeria glomerulifera Miquel given to the children for drinking; to treat jaundice, (Urticaceae); Urmurpata whole plant extract is taken thrice daily. Uses: To treat mumps, rhizome extract of A. aromaticum is taken thrice daily; to treat anaemia, Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae); Shumo phul infusion of fresh leaves of both plants is used in Uses: To treat acne, paste of flowers and leaves is washing the whole body. applied to affected area. Amomum dealbatum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae); Blumea clarkei Hook. F. (Asteraceae); Monchoytta, Palachengay Tora gas; Phrynium imbriactum Roxb. Uses: To treat abscesses, rhizome extract is applied to (Marentaceae); Keyang Kaytta; Unidentified species, affected areas. Khedom gaas Uses: To treat bone fractures, paste of leaves of these Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae); Jangli plants is applied to affected areas and bandaged harinchi, Horinshing tightly with a piece of coarse cloth for several days. To treat child fever, leaf extract is given thrice daily. To treat jaundice, pills prepared from the leaf paste are taken thrice daily. Antidesma roxburghii Wall. ex Tul. (Euphorbiaceae); Sadiraissya Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce (Asteraceae); Uses: To treat dyspepsia, fresh root juice is given Barotora gaas twice daily. Uses: Leaf paste diluted in cold water is applied on Ardisia paniculata Roxb. (Myrsinaceae); head and forehead to treat fever; leaves are applied Barochulliya; Persia villosa (Roxb.) Kosterm directly to the forehead of children. (Lauraceae); Sigrishik Uses: To treat madness, extract of roots of both the Borreria pusilla (Wall.) DC. (Rubiaceae); Bishmijal, plants is given to drink three times a day. Mijlick kher Uses: To treat bone fracture, crushed plants are Ardisia solanacea Roxb. (Myrsinaceae); Barochulliya applied to affected areas and to treat scabies, leaf Uses: To treat boils, paste of fresh leaves is applied to paste is applied to affected areas. the affected areas. Brassiopsis palmate Kurz. (Araliaceae), Jarua papey; Argyreia capitiformis (Poir.) Ooster Mussaenda roxburghii Hooker, f. (Rubiaceae); (Convolvulaceae); Wun mimiar Ranirtak, Patto mormoijja, Sheodima Uses: To treat bruising on the legs, leaf paste is Uses: To treat rheumatism, leaf paste of both the applied to affected areas. plants mixed with butter oil is applied to the affected part. To treat boils, leaf paste of M. roxburghii is Aristolochia tagala Cham. (Aristolochiaceae); applied, to treat infant sickness, pills prepared from Paranga ludi, Tajjya ludi, Horin kan shak; Cissus crushed roots of M. roxburghii are given. adnata Roxb. (Vitaceae); Isswarmuli Uses: To relief abdominal pain, infusion of stems and Bridelia retusa (L.) Blume. (Euphorbiaceae); roots of A. tagala mixed with warm water is given Shukujja gaas several times for rapid relief. To relief rheumatic pain, Uses: To treat skin infections, leaf paste is applied to fresh leaf paste of A. tagala is applied to the affected affected areas. areas; to treat tumour, paste of fresh leaves of both the plants is applied to affected areas and tied with a Bridelia stipularis (L.) Blume. (Euphorbiaceae); piece of cloth. Bangari bhanga gaas Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Liliaceae); Sattis chara Uses: To treat allergies, leaf extract is given to drink. gaas Uses: For vaginitis, juice of root nodules is taken Buddleja asiatica Lour. (Buddlejaceae); Adathora, orally. Dhuptora

Begonia roxburghii DC. (Begoniaceae); Khar tethoi 255 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

Uses: To treat fever, leaf paste is applied on the forehead and warm root extract is rubbed all over the Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae); Ranga chuma body. Uses: To treat cancer, leaf extract is given to drink 2-3 times a day. Byttneria pilosa Roxb. (Sterculiceae); Sola ludi, Chala ludi Chasalia curviflora var. ophioxyloides (Wall.) Deb & Uses: To treat boils, stem paste is applied to affected Krishna (Rubiaceae); Hel gaas areas and to treat scabies, leaf infusion is used in Uses: To treat snake and insect bites, crushed leaves bath. are applied on wounds. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae); Clausena heptaphylla (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Kumujja ludi (Rutaceae); Alkatra Uses: To treat skin infections, young leaf paste Uses: For headache, extracts from crushed fruits is prepared is applied to affected areas. applied on the forehead.

Callicarpa arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae); Jang gaas, Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. (Verbenaceae); Bake Banitak pata, Beeg gaas Uses: Stem extract if given to drink frequently to treat Uses: To treat dental caries, root paste is applied to diarrhoea; to treat bone fracture, paste of root, bark affected teeth; to treat abdominal pain, root extract is and leaf is applied on affected areas. given to drink frequently.

Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. (Verbenaceae); Commelina paludosa Blume (Commelinaceae) Bat Dubhoza; Sterculia roxburghii Wall. (Sterculiaceae); boitta shak Chirdhima Uses: Leaf extract is taken orally 2-3 times a day to Uses: Bark extract of both plants is taken orally to treat dysentery. treat fever. Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. (Boraginaceae); Bongol gaas Calotropis gigantean (L.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae); Uses: To treat vaginaties, root extract is used. Angar pata Uses: To treat rheumatism, leaves are warned and Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm. (Costaceae); Ketoki, applied to affected areas. Ma laksmi ma; Uses: To stop bleeding from nose and mouth, root Cardiospermum helicacabum L. (Sapindaceae); extract is taken orally 2-3 times a day. To treat dog Ketha boitta shak bite, fresh root extract is taken orally twice daily for 3 Uses: To treat mumps, fresh root extract is given to days; for constipation, fruits are cooked as vegetable drink twice daily. To treat chicken pox, hot water and eaten. Raw seeds are chewed several times for extract of whole plant is given to drink 2-3 times daily contraceptive purpose. and to treat coma, plant infusion is taken orally. Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) Moore; Cassia alata L (Caesalpiniaceae); Delong pata (Asteraceae); Teolang Uses: To treat eczema, leaf paste is applied to affected Uses: To treat abdominal pain, fresh stem extract is areas. given to drink at least 3-4 times. Crinum asiaticum L. (Amaryllidaceae); Koba rashun Caryatia trifolia (L.) Domin (Vitaceae); Lodi Uses: To treat boils, fresh root paste is applied to the mallang; Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng affected areas. (Cucurbitaceae); Shejlock shak Uses: To treat heart disease, paste of both the plants Crotalaria pallida Ait. (Papilionaceae); Kudug together with garlic extract is given to drink. To treat jhunjhuni abdominal pain, stem extract of C. trifolia is taken Uses: Seeds are taken with ripe bananas at least twice frequently; to treat fever, infusion of C. trifolia leaves daily to treat rheumatism. is used in baths. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 256

Crotalaria verrucosa L. (Papilionaceae); Kuduk Uses: Paste of D. gangeticum leaves and P. nigrum juhunjhuni; Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. fruits is applied to affected areas to treat tumours. (Menispermaceae); Patalpur, Kala patalpur; Uses: To treat skin allergies, C. verrucosa leaf extract Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr. (Papilionaceae); is applied to the affected areas. To treat rheumatism, Tardirmaton; Mussaenda roxburghii Hooker, f. warm leaves of S. japonica are applied to affected (Ranirtak, Patto mormoijja, Sheodima; Scindapsus areas one by one for several times; to treat piles, officanalis (Roxb.) Schott (Araliaceae); Gstaytta warm leaves of S. japonica are pressed over piles. To Uses: To treat rheumatism, paste prepared from treat tetanus, fresh juice of leaves and stems of both fresh leaves of these plants is applied to affected plants is given to drink thrice daily. areas. Curculigo orchiodes Gaertn. (Hypoxidaceae); Milni Desmodium triquertrum (C.) DC. (papilionaceae); pata Juri manda kher Uses: To treat snakebite, petiole paste is taken orally. Uses: To treat epilepsy, root extract is given to drink and also rubbed over veins. To treat hysteria, root Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.) (Cuscutaceae); Pagasa extract is taken orally thrice daily. Uses: To treat eczema, plant paste is applied to affected areas until recovery. Dioscorea belophylla Voigt. (Dioscoreaceae); Muumujja amiala Cyclea barbata Miers. (Menispermaceae); Patalpur Uses: To treat jaundice, fresh leaf juice is given to Uses: To treat allergy, fresh leaf extract is given to drink and also rubbed over veins. To treat mumps, children fro drink twice daily. fresh leaf extract in hot water is taken twice daily.

Cymbidium aloifolium (L) Sw. (Orchidaceae); Dioscorea pentaphylla L. (Dioscoreacea); Bhutta ludi Surimas; Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm. Uses: To treat rheumatism, leaf paste mixed with (Polypodiaceae); Chiloba mustard oil is rubbed on the affected parts. Uses: For fever, C. aloifolium leaf extract is taken thrice daily. To treat tetanus, infusion of both plants is Dracaena spicata Roxb. (Agavaceae); Kadorateng used for bath. To treat jaundice, root extract of D. Uses: To treat measles, pills prepared from leaf plates quercifolia is taken thrice daily until recovery. Root are taken with warm water twice daily. paste of both the plants is taken with palm molasses to treat chest pain. Eclipta alba L. Mant. (Asteraceae); Kalashona Uses: To treat boils, fresh leaf paste is applied on Dalbergia spinosa Roxb. (Papilionaceae); Baghadara boils Uses: To treat styes, warm leaf is pressed to affected areas. Elatostema papilosum Wedd. (Urticaceae); Shilajhar; Hedyotis scandens Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Bishma, Dendropthoe falcate (L.f.) Etting (Loranthaceae); Bhuitida, Basachilla; Tacca integrifolia Ker Gawler Porsal (Taccaceae); Kiangpitta Uses: To treat rheumatism, leaf paste is applied to Uses: To treat hysteria, extract of leaves and stems of affected areas. these plants is given to drink. To treat abdominal pain, leaf infusion of H. scandens is taken frequently; to Derris robusta Benth. (Papilionaceae); Dumurjja; treat styes, warm leaf paste of H. scandens is pressed Grewia serrulata DC. (Tiliaceae); Monricca; to affected areas. Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell.-Arg), (Euphorbiaceae)Kuruar gaas Embeila ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae); Long dhama Uses: Fresh leaf paste of both the plants is applied shak externally to affected limbs to treat wounded limbs. Uses: Lleaf infusion is taken twice daily to treat jaundice. Desmobium gangeticum (L.) DC. (Papilionaceae); Erythrina variegata L. (Papilionaceae); Madal gaas Hizing haba pata; Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae); Gol morich 257 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

Uses: To expel intestinal worms, a gold ornament is with eggs is applied to affected areas. To treat cough, dipped in fresh leaf juice for an hour and then is given extract of P. vitata whole plant is given to children to drink twice daily for three days. frequently.

Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae); Dutta Ludi; Gardenia latifolia Aiton (Rubiaceae): Bor sudma Piper longum L. (Piperacee), Pipul Uses: To treat caries, stem bark crushed and boiled in Uses: For lactation, after childbirth, root extract of E. water is applied to affected areas. hirta is taken twice daily and cooked leaves are eaten. Pills prepared from paste of E. hirta whole plant and Gymnema acuminatus Wall. (Ascepiadaceae); P. longum fruits are given twice daily. To treat Lodianang mumps, stem extract of P. longum with hot water is Uses: Leaf paste is applied on chest to treat chest given to children. pain. Eurya acuminata DC. (Theaceae); Monraiccha Hedychium thyrsiforme Ham. (Zingiberaceae); Uses: Fresh root extract is given 3-4 times a day for Palachebhi treating diarrhoea. Uses: To treat anaemia, leaf infusion is used for bath.

Ficus heterophylla L.f. (Moraceae); Ludi sarbua Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lamk. (Rubiaceae); Bhuti tida Uses: To treat rheumatism, leaf paste is applied Uses: To treat abdominal pain, fresh leaf juice is externally to affected areas for several days; to given to drink frequently. treat ear infection, leaf paste is applied to affected areas. Hydyotis scandens Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Bishma, Basachilla, Bhui tida Ficus heteropleura Blume (Moraceae); Ludi sharbo Uses: Infusion of leaves is taken 2-3 times a day to Uses: For constipation, leaf extract in warm water is treat stomach pain. taken orally. Heptapleurum hypoleucum Kurz (Araliaceae); Ficus hirta Vahl. (Moraceae); Teng bhang gaas Jharobbo hogoeya Uses: To treat snakebite, root and fruit paste is Uses: To treat diarrhoea, stem and leaf extract is taken. applied to wounds. Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. Ex Fleming) Ficus mollis Vahl. (Moraceae); Chongralace Wall. (Apocynaceae) Kuruk gaas Uses: To treat boils, crushed leaves are applied to Uses: To treat jaundice, bark infusion is given to affected areas. drink twice daily.

Hoya parasitica Wall. (Asclepiadaceae); Fessya gaas Ficus racemosa L. (Moraceae); Norpudi tida Uses: To alleviate fever and body pain, leaf extract is Uses: To treat tonsillitis, root is given to chew. applied to the body.

Flemingia bracteata (Roxb.) Wight. (Papilionaceae); Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Lamiaceae); Janguli Harsanga jangol, chonga dana Uses: To treat tetanus, root extract is taken and leaf Uses: To treat fever, root extract is taken repeatedly; paste is applied to whole body. for urinary complications, seed decoction is given empty stomach in the morning. Flemingia stricta Roxb. (Papilionaceae); Uskura, Khaskura, Harsanga Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae); Pteris vitata L. (Pteridaceae); Dhekishak Borduttya, Dutta ludi Uses: To treat polio, stem extract of F. stricta is taken Uses: To treat bone fracture, whole plant paste is thrice daily, and leaf paste is applied to affected areas. applied to affected parts. To treat goiter, root extract of F. stricta is taken orally and paste is applied to affected areas. To treat bone Impatiens flavida Colebrooke (Balsaminaceae); fractures, paste prepared from both the plants mixed Haturi nola kher RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 258

Uses: To treat boils, crushed leaf paste is applied to Uses: To treat urinary problems, root extract mixed affected area. with sugar is given to drink in empty stomach. Leea indica (Burm.f.) Murr. (Leeaceae); Ixora nigricans Br. Ex Wight & Arn. (Rubiaceae); Kurobockchora, Hoti gaas Dikranga Chuillya; Ophirrhiza mungos L. Uses: To treat painful joints, warm leaf paste is (Rubiaceae); Kalashona, Kelarazi; Pterospermum applied. acerifolium Willd. (Sterculiaceae); Sohralum Uses: To treat diarrhoea, root extract of I. nigricans is Leea macrophylla Roxb. Ex Hornemann (Leeaceae); given to drink frequently; to treat ear infection, I. Ash gaas nigricans root extract warmed by dipping a burnt iron Uses: To treat tonsillitis, leaf extract mixed with rod in it is applied to as eardrop. To treat paralysis, warm water is used to gargle and drink. To treat leaf paste of these plants is rubbed onto the affected tetanus, root extract is taken and leaf paste is applied areas 2-3 times a day. to the whole body. Ixora pubirama Bremeck. (Rubiaceae); Jharbua Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. (Limiaceae); Gussya puishak dangor Uses: To treat insect bite, leaf paste is applied to Uses: Crushed leaves are applied as paste and leaf infected area. extract is taken orally for curing toothache.

Ixora villosa Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Bhantihara phul Limnophila repens Benth. (Scrophulariaceae); Rauvolfia serpentina(L.) Kurz (Apocynaceae); Maittya anos; Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae); Surshan Lajuri hada, Lajurikher Uses: To treat abdominal pain, leaf and fruit extract of Uses: To treat leucoderma, paste of both the plants is both the plants is given to drink frequently. To treat applied to affected area. To treat boils fresh roots of high blood pressure, R. serpentina root extract is M. pudica are crushed into paste and applied to boils given to drink 2-3 times a day. 2-3 times. Fresh root extract of M. pudica is taken twice daily to treat dysentery. To treat insect bite, leaf Jasminum scandens Vahl. (Oleaceae)SÉ Monriccha paste is applied to affected areas. ludi Uses: To treat typhoid fever, extract of whole plant Litsea lancifolia (Roxb. Ex Nees.) Hook. F. chopped and put into the hole of a bamboo shoot and (Lauraceae); Ludijaylla burnt, is given to drink. Uses: Root extract burnt by using heated iron rod is taken frequently to treat diarrhoea. Justicia simplex Don. (Acanthaceae) Bashoke pata, Gasraja Uses: To treat chest pain, paste of leaves mixed with Litsea sebifera Pers. (Lauraceae); Kushum gaas butter is rubbed on to the affected area; to treat Uses: To treat urinary problems, stem or root extract rheumatism, fresh leaf paste is applied to affected area. is given to drink 2-3 times a day. To treat rheumatism, leaf paste is applied to affected area. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (Crassulaceae); Gios Uses: To treat body inflammation, decoction of root is Ludwigia prostrata Roxb. (Opnagraceae); Gangku drunk. maichya Uses: Stem juice is taken 3 times a day to treat Laportea crenulata Gaud. (Urticaceae); Kadam gaas; whooping cough. Ophiorrhiza mungos L. (rubiaceae); Kalashona, Kelarazi; Tectaria vasta (Blume) Copel. Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell.-Arg. (Dryopteridaceae); Baro bandortola, bandortola (Euphorbiaceae); Nainna bichi gaas Uses: For heart burning, root extract of all these Uses: To treat boils, warm bark paste is applied; to plants is taken orally. To treat abdominal tumours, treat piles, root extract is taken orally twice daily. root paste of T. vasta is applied to affected area. Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour.) Van teign Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) Sch.-Bip ex Kuntze (Loranthaceae); Orsallu (Asteraceae); Bhoshmula 259 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

Uses: fresh leaf juice is taken twice daily to treat Uses: To treat fracture, plant paste is applied to the jaundice. affected area and bandaged.

Maesa acuminata A. DC. (Myrsinaceae); Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. Ex Kurz Leddushibang, Muruli (Bignoniaceae); Taita Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf extract is given to drink Uses: Bark extract is given to drink 2 times a day to frequently. To treat boils, leaf paste is applied to treat jaundice. affected area; to treat rheumatism, leaf paste is rubbed on to the affected area. Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae); Amilani Uses: For infant sickness, root extract is given to Maesa ramentacea Wall (Myrsinaceae); Kurua drink. tethoi Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf juice is given to drink, Peliosanthes teta Andrews (Liliaceae); Fuji ghash especially children. Uses: To treat earache, 2-3 drops of leaf extract is put Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae); Sadi raissya several times. To treat dyspepsia, root extract burnt by a heated iron Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross (Polygonaceae); rod is given to drink. Bangori bhanga gaas Uses: To treat snakebites, fresh leaf extract is taken Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier, f. orally; to treat allergies, leaf extract is given to drink (Convolvulaceae); Babhoi toring 2-3 times a day. Uses: To treat eczema, fresh leaf paste is applied to affected areas 3-4 times daily. Phyllanthus reticulates Poir. (Euphorbiaceae); Kamboli lodi pata Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae); Asham ludi Uses: To treat caries, plant extract is applied to teeth Uses: To treat cuts and wounds, leaf paste is applied several times. on the affected area. Mimosa intisia L. (Mimosaceae); Shada lajurikhe; Piper boehmerifolium Wall. (Piperaceae); Bhuth Smilax zeylanica L. (Similacaceae); Kankokumaicha shan Uses: To treat boils, root paste of both the plants is Uses: To treat mumps, stem extract mixed with hot applied. water is given to twice daily. Morinda angustifolia Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Koba bena Plumbago indica L. (Plumbaginaceae); Agunitita Uses: Extract of stems and roots is taken twice daily Uses: To treat dysentery, pills prepared from leaf- to treat urinary problems. paste are taken twice daily for 2-3 days and to treat tumours, leaf paste is applied to affected area. Nauclea sessilifolia (Rubiaceae); Kam gaas Uses: To treat fungal and bacterial infections, leaf Pouzolzia sanguinea (Blume.) Merrill (Urticaceae); paste is applied between toes at night. Mog jangaillya shak Uses: For the treatment of flatulence, leaf extract is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae); Shinguri phUl taken with sugar thrice daily. For irregular gaas menstruation, pills prepared from leaf-paste are taken Uses: Stem extract is taken 3-4 times a day to treat twice daily and to treat skin disease, leaf extract is dysentery. applied to affected area. Onychium siliculosum (Desv.) C. Chr. (Cryptogammaceae); Sabarang Premna esculenta Roxb. (Verbenaceae); Silazra, Uses: To treat blood dysentery, root decoction is Lelom pada taken thrice daily; to treat earache, leaf juice is Uses: To treat fungal/bacterial infections, leaf paste is applied as eardrop. applied to affected area.

Ophirrhiza rugosa Wall. Var. argentea (Hook, f.) Phychotria adenophyllai Wall. (Rubiaceae); Baro Deb & Mondal (Rubiaceae), Kalashona, Kelarazi sudma RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 260

Uses: To treat tetanus, root extract is taken orally twice daily. Sterculia villosa Roxb. Ex DC. (Sterculiaceae); Udul pata Pteris vitata L. (Pteridaceae); Boiddonath, Dhekishak Uses: To treat rheumatism, water extract of petioles is Uses: For the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, given to drink with sugar; root extract is taken as a stem infusion is given frequently. source of vitamins.

Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae); Lal bherol Stereospermum chelonoides (L.F.) DC. Uses: To treat spleenomegaly, pills prepared from the (Bignoniaceae); Hamarang gaas leaves are taken twice daily. Uses: To treat tuberculosis, pills prepared from young leaf paste is taken with warm water thrice daily. Rourea minor (Gaertn) Leench. (Connaraceae); Kurochick shak Streblus asper Lour. (Moraceare); Sharbo gaas Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf infusion is given to Uses: For earache, bark extract is applied as drink frequently. eardrop. To treat dysuria, fresh leaf juice is taken with Saraca asoca (Roxb) De Wipe (Caesalpiniaceae); sugar. Kurochick shak Tabernaemontana recurva Roxb. (Apocynaceae); Uses: To treat diarrhoea, stem extract is taken with Kasto dagor sugar frequently; to treat rheumatism, leaf paste is Uses: To treat fever, root extract is given to children applied to affected area. to drink and warmed root extract is rubbed on to the whole body. Sarcochlamys pulcherrima Gaud. (Urticaceae); Jangaillya shak Tarenna campaniflora (Hook. f.) Balak. (Rubiaceae); Uses: To treat boils and fever blisters, leaf paste is Rebek phUl gaas, Haru lodi, Barochallya applied to the affected area. To stop itching of eyes, Uses: To treat eczema: leaf extract is applied fresh leaf extract is applied as eye drop. externally to affected area. To treat abdominal pain caused by diarrhoea, root extract is taken. To treat Saurauia roxburghii Wall. (Actinidiaceae); Bhola fever, root extract is given to children to drink 2-3 Kadam times a day; to treat scabies, leaf infusion is used for Uses: To treat boils, leaf infusion is used in baths, bathing. To treat warts, leaf paste is applied to especially for children. affected area; to treat dysmenorrhoea, crushed stem is taken with sugar. Schefflera roxburghii Gamble (Araliaceae); Den Tetrastigma bracteolatum (Wall.) Planch (Vitaceae); anno Khurangul ludi Uses: For insomnia, leaf paste is taken internally. Uses: For headache, leaf paste is applied to the forehead. Silvianthus bracteatus Hook. f. (Rubiaceae); Paitto mormoijja Thunhergia grandiflora Roxb. (Acanthaceae); Deldi Uses: To treat leprosy, crushed leaves and roots are pata, Del ladi applied to affected area. Uses: To treat eye infections, watery sap of stem is Spilanthes calva DC. (Asteraceae); Ozonshak applied as eye drop. Uses: For toothache, leaf extract is taken orally, flowers are chewed and kept in touch of teeth for a Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) O. Kuntz (Poaceae); while to get relief. To treat tuberculosis, root juice is Jharu phul given to drink 2-3 times daily for at least 7 days. Uses: To treat tuberculosis, pills prepared from leaf paste are taken twice daily. Stephania glabra (Roxb.) Miers. (Menispermaceae); Khbukka ludi Torenia travancoria Gamble (Scrophulariaceae); Uses: To treat hysteria, root extract is taken 2-3 times Noligaas a day. 261 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

Uses: To treat bone fracture, fresh leaf paste is Uses: To treat infections of fingers, leaf paste is applied to affected area. applied to affected area.

Trevesia palmata (Roxb.) Visiani (Araliaceae); Discussion and conclusion Jharobbo hogoeya The results show that Chakmas of the Hill Tracts Uses: To treat bruising, root paste is applied. areas are dependent on herbal treatment for both common and complicated diseases. They have vast knowledge of herbal treatments for a wide range of Trichosanthes anguina L. (Cucurbitaceae); Horinkan physical ailments. In the study, about 78 diseases shak, Faranga ludi Khagrachari were recorded which have been treating by about 198 Uses: To treat boils, leaf paste is applied to affected indigenous plant species. A number of plants are used areas; to treat cancer, fruits are eaten as vegetable. To for a single disease, such as rheumatic pain by 18 treat insect bites, root extract is taken orally and root- plants, cold fever by 17, boils by 16, jaundice by 13, paste is applied on to the whole body. abdominal pain by 9 and diarrhoea by 9 plants. On the other hand, different parts of a single species are used Uraria hamosa Wall. (Papilionaceae); Bilai lengur for the cure of several ailments in different ways like, Uses: To treat hysteria, leaf extract is taken, and leaf Tarenna campanifolia for 6 diseases, Costus speciosa paste is applied on to the whole body. for 4 and Maesa acuminata for 3 diseases. For Uraria prunellaefolia Grah. (Papilionaceae); Belio example, leaf extract of T. campanifolia is used for the treatment of eczema while root extract is used for lengur fever and crushed stems are used for dysmenorrhoea. Uses: To treat epilepsy, root extract is given to drink During field investigation and documentation of twice daily; to treat jaundice, root extract is given to ethnobotanical data, it has been found that the tribal drink 2-3 times daily. herbalists play a significant role in sustaining primary Vernonia patula (Dryand.) Merrill (Asteraceae); healthcare by herbal treatment in the community. Dando uppal Elderly women have also been found to possess better knowledge about plants and their medicinal uses than Uses: To treat conjunctivitis, plant extract is applied men. They possess sufficient knowledge about the as eyes drop; for tonsillitis, leaf extract is taken for toxicity of poisonous plants, and are cautious about several days. the therapeutics and effective dozes. Vitex peduncularis Wall. (Verbenaceae); Aash mul The indigenous knowledge system of herbal gaas practices is still very rich and available among Uses: To treat jaundice, bark paste is used. Chakma community, concentrated mostly in Rangamati area. The establishment of modern Vitis pedata (Vitaceae); isswar muli medicinal health centers is in progress in many rural Uses: To treat abdominal tumour, root extract is given areas, and that may gradually change the existing to drink 2-3 times daily. pattern of indigenous knowledge system of Vitis pentagona (Roxb.) Lawson (Vitaceae): Hajjang healthcare. Hence, it is necessary to document the ludi indigenous knowledge of useful plants and their Uses: To treat eczema and skin disease, leaf extract is therapeutic uses before being lost forever from the community. applied to affected area. Acknowledgement Wendlandia paniculata DC. (Rubiaceae); Lodiannol Authors are grateful to Late Professor M Salar Uses: To treat chest pain, crushed leaves are rubbed Khan of Bangladesh National Herbarium for his help on to the chest in confirming the identification of many species. Willughbeia edulis Roxb. (Apocynaceae); Surjamukhi Authors are also thankful to DFID and the British ludi Council, Dhaka for funding the project. Uses: To treat snakebite, leaf paste is taken; to reduce swelling, root decoction is taken orally. References 1 Alam MK, Medical ethnobotany of Marma tribe of Xanthium indicum J. Koenig (Asteraceae); Bengal Bangladesh, Econ Bot, 46(3) (1992) 330-335. lengera 2 Chakma S, Chakma Parichiti, (Bangang Publications, Rangamati, Bangladesh), 1992. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 262

3 Rahman MA, Tribal knowledge of plant use in Hill Tracts 6 Rahman MA, Uddin SB & Khisha A, A report on some anti- districts of Bangladesh, Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh, 1 jaundice plants from tribal communities of Hill Tracts districts (1) (1997) 1. of Bangladesh, Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh 2(1) (1998) 4. 4 Rahman MA, Ethno-medico-botanical knowledge among 7 Rahman MA, Uddin SB & Wilcock CC, Indigenous tribals of Bangladesh, In: Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants knowledge of Herbal Medicine in Bangladesh: Diarrhoea, of Indian Subcontinent, (Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur, India), Dysentery, Indigestion and Stomach pains, J Med Aromat Pl 2003, 89-93. Sci, 25 (2003a) 1001-1009. 5 Rahman MA & Uddin SB, Some anti-rheumatic plants used by 8 Rahman MA, Khisa A, Uddin SB & Wilcock CC, Indigenous tribal people of Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh, Knowledge of plant use in Hill Tracts tribal community and its Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh, 2 (2) (1998) 4. role in sustainable development, In: Paul Sillitoe, Indegenous Knowledge Development in Bangladesh, (The University Press Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh), 2000, 75-78.