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

Medicinal used by Chakma tribe in Hill Tracts districts of

M Atiqur Rahman1*, SB Uddin & CC Wilcock2 1Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh; Department of 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 healthcare and is still dependent on it. Although it is of traditional heritage in many rural areas of yet difficult to get modern medical facilities for their Bangladesh, especially among forest inhabitants. The day-to-day problems, the advancement of indigenous knowledge of use of plant resources for modernization including establishment of community the cure of various human ailments, being used since health services in the remote hill areas is in rapid immemorial time, are still believed to be persisted progress. However, it is alarming that the Indigenous among both Bengali and tribal communities of Knowledge and practices are gradually disappearing Bangladesh living in Chittagong and Hill Tracts day by day. The need for documentation of such districts1.2. Among 19 major tribes of Bangladesh, 14 Indigenous Knowledge System of herbal medicine namely, Chakma, Marma, Murong, Thanchunga, available among both bangalis and tribal communities , Chack, Bhome, Pangkhoa, Kheyang, is being realized, and in recent years, some work has Rheyang, Lushai, Kuki and Khumi living in the Hill been done4-9. The complete inventory and Tracts districts3,4. Among them, Chakma is the largest documentation of this indigenous knowledge system tribe dominating by 1,50,000 populations. The Hill (IKS) has not yet been made. However, research Tracts of Bangladesh, which includes three districts, under AU-CU Biodiversity Link Project towards the viz, Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati, are completion of inventory and documentation of this located in the Southeast corner of country with Kaptai IKS from tribal communities is in progress. watershed area between 21°25′ and 23°45′ N and between 91°45′ and 92°52′E. It is bordered by Tripura Methodology and of in the North and Northeast, An investigation was conducted among chakmas Lushai Hills and Arakan hill tracts of in the under AU-CU Biodiversity Link Project l. The study Southeast and Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts in area includes the entire Hill Tracts of Bangladesh the West. It is situated with tropical rain forests and consisting of Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari rich biodiversity. The tribal people of these areas are districts. Documentation was made by taking random mostly dependent on plant resources for their food interviews of the herbalists, elderly men and women. and medicine. Chakma tribe has its own traditional Plants used by them were collected from the wild and system of herbal treatment for their primary preserved at the Herbarium of Chittagong University ______(HCU) as voucher specimens. Local or chakma names *Corresponding author of plants and methods of use were recorded during RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 509

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); conchigera Griff. (); 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 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 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 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 Uses: For conjunctivitis and constipation, root Amomum aromaticum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae); infusion is taken orally. Palachevi; glomerulifera Miquel (); Urmurpata Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. (Mimosaceae); Uses: To treat mumps, rhizome extract of A. Sikloroi aromaticum is taken thrice daily; to treat anaemia, Uses: For intestinal worms, fresh leaf juice is taken at infusion of fresh leaves of both plants is used in night before sleep. washing the whole body. 510 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

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 Uses: To treat fever, leaf paste is applied on the Begonia roxburghii DC. (Begoniaceae); Khar tethoi forehead and warm root extract is rubbed all over the Uses: To treat tongue abnormalities, stem extract is body. given to the children for drinking; to treat jaundice, whole plant extract is taken thrice daily. Byttneria pilosa Roxb. (Sterculiceae); Sola ludi, Chala ludi Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae); Shumo phul Uses: To treat boils, stem paste is applied to affected Uses: To treat acne, paste of flowers and leaves is areas and to treat scabies, leaf infusion is used in applied to affected area. bath. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 511

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.

Commelina paludosa Blume (Commelinaceae) Bat Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. (Verbenaceae); boitta shak Dubhoza; Sterculia roxburghii Wall. (Sterculiaceae); Uses: Leaf extract is taken orally 2-3 times a day to Chirdhima treat dysentery. Uses: Bark extract of both plants is taken orally to 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); Ketha extract is taken orally 2-3 times a day. To treat dog 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; (Asteraceae); Teolang Cassia alata L (Caesalpiniaceae); Delong pata Uses: To treat abdominal pain, fresh stem extract is Uses: To treat eczema, leaf paste is applied to affected given to drink at least 3-4 times. areas. 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 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. Crotalaria verrucosa L. (Papilionaceae); Kuduk juhunjhuni; Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae); Ranga chuma (Menispermaceae); Patalpur, Kala patalpur; Uses: To treat cancer, leaf extract is given to drink Uses: To treat skin allergies, C. verrucosa leaf extract 2-3 times a day. is applied to the affected areas. To treat rheumatism, warm leaves of S. japonica are applied to affected Chasalia curviflora var. ophioxyloides (Wall.) Deb & areas one by one for several times; to treat piles, Krishna (Rubiaceae); Hel gaas warm leaves of S. japonica are pressed over piles. To Uses: To treat snake and insect bites, crushed leaves treat tetanus, fresh juice of leaves and stems of both are applied on wounds. plants is given to drink thrice daily. 512 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

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 Uses: To expel intestinal worms, a gold ornament is morich dipped in fresh leaf juice for an hour and then is given Uses: Paste of D. gangeticum leaves and P. nigrum to drink twice daily for three days. fruits is applied to affected areas to treat tumours. Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae); Dutta Ludi; Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr. (Papilionaceae); Piper longum L. (Piperacee), Pipul Tardirmaton; Mussaenda roxburghii Hooker, f. Uses: For lactation, after childbirth, root extract of E. (Ranirtak, Patto mormoijja, Sheodima; Scindapsus hirta is taken twice daily and cooked leaves are eaten. officanalis (Roxb.) Schott (Araliaceae); Gstaytta Pills prepared from paste of E. hirta whole plant and Uses: To treat rheumatism, paste prepared from P. longum fruits are given twice daily. To treat fresh leaves of these plants is applied to affected mumps, stem extract of P. longum with hot water is areas. given to children. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 513

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 Impatiens flavida Colebrooke (Balsaminaceae); and paste is applied to affected areas. To treat bone Haturi nola kher fractures, paste prepared from both the plants mixed Uses: To treat boils, crushed leaf paste is applied to with eggs is applied to affected areas. To treat cough, affected area. extract of P. vitata whole plant is given to children frequently. Ixora nigricans Br. Ex Wight & Arn. (Rubiaceae); Dikranga Chuillya; Ophirrhiza mungos L. Gardenia latifolia Aiton (Rubiaceae): Bor sudma (Rubiaceae); Kalashona, Kelarazi; Pterospermum Uses: To treat caries, stem bark crushed and boiled in acerifolium Willd. (Sterculiaceae); Sohralum water is applied to affected areas. Uses: To treat diarrhoea, root extract of I. nigricans is given to drink frequently; to treat ear infection, I. Gymnema acuminatus Wall. (Ascepiadaceae); nigricans root extract warmed by dipping a burnt iron Lodianang rod in it is applied to as eardrop. To treat paralysis, Uses: Leaf paste is applied on chest to treat chest leaf paste of these plants is rubbed onto the affected pain. areas 2-3 times a day. 514 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

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 Uses: fresh leaf juice is taken twice daily to treat Uses: To treat urinary problems, root extract mixed jaundice. with sugar is given to drink in empty stomach. Leea indica (Burm.f.) Murr. (Leeaceae); Maesa acuminata A. DC. (Myrsinaceae); Kurobockchora, Hoti gaas Leddushibang, Muruli Uses: To treat painful joints, warm leaf paste is Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf extract is given to drink applied. frequently. To treat boils, leaf paste is applied to affected area; to treat rheumatism, leaf paste is rubbed Leea macrophylla Roxb. Ex Hornemann (Leeaceae); on to the affected area. Ash gaas Uses: To treat tonsillitis, leaf extract mixed with Maesa ramentacea Wall (Myrsinaceae); Kurua warm water is used to gargle and drink. To treat tethoi tetanus, root extract is taken and leaf paste is applied Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf juice is given to drink, to the whole body. especially children. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 515

Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae); Sadi raissya Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross (Polygonaceae); To treat dyspepsia, root extract burnt by a heated iron Bangori bhanga gaas rod is given to drink. Uses: To treat snakebites, fresh leaf extract is taken orally; to treat allergies, leaf extract is given to drink Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier, f. 2-3 times a day. (Convolvulaceae); Babhoi toring Uses: To treat eczema, fresh leaf paste is applied to Phyllanthus reticulates Poir. (Euphorbiaceae); affected areas 3-4 times daily. 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. Piper boehmerifolium Wall. (Piperaceae); Bhuth Mimosa intisia L. (Mimosaceae); Shada lajurikhe; shan Smilax zeylanica L. (Similacaceae); Kankokumaicha Uses: To treat mumps, stem extract mixed with hot Uses: To treat boils, root paste of both the plants is water is given to twice daily. applied. Plumbago indica L. (Plumbaginaceae); Agunitita Morinda angustifolia Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Koba bena Uses: To treat dysentery, pills prepared from leaf- Uses: Extract of stems and roots is taken twice daily paste are taken twice daily for 2-3 days and to treat to treat urinary problems. tumours, leaf paste is applied to affected area.

Nauclea sessilifolia (Rubiaceae); Kam gaas Pouzolzia sanguinea (Blume.) Merrill (Urticaceae); Uses: To treat fungal and bacterial infections, leaf Mog jangaillya shak paste is applied between toes at night. Uses: For the treatment of , 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. Premna esculenta Roxb. (Verbenaceae); Silazra, (Cryptogammaceae); Sabarang Lelom pada Uses: To treat blood dysentery, root decoction is Uses: To treat fungal/bacterial infections, leaf paste is taken thrice daily; to treat earache, leaf juice is applied to affected area. applied as eardrop. Phychotria adenophyllai Wall. (Rubiaceae); Baro Ophirrhiza rugosa Wall. Var. argentea (Hook, f.) sudma Deb & Mondal (Rubiaceae), Kalashona, Kelarazi Uses: To treat tetanus, root extract is taken orally Uses: To treat fracture, plant paste is applied to the twice daily. affected area and bandaged. Pteris vitata L. (Pteridaceae); Boiddonath, Dhekishak Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. Ex Kurz Uses: For the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, (Bignoniaceae); Taita stem infusion is given frequently. Uses: Bark extract is given to drink 2 times a day to treat jaundice. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae); Lal bherol Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae); Amilani Uses: To treat spleenomegaly, pills prepared from the Uses: For infant sickness, root extract is given to leaves are taken twice daily. drink. Rourea minor (Gaertn) Leench. (Connaraceae); Peliosanthes teta Andrews (Liliaceae); Fuji ghash Kurochick shak Uses: To treat earache, 2-3 drops of leaf extract is put Uses: To treat diarrhoea, leaf infusion is given to several times. drink frequently. 516 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 6, No. 3, JULY 2007

Saraca asoca (Roxb) De Wipe (Caesalpiniaceae); Tabernaemontana recurva Roxb. (Apocynaceae); Kurochick shak Kasto dagor Uses: To treat diarrhoea, stem extract is taken with Uses: To treat fever, root extract is given to children sugar frequently; to treat rheumatism, leaf paste is to drink and warmed root extract is rubbed on to the applied to affected area. whole body.

Sarcochlamys pulcherrima Gaud. (Urticaceae); Tarenna campaniflora (Hook. f.) Balak. (Rubiaceae); Jangaillya shak Rebek phUl gaas, Haru lodi, Barochallya Uses: To treat boils and fever blisters, leaf paste is Uses: To treat eczema: leaf extract is applied applied to the affected area. To stop itching of eyes, externally to affected area. To treat abdominal pain fresh leaf extract is applied as eye drop. caused by diarrhoea, root extract is taken. To treat fever, root extract is given to children to drink 2-3 Saurauia roxburghii Wall. (Actinidiaceae); Bhola times a day; to treat scabies, leaf infusion is used for Kadam bathing. To treat warts, leaf paste is applied to Uses: To treat boils, leaf infusion is used in baths, affected area; to treat dysmenorrhoea, crushed stem is especially for children. 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. Uses: To treat bone fracture, fresh leaf paste is applied to affected area. Sterculia villosa Roxb. Ex DC. (Sterculiaceae); Udul pata Trevesia palmata (Roxb.) Visiani (Araliaceae); Uses: To treat rheumatism, water extract of petioles is Jharobbo hogoeya given to drink with sugar; root extract is taken as a Uses: To treat bruising, root paste is applied. source of vitamins. Trichosanthes anguina L. (Cucurbitaceae); Horinkan Stereospermum chelonoides (L.F.) DC. shak, Faranga ludi Khagrachari (Bignoniaceae); Hamarang gaas Uses: To treat boils, leaf paste is applied to affected Uses: To treat tuberculosis, pills prepared from young areas; to treat cancer, fruits are eaten as vegetable. To leaf paste is taken with warm water thrice daily. treat insect bites, root extract is taken orally and root- paste is applied on to the whole body. Streblus asper Lour. (Moraceare); Sharbo gaas Uses: For earache, bark extract is applied as Uraria hamosa Wall. (Papilionaceae); Bilai lengur eardrop. To treat dysuria, fresh leaf juice is taken with Uses: To treat hysteria, leaf extract is taken, and leaf sugar. paste is applied on to the whole body. RAHMAN et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY CHAKMA TRIBE OF BANGLADESH 517

Uraria prunellaefolia Grah. (Papilionaceae); Belio 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 healthcare by herbal treatment in the community. Vernonia patula (Dryand.) Merrill (Asteraceae); Elderly women have also been found to possess better Dando uppal 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. The indigenous knowledge system of herbal Vitex peduncularis Wall. (Verbenaceae); Aash mul practices is still very rich and available among gaas Chakma community, concentrated mostly in Uses: To treat jaundice, bark paste is used. 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 healthcare. Hence, it is necessary to document the Vitis pentagona (Roxb.) Lawson (Vitaceae): Hajjang indigenous knowledge of useful plants and their ludi therapeutic uses before being lost forever from the Uses: To treat eczema and skin disease, leaf extract is 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. Authors are also thankful to DFID and the British Willughbeia edulis Roxb. (Apocynaceae); Surjamukhi Council, Dhaka for funding the project. ludi Uses: To treat snakebite, leaf paste is taken; to reduce References swelling, root decoction is taken orally. 1 Alam MK, Medical ethnobotany of Marma tribe of Bangladesh, Econ Bot, 46(3) (1992) 330-335. Xanthium indicum J. Koenig (Asteraceae); Bengal 2 Chakma S, Chakma Parichiti, (Bangang Publications, lengera Rangamati, Bangladesh), 1992. Uses: To treat infections of fingers, leaf paste is 3 Rahman MA, Tribal knowledge of plant use in Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh, Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh, 1 applied to affected area. (1) (1997) 1.

4 Rahman MA, Ethno-medico-botanical knowledge among Discussion and conclusion tribals of Bangladesh, In: Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants The results show that Chakmas of the Hill Tracts of Indian Subcontinent, (Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur, India), areas are dependent on herbal treatment for both 2003, 89-93. common and complicated diseases. They have vast 5 Rahman MA & Uddin SB, Some anti-rheumatic plants used by knowledge of herbal treatments for a wide range of tribal people of Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh, physical ailments. In the study, about 78 diseases Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh, 2 (2) (1998) 4. 6 Rahman MA, Uddin SB & Khisha A, A report on some anti- were recorded which have been treating by about 198 jaundice plants from tribal communities of Hill Tracts districts indigenous plant species. A number of plants are used of Bangladesh, Biodiversity Newslett Bangladesh 2(1) (1998) 4. for a single disease, such as rheumatic pain by 18 7 Rahman MA, Uddin SB & Wilcock CC, Indigenous plants, cold fever by 17, boils by 16, jaundice by 13, knowledge of Herbal Medicine in Bangladesh: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain by 9 and diarrhoea by 9 plants. On the Dysentery, Indigestion and Stomach pains, J Med Aromat Pl other hand, different parts of a single species are used Sci, 25 (2003a) 1001-1009. 8 Rahman MA, Khisa A, Uddin SB & Wilcock CC, Indigenous for the cure of several ailments in different ways like, Knowledge of plant use in Hill Tracts tribal community and its Tarenna campanifolia for 6 diseases, Costus speciosa role in sustainable development, In: Paul Sillitoe, Indegenous for 4 and Maesa acuminata for 3 diseases. For Knowledge Development in Bangladesh, (The University Press example, leaf extract of T. campanifolia is used for Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh), 2000, 75-78.