Exploring the synergistic potential of polyherbal formulations in traditional medicine: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological study in Gangachara upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh

This study documents the ethnopharmacological practices of traditional medicinal practitioners (Kavirajes) in Gangachara Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh, focusing on the use of polyherbal formulations for treating various ailments. A randomized survey was conducted among two Kavirajes, documenting 33 plant species from 23 families used to treat 12 distinct health conditions, including allergic reactions, pox, abscess, paralysis, dysuria, diabetes, leucorrhoea, dysentery, jaundice, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and high blood pressure. The most frequently used plant families were Zingiberaceae, Lamiaceae, Acanthaceae, and Menispermaceae, with leaves being the predominant plant part utilized (65% of preparations). Polyherbal formulations were prepared as juices, pastes, decoctions, or tablets, often combining multiple plants to enhance therapeutic efficacy. For instance, Curcuma longa rhizome juice mixed with Azadirachta indica and Clerodendrum infortunatum leaves were used for allergic reactions, while Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Vitex negundo leaves were combined for pox management. The study highlights the cultural and economic significance of traditional medicine in rural Bangladesh, where 80% of the population relies on natural resources for primary healthcare. Despite the lack of systematic documentation, the knowledge held by Kavirajes offers valuable insights for pharmacological research and drug discovery. This research underscores the need to preserve traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge and integrate it into modern healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings.