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1. The Journal of Ethnobiology and Traditional Medicine. Photon 119 (2013) 501-514
https://sites.google.com/site/photonfoundationorganization/home/the-journal-of-ethnobiology-and-traditional-medicine
Field Study. ISJN: 6642-3194
The Journal of Ethnobiology and Traditional Medicine Ph ton
Ethnomedical investigation on herbal drugs used in Dang district of
Nepal
Shiva Kumar Bhandaria, Priyanka Shresthaa, Sharmin Reza Choudhurya*, Tasnuva Sharmina,
Mohammad A. Rashidb
a Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
b Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Article history:
Received: 13 June, 2013
Accepted: 21 June, 2013
Available online: 26 September, 2013
Keywords:
Medicinal plants, Traditional medicine, Dang, VDC,
Laxmipur, Saudiyar, Ghorahi
Corresponding Author:
Choudhury S.R.*
Assistant Professor
Email: sharminreza10@yahoo.com
Phone: 08154638
Bhandari S.K.
Student
Email: lovely_shiva2006@yahoo.com
Shrestha P.
Student
Sharmin T.
Senior Lecturer
Email: tasnuva.phr.du@gmail.com
Rashid M.A.
Professor
Email: rashidma@du.ac.db
Abstract
Traditional use of herbal drugs by the local people
of Dang district has been followed from hundreds of
years and still people have strong belief that herbal
drugs aim to cure diseases from simple common
cold to cancer. This study aims to explore the
knowledge on ethnomedical practice of inhabitants
of Dang district. The survey work was carried on
Laxmipur (VDC), Saudiyar (VDC) and Ghorahi
(Municipality) of Dang district participated by 92
informants. The age group ranges from 20 to 39
years old and most of the informants were from
Laxmipur (46%). Among the informants, 67% were
male. A total of 141 species of plants used by
people of Dang district are described in this study
based on the field survey and face to face
communication. These plants belong to 63 families
and are used to treat a wide range of physiological
problems and diseases. The result of the study
shows that majority of the local people of Dang
district are highly dependent on local plants as their
primary sources of medication. Traditional beliefs
(27%) and fewer side effects (26%) are important
factors motivating use of these medicinal plants.
47% people are found to use herbal drugs from
their childhood. Most of the ethnomedicine are
administered orally in the form of juice, paste,
extract, powder. Some of them are mixed with other
ingredients and often used topically. In
consideration of the plant part used, stem and barks
were found to be used in maximum extent in herbal
preparation (23%) that can be used to treat several
physiological problems ranging from gastrointestinal
disorders to headache, fever, respiratory tract
related problems, snake bite, ophthalmic, cuts,
wounds, cancer, typhoid, tuberculosis, ENT
problems, skin problems etc. This study showed
that the elderly persons/ traditional healers have
greater knowledge upon the utilization of medicinal
plants in comparison to younger generation.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Traditional medicine,
Dang, VDC, Laxmipur, Saudiyar, Ghorahi
Citation:
Bhandari S.K., Shrestha P., Choudhury S.R., Sharmin T.,
Rashid M.A., 2013. Ethnomedical investigation on herbal
drugs used in Dang district of Nepal. The Journal of
Ethnobiology and Traditional Medicine. Photon 119, 501-
519.
1. Introduction
Ethnomedicine is a sub-field of ethnobotany or
medical anthropology that deals with the study
of traditional medicines; not only those that
have relevant written sources (e.g. Traditional
Chinese Medicine, Siddha, Ayurveda), but
especially those, whose knowledge and
practices have been orally transmitted over the
centuries (Acharya et al., 2008).
Ethnomedicine is concerned with the cultural
interpretation of health, diseases and illness
and also addresses the healthcare seeking
process and healing practices. The practice of
ethnomedicine is a complex multi-disciplinary
system constituting the use of plants
Ph ton 501

2. spirituality and the natural environment and
has been the source of healing people for
millennia (LAD Williams, 2006). The art of use,
treatment and prevention of disease is pre
historic noticeably in south Asia. About 80% of
the world’s population depends wholly or
partially on traditional medicine for its primary
health care needs. Nepal is an excellent
repository of cultural heritage for diverse
ethnic groups and has a rich tradition of folk
practices for utilization of wild plants. Rural
people have used plants particularly for
fulfilling their subsistence needs and treating
diseases since time immemorial (Ripu et al.,
2005).
2. Objective of Research
The objective of this study was to carry out a
comprehensive ethnomedicinal survey of
plants used in Dang district of Nepal.
3. Materials and Methods
3.1 Study Area
The study was carried out in one of the
Midwestern Terai district of Nepal. The two
villages and a municipality have been taken as
ares for the analysis. Two valleys Dang and
Dekhuri of Terai district have made Dang an
administrative unit of Nepal out of five districts
of Rapti zone where this study was conducted.
Geographically, the Mahabharat range in the
north and Chure in the eastern south and west
surround the Dang valley while Deukhuri is
surrounded by Chure in all sides. Puythan,
Arghankanchi Kpilvastu (in the east) Rolpa,
Salyan (in the north) and Banke (in the west)
border the district. The south boundary of the
district touches the international boundary of
India.
Figure 1: Study areas in Dang district of Nepal
From Laxmipur and Ghushra villages, lying in
Laximpur and Saudiyar VDCs, respectively
and Ghorahi municipality, data have been
collected on traditional medicinal plants, which
have been used by villagers to treat different
kinds of diseases.
Ghorahi, previously known as Tribhuvan
Nagar, is a municipality of Dang Valley. In
2010, the population was over 9,00,00 with
more than 3,00,00 households. A sub-regional
hospital, an eye hospital, private schools and
colleges and other institutions are situated to
serve the people.4
Both Laxmipur and Saudiyar are Village
Development Committees (VDC) in Dang and
Deokhuri Districts in the Rapti zone of south-western
Nepal, respectively. In 1991 Nepal
census, these VDCs had populations of 9,075
and 8,052 persons residing in 1493 and 1, 067
individual households, respectively (Nepal
Census 2001).
3.2 Study population
In survey, a total of 92 people were
interviewed among which 62 were male and
remaining 30 were female. Professionally most
of the informants were farmers (34), 17 were
in services, 14 were businessmen and 27
were in other professions.
3.3 Sample size
The total number of population was 92. The
Ph ton 502

3. people were randomly selected from the study
area. Each and every person was interviewed
individually while collecting data.
3.4 Study time
The research work has been conducted from
September 2011 to February 2012.
3.5 Sampling technique
Sampling technique will be purposive
sampling.
3.6 Data collection tools
For both quantitative and qualitative data,
collected during ethnomedical investigation of
herbal drugs used in Dang district of Nepal, a
set of in-depth format was developed. The
questionnaire was both open- ended and
close-ended.
3.7 Data processing and data analysis
Data processing and analysis were started
immediately after the completion of data
collection. The collected data were checked,
verified and then tabulated into the data sheet.
Data were analyzed manually. The test
statistics used to analyze the data was
descriptive statistics. Demographics of
informants during questionnaire survey are
presented in the Table 1.
Table 1: Demographic information during questionnaire survey
Total number
of
informants
Age
Group
Education Occupation Sex
Religi
on
92
0-19: 8
20-39: 39
40-60: 30
60< : 15
Graduates:19
HSEB: 15
SLC: 25
Primary: 21
Below primary: 12
Farmers: 34
Service holders: 17
Businessmen: 14
Others: 27
Male: 62
Hindu
: 92
Female: 30
Other
s: 0
HSEB: Higher Secondary Education Board; SLC.
4. Results and Discussion
Data were collected on 141 medicinal plants.
List of medicinal plants with their scientific
names, local names, plant part used, method
of administration/ application and uses have
been presented in Table 2. The plants were
found to be used to treat different types of
diseases grouped by body system shown in
Table 3. The plant parts widely used for
medicinal purpose include stem and bark
(25%), fruits and seeds (20%), whole plant
(20%), roots and rhizomes (19%), leaf (13%)
and flowers (3%) (Figure 2).
Majority of the population was found to use
herbal drugs because of its traditional and
Figure 2: Plant and plant parts used to treat disease
religious belief (27%) and fewer side effects
(26%). Other reasons for using herbal drugs
include easy availability, economicity, lack of
health care facilities, higher effectiveness than
modern medicines, suggestions from elderly
persons, herbs containing highly potent API
and patent compliance (Figure 3). 70% plants
were found to be used orally in the form of
juice, powder and paste. Some were mixed
with other ingredients and then taken orally.
25% plants were applied topically over skin as
paste or juice. 4% plants were inhaled by
burning or boiling with water and 1% plants
were used as ophthalmic after filtering the
liquid extract (Figure 4).
Ph ton 503

4. According to the key informants interviewed
during study, many medicinal plants have
been disappearing from the nearby forests for
of which they have to walk far to collect
medicinal plants that had earlier been easily
available in nearby forests. Rapid expansion of
deforestation for commercial purposes and
agricultural lands are reported to be the main
reasons for disappearance of medicinal plants.
46% people of Laximpur VDC, 35% people of
Ghorahi VDC and 19% Saudiyar VDC people
were found to use ethnomedicine.
Figure 3: Reasons for using herbal drugs
Figure 4: Different routes of drug administration
Table 2: List of medicinal plants with their scientific names, local names, plant part used, mode of administration
and uses
Si
Local
Scientific
Plant part
Mode of
Uses
No.
names
name
used
administration
1. Aakashey
belly**
Cuscata reflexa
Family:
Cuscutaceae
Whole
plant
The plant is crushed and mixed
with cow’s milk and taken orally
Dilute juice is used in bath.
Jaundice
2. Aakh Calotropis procera
Family:
Asclepiadaceae
Stem Stem is burned and directly
smoked
Sinusitis and
tooth pain
3. Aap
*****
Mangifera indica
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Bark
Ripe fruits
Juice is extracted and taken
orally
Powdered fruits are mixed with
other ingredients or taken orally
as juice.
Dysentery,
diarrhea and
stomach ache
Neuropath
and Gastritis
Ph ton 504

5. 4. Abijaley Drymaria cordata
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Whole
plant
Juice is extracted and taken
orally
Gastritis
5. Achchyu
jhaar
Whole
plant
The plant is crushed and one
tea spoon of juice is taken daily
Stomachache
6. Aduwa
*********
Zingiber officinale
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Roots and
rhizomes
Juice is mixed with one tea
spoon of honey and taken orally
or can be chewed directly.
Powdered roots and rhizomes is
taken with hot water or mixed
with mud and applied topically.
Cough,
common cold,
sore throat
and vomiting
Anthelmintic
and scabies
7. Akal kara Roots Crushed root is formulated as
juice with curd and taken orally.
Stomachache
8. Alaichi Amomum subulatum
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Seeds Seeds are dried, powdered and
taken orally with water or
chewed directly
Improve
appetite and
maintain oral
hygiene
9. Amala
********
Embilica officinalis
Family:
Phyllanthaceae
Fruits Fruits are boiled in water, dried
and taken orally
Dried fruit powder is taken with
boiled water
Blood
purification,
obesity,
hepatic
dysfunction,
gastritis and
as source of
vitamin C
10. Amaltas Cassia fistula
Family: Fabaceae
Fruits Jelly part is extracted and taken
orally
Piles and
hemorrhoids
11. Amicho Roots Roots are crushed and juice is
taken with water
Stomachache
and gastritis
12. Amilo Leaf Boiled leaf is taken orally Common cold
13. Anar
***
Punica granatum
Family: Punicaceae
Unripe
fruits
Crushed fruit is orally taken as
juice
Diarrhea,
dysentery and
stomachache
14. Arjun Terminalia arjuna
Family:
Combretaceae
Bark Bark is crushed and taken as
tea
Heart pain
15. Ashok Saraca asoca
Family: Fabaceae
Bark, leaf The plant parts are crushed and
taken as juice twice daily
Piles
16. Ashwagan
dha
**
Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Roots
Powdered root (1-2gm) is taken
maximum three times a day.
Crushed root juice extracted an
taken orally
Menstrual
disorder,
weakness,
depression
and
hypotension.
Joint pain.
17. Ashur
*****
Adhatoda indica
Family:
Acanthaceae
Leaf
Apex
Leaves are boiled in water and
steam is inhaled daily.
Extracted juice is mixed with
water and taken orally
Common cold,
fever and
asthma
18. Ayer Leaf Crushed leaf paste is applied
topically
Scabies and
boils
19. Badalpate
y
******
Cissampleos pareira
Family:
Menispermaceae
Roots
Stem
Juice is extracted and taken
orally
Stomachache,
gastritis and
stomach pain
20. Barro
**
Terminialia belerica
Family:
Combretaceae
Seeds Seeds are directly chewed or
powdered and taken orally
Gastritis
Ph ton 505

6. 21. Bayer
**
Ziziphus jujuba
Lam.
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Roots and
fruits
Leaf
Roots are crushed and juice is
extracted and taken orally.
Fruits are directly chewed
Crushed leaf paste is applied
over eye
Gastritis,
Dysentery and
diarrhea
Conjunctivitis
22. Bel
***
Aegle marmelos
Family: Rutaceae
Leaf
Fruit
One leaf is chewed in 1st day.
Two leaves are chewed in 2nd
day and thus number of leaf is
gradually increased by one up
to 7 days.
Leaves are crushed and mixed
with guava and lemon juice and
finally decocted
Powder fruits are mixed with
honey and taken orally or jelly
part is extracted and taken with
honey
Diabetes
Chronic cough
and common
cold
Dysentery and
diarrhea
23. Belauti
**
Psidium guajava
Family: Myrtaceae
Bark
Leaf
Crushed bark juice is taken
orally
Leaves are boiled and steam is
inhaled
Diarrhea
Sinusitis
24. Beshar
********
Curcuma longa
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Roots and
rhizomes
Juice of roots and rhizomes is
taken orally or cooked as soup
Crushed powder is mixed with
mustard oil and applied topically
Crushed powder is taken with
hot water
Juice is taken orally two times a
day
Fever and cold
Wounds and
cuts
Stomach ache
Joint and
backbone pain
25. Bethey Chenopodium album
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Whole
plant
Juice or cooked whole plant is
orally taken twice daily
Anthelmentics,
anemia
26. Bhadeykur
o
**
Achyranthes aspera
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Leaf
Seeds
Crushed leaf is rounded
intosmall balls and kept in
infected teeth
Crushed seeds are mixed with
dunk insect and one spoon is
taken daily
Tooth ache,
dental carries
Rabies
27. Bhalayo Semecarpus
anacardium
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Fruits and
oils
Fruits are cooked with milk and
taken two times a day
Arthritis,
bleeding and
anthelmintic
28. Bhalo
teju**
Bark Crushed bark juice is taken
orally
Jaundice
29. Bhodereyj
amun
Leaf Dried leaf is smoked as
cigarette
Sinusitis
30. Bhringiraj Eclipta alba
Family: Asteraceae
Whole
plant
Extracted juice is mixed with
water and taken orally.
Extracted juice is mixed with oil
and applied over hair
Jaundice,
Hair fall
31. Bhuiamala
*****
Phyllanthus urinaria
Family:
Phyllanthaceae
Whole
plant
Extracted juice is taken orally or
dried powder can be taken with
water
Whole plant is rubbed over
body
Viral fever and
gastritis
Jaundice
32. Bilagar Bark Paste of bark is applied over
broken part
Broken bones
33. Birey Whole
plant
Extracted juice is applied
topically
Scabies and
skin disorder
34. Biskabrey
***
Whole
plant
The whole plant is crushed and
paste is applied over wounds
and cuts
Cuts, wounds
and boils
Ph ton 506

7. 35. Bojo
**********
Acorus calamus
Family: Acoraceae
Roots Crushed root is taken orally
Small piece of root is chewed
Common cold,
cough and
throat pain
Tooth ache
36. Bokaino Melia azadircha
Family: Meliaceae
Roots Juice taken with water Stomachache
37. Chamcur Lepidium sativum
Family: Cruciferae
Whole
plant
The plant is cooked as
vegetable
Back bone
pain
38. Cheraito
**
Swertia chirata
Family: Gentianacea
Whole
plant
Extracted juice is taken orally
Dried and powdered whole
plant is wetted for 10 min in
water before administration
Fever and
typhoid
Malaria
39. Chetachin
ki
Nyctanthes
arbortristis
Family: Oleaceae
Stem Stem juice is taken orally Typhoid
40. Chitrak Plumbago zeylania
Family:
Plumbaginaceae
Stem Dried and powdered stem is
taken orally
Digestive
41. Chutro
***
Berberis aristata
Family:
Berberidaceae
Bark Juice (crushed and boiled in
water) is applied to eyes two
drops daily
Conjunctivitis
42. Dalchini Cinnamomum
zeylanicum
Family: Lauracea
Leaf Leaves are directly chewed Stomachache
43. Dhamilo Stem ,
Bark
Juice is mixed with garlic and
mustard oil
Snake bite
44. Dhaturo Dhatura metel
Family: Solanaceae
Seeds,
Leaf
Crushed, powdered and applied
over painful area.
Extracted juice is applied over
head.
Body pain,
louse and
germs in head
45. Dhayero Woodfordia fruticosa
Family: Lythaceae
Flower Powdered flower is taken orally
or applied over wounds
Diarrhea, cuts
and wounds
46. Dhudejhar
**
Hemidesmus indicus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Leaf
Extracted juice is applied as
drops over cuts
Paste leaf is administered over
affected area
Cuts and
wounds
Gout
47. Dhunge
phul/
pakhanbet
h
*****
Bergina ligulata
Family:
Saxifragaceae
Roots and
rhizomes
Powdered roots and rhizomes
are taken with water
Gastric
problem,
menstrual
disorder and
kidney stone
48. Dornapus
pi
**
Leucas cephalotes F
amily: Lamiaceae
Whole
plant
Three plants are crushed with
three chills and honey to make
juice and taken three days in
empty stomach
Typhoid and
malaria
49. Dubdebey Garuga pinnata
Roxb.
Family: Burseraceae
Bark Paste of bark is applied over
cuts and wound
Wounds and
cuts
50. Dubo
***
Cynodon dactylon
Family: Graminae
Roots
Whole
plant
Crushed root is applied over
hair
Crushed and juice taken orally
Hair fall, cuts
and wound
Jaundice
51. Gaglato Roots Extracted jelly part is applied
over broken parts and tied with
clothes
Broken bones
52. Gahat
**
Dolichos biflorus
Family:
Leguminosae
Seeds Crushed seeds are mixed with
water or directly cooked as dal
and taken orally
Kidney stone
and cold
53. Gaga
purney
Whole
plant
Plant juice is applied as drops
over eyes, snake bite area or
taken orally
Snake bite
54. Galeno Roots Dried roots are grinded with rice
to make bread and taken with
sugarcane
Arthritis
Ph ton 507

8. 55. Ganegurg
o
*******
Tinospora cordifolia
(wild.) miers.
Family:
Menispermaceae
Fruits
Roots
Stem
Fruits are directly consumed as
raw or can be dried and
consumed
Crushed root juice is taken
orally
Decocted powder is taken twice
daily
Gastritis
Severe
stomach ache,
headache and
AIDS
(increase
immunity
power)
Diabetes,
anemia and
gout
56. Ghangath
ey
--- Whole
plant
Paste is applied overwound Wounds
57. Ghanti
phul
Hibiscus
rosasinensis
Family: Malvaceae
Flower Paste is applied over head Headache
58. Ghiraula Luffa acutagula
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Fruits Fruits are kept near the back
neck. If person cries then it is
conform that snake has bitten
Diagnosis of
snake bite
59. Ghortabre
y
*******
Centella asiatica
Family:
Mackinlayaceae
Whole
plant
Plant juice is taken orally Typhoid,
constipation
and jaundice
60. Gheukumr
i
********
Aloe vera
Family: Liliaceae
Leaf Jelly part is extracted and
applied over burned and cut
body parts or directly eaten as
juice
Burns and
cuts, gastric
problem, skin
disease,
burning
sensation of
foot, jaundice
and high blood
pressure
61. Golchini Bark Crushed bark juice is taken
orally
Stomachache
62. Gurash
***
Rhododendron
arboretum
Family: Ericaceae
Flower Dried, crushed, powdered and
taken with hot water
Dysentery,
stomachache
and hepatic
disorder
63. Hajari phul Tagetes erecta
Family: Asteraceae
flower Paste is applied over head Headache
64. Hanuman
jhar
Leaf Crushed leaf is applied over
cuts and wounds as juice
Cuts and
wounds
65. Harro ***** Terminalia chebula
Family:
Combretaceae
Fruits,
seeds
Fruits and seeds are directly
chewed
Powdered fruits and seeds are
taken orally with water
Gastritis,
Cough and
spasm
Viral fever
66. Hing Ferula narthex
Family: Apiaceae
Jelly part Jelly part is mixed with other
edible things and taken orally
Gastritis
(Contraindicat
ed to pregnant
women)
67. Jabuno
********
Syzygium cumini
Family: Myrtacea
Bark
Seeds
Dried, crushed and juice with
water is taken orally
Crushed and powdered seeds
are mixed with fruit juice and
10-20 ml is taken orally or dried
powder (two spoon s) is
consumed daily.
Dysentery and
stomachache
Diabetes
68. Jaifal Myristica fragrans
Family:
Myristicaceae
Fruits Powder fruit is taken orally with
water
Constipation
and pain
69. Jamajitey
*****
Achyranthes aspera
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Roots Root juice is taken orally Stomach pain,
carminative ,
typhoid ,
kidney stone
and jaundice
Ph ton 508

9. 70. Jamara** Triticum aestivum
Family: Graminee
Whole
plant
Dried plant is burned and
smoke is inhaled.
The plant is cultivated in dark
room and harvested at 8th day,
crushed, mixed with water,
filtered and taken orally (plant is
kept in sunlight for an hour
daily)
Sinusitis
Liver cirrhosis,
skin cancer
and cancer
71. Jata masi Nardostachys
jatamansi
Family:Valrianaceae
Roots Dried powder (2-4 gm) is taken
orally
Root is kept in water for whole
night and the liquid is taken in
the morning
Insomnia and
headache
72. Jireykhurs
ani
Capsicum
frutescens
Family: Solanaceae
Fruits Crushed fruit paste is applied
over the snake bite area and
few drops are entered through
inflamed area.
Prevention of
flow of poison
73. Jira** Cuminium cyminum
Family: Apiaceae
Seeds
Powdered seeds are taken
orally
Gastritis
74. Jwano Trachyspermum
ammi
Family: Apiaceae
Fruits Powder fruits are mixed with hot
water and taken two or three
times a day
Stomach ache
75. Kachur Curcuma zedoaria
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Root Crushed and made juice Diarrhea
76. Kafal*** Myrica nagi
Family: Myricaceae
Bark Bark powder is taken orally,
smelled or applied over wounds
Carminative,
common cold,
wounds and
cuts
77. Kagati*****
**
Citrus aurantifolia
Family: Rutaceae
Fruits Fruit juice is mixed with honey
and taken orally or boiled and
steam is inhaled
Hot lemon sponging
Vomiting,
anemia, cough
and common
cold
Headache
78. Kal juro Leaf
Seeds
Leaves and seeds can be
directly chewed
Cough and
diarrhea
79. Kalo jira Bunium persicum
Family: Apiaceae
Fruits Fruit juice is taken orally Anthelmintic
80. Kalo
beshar***
Roots and
rhizomes
Juice is taken orally Gastritis and
stomachache
81. Kamal**** Nelumbo nucifera
Family:
Nelumbonaceae
Whole
plant and
roots
Roots
Juice is extracted and taken
orally
Juice is taken orally
Jaundice
Fever and
stomachache
82. Kapur Dryobalanops
Aromatic
Family:
Dipterocarpaceae
Fruits Frits are kept in mouth Tooth ache
83. Kash Saccharum
spontaneum
Family: Poaceae
Roots Crushed juice taken orally with
water
Kidney stone
84. Karela
***
Momordia charantia
Family:
Cucurbitacea
Leaf Half glass of crushed juice is
mixed with one glass of curd
and taken orally for two days
and after three days, it is
repeated for four days and this
is continued for one month.
Leaf juice is directly taken or
cooked as vegetables
Kidney stone
Diabetes
85. Katarey
jhaar
Argemone mexicana
Family:
Papaveraceae
Roots Juice is extracted and taken
orally
Jaundice
86. Kera
***
Musa paradisiacal
Family: Musaceae
Unripe
fruits
Sliced pieces are dried,
powdered and taken with water
Anemia
87. Khayer Acacia catechu Bark Crushed powder, taken with Sinusitis, chest
Ph ton 509

10. Family: Fabaceae
Stem
water
Powder mixed with water and
gargled
pain and joint
pain
Oral problem
88. Khurshani Capsicum annum
Family: Solanaceae
Fruits Fruits are mixed with
vegetables
Common cold
89. Kush Desmostachya
bipinnata
Family: Poaceae
Roots Decocted water 50-100ml, cold
infusion 50-100ml for 3-4 times
a day, paste over infected area
Dysuria
90. Kutaj Holarrhena
antidysenterica
Family:
Apocynaceae
Bark and
seeds
Powder taken with boiled and
cool water
Dysentery and
diarrhea
91. Lagerey
gurgo **
Tinospora cordifolia
Family:
Meninspermaceae
Whole
plant
Juice taken orally Body heat
92. Lajjabati Mimosa pudica
Family: Fabaceae
Whole
plant
Roots
Juice is extracted and taken 2-3
times a day or administered
over cut area
Crushed root juice is taken
orally
Diarrhea, cuts
and wounds
UTI
93. Lasun
**
Allium sativum
Family: Liliaceae
Whole
plant
Roots
Plant is added to vegetables,
cooked and taken orally
Root paste is taken orally or
administered over painful areas
or joints.
Digestive
Pain, pimples
and
applied over
ringworms
94. Lauka Lagenaria siceraria
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Fruits Crushed fruit juice is taken
orally
Jaundice
95. Lodhi
**
Symplocos
paniculata
Family:
Symplocaceae
Bark Crushed bark juice is taken
twice daily orally
Jaundice
96. Lwang
**
Syzygium
aromaticum
Family: Myrtaceae
Fruits Fruits are dried and kept in
tooth for an hour
Cotton is dipped in extracted oil
and applied in tooth and mouth
Tooth ache
and oral
problem
97. Marich Piper nigrum
Family: Piperaceae
Fruits Powder fruits are mixed in tea
or hot water
Common cold
and cough
98. Methi
****
Trigonella foenum
Family: Fabaceae
Whole
plant
Seeds
Dried powder or crushed juice is
taken orally or directly chewed
for 10 days
Seeds are kept in hot mustard
oil and massaged over body
Diabetes and
dry cough
Body pain
99. Mothey** Cyperus rotundus
Family: Cyperaceae
Roots Roots are directly chewed or
boiled in water. Roots can be
cooked and hot juice is taken
orally
Gastritis, fever
and diarrhea
100. Mula** Raphanus sativus
Family:
Brassicaceae
Roots Root is orally taken as raw or
extracted juice is taken orally
Gastritis,
jaundice and
digestive
101. Nirgundi
**
Vitex negundo
Family: Lamiaceae
Whole
plant
Leaf
Crushed paste is locally applied
Powder leaf is taken orally or
paste is applied topically
Edema and
pain
Arthritis and
scabies
102. Neem
*******
Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Stem
Leaf
Stem is directly used or orally
taken as juice.
Leaves are crushed and mixed
with water for bathed or juice is
taken orally
Tooth
problems, oral
problem, skin
disease and
headache
Fever,
common cold,
fever, diabetes
and blood
Ph ton 510

11. purification
103. Padam
chalno
Rheum australe
Family:
Polygonaceae
Bark Powdered bark is mixed with
water and wound is covered
with the resulting paste
Wounds and
cuts
104. Pakhenbet
h
Bergeni ligulata
Family:
Saxifragaceae
Root and
rhizomes
Powdered root and rhizomes
are taken with hot water
Gastritis
105. Palash
***
Butea monosperma
Family: Fabaceae
Flower,
Whole
plant
Crushed plant material is mixed
with water and taken orally
Jaundice and
anthelmintic
106. Palungo Spinacea oleracea
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Whole
plant
Juice is taken 2 -3 times a day
or taken as vegetable
Anemia
107. Parijat
****
Nyctanthes arbor
Family: Oleaceae
Leaf
Apex
Flower
Leaf juice (10-20 ml) is taken
orally or dried powder is used.
Leaves are wetted with water
for whole night and that water is
taken in morning
Flowers are boiled in water and
juice is taken orally
Malaria
Diabetes
Fever,
headache and
jaundice
108. Parsa Roots Juice is taken orally Pain
109. Pati
****
Artemisia vulgaris
Family: Asteraceae
Leaf
Stem
Crushed leaf is administered
over skin
Juice is gargled
Burning
sensation of
skin, scabies
and boils
Oral problem
110. Pittapapad
a
Fumaria vaillantii
Family:
Fumariaceae
Whole
plant
Decocted water is taken 4-5
times a day
Fever and
dehydration
111. Pipal Ficus religiosa
Family: Moraceae
Roots Powder root is mixed with Pinus
ponderosa root powder
Tuberculosis
112. Pipla
***
Piper longum
Family: Piperaceae
Root Root is cooked in water or
directly chewed or mixed with
bheli********
Asthma,
cough, and
chronic fever
113. Pseudo Euphorbia neriifolia
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Stem Jelly part is extracted and mixed
with cow dunk and taken orally
Typhoid
114. Pudina*** Menthe spicata
Fmily: Lamiaceae
Leaf Leaves are crushed, cooked as
pickles or taken as raw
Body heat,
dysuria and
spasm
115. Puner
nawa***
Boerrhavia diffusa
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Stem and
leaf
Whole
plant
Crushed plant materials is
mixed with 100ml water and
taken orally
Juice is taken orally
Jaundice and
gastritis
Dysuria and
edema
116. Putlati Family:
Lomariopsidaceae
Roots Juice is taken orally Typhoid
117. Rai
brishya
Brassica juncea
Family:
Brassicaceae
Ripe fruits Jelly red liquid is kept in water
for whole night and taken in
morning
Jaundice
118. Raktey
mula
**
Roots Juice is mixed with water and
taken orally
Stomach ache
and diarrhea
119. Raato
Chyaau
Ganoderma
applanatum
Family:
Ganodermataceae
Whole
plant
The plants are heated , crushed
and juice is extracted and taken
orally
Ear pain
120. Rohini Mallotus
philippinensis
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Bark Juice is mixed with water and
taken orally
Gastritis
121. Rudrelo
***
Leaf and
apex
Crushed plant parts is taken as
juice or decocted juice is taken
Typhoid and
common cold
122. Rukhdudi Bark Bark is cooked in water and Malaria
Ph ton 511

12. taken as small balls
123. Sadan Bark Crushed bark is taken orally as
juice
Diarrhea
124. Sajh Terminalia
tomentosa
Family:
Combretaceae
Leaf Crushed leaf is used during
bath as dilute juice
Dandruff
125. Sarpagan
dha****
Rauwolfia
serpentina
Family:
Apocynaceae
Roots Powder (125-25mg) is taken per
day
Powder mixed with ghee or milk
is taken orally
Hypertension
psychosis and
insomnia
Insomnia
126. Saur Betula alnoides
Family: Betulaceae
Bark Crushed juice is taken orally. Gastritis
127. Shrikhana Santalum album
Family: Santalaceae
Stem Dry powder is administered
over body or taken orally with
water
Dysuria
128. Simal Salmalia malabarica
Family:
Bombacaceae
Bark Crushed bark is mixed with
water and taken orally
Body heat
129. Sirish Albizzia lebbeck
Family: Fabaceae
Bark and
flower
Juice or dried powder is taken
orally before meal
Blood
purification
130. Sisno
*****
Urtica dioca
Family: Urticaceae
Whole
plant
Roots
Crushed and paste is applied
over skin. Crushed juice is
taken orally with plenty of water
One glass juice taken in empty
stomach in morning
Cuts , wounds,
broken hands
and boils
UTI, anemia,
kidney stone
and gall stone
131. Sissoo Dalbergia sissoo
Family: Fabaceae
Leaf Seven leaves are crushed and
mixed with soap and taken
orally
Dysentery
132. Sukmel Elettaria
cardamomum
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Fruits and
seeds
Powdered fruits and seeds are
mixed with cold water and taken
orally
Dysuria
133. Tatelo Oroxylum indicum
Family:
Bignoniaceae
Stem bark Juice is mixed with water and
taken orally or dropped at
wounds and cuts
Jaundice,
wounds and
cuts
134. Tori
***
Brassica nigra
Family:
Brassicaceae
Seeds Seed oil is mixed with water and
beshar
Oil is messaged over body
Wound
Body pain and
head massage
135. Tamatar Solanum
lycopersicum
Family: Solanaceae
Fruits Fruits are topically applied over
skin and area of insect bites
Skin burn and
insect bite
136. Teel Sesamum indicum
Family: Pedaliaceae
Seeds Powdered seeds are taken
orally (3-6gm) or oil is used to
messaged head and body part
Body pain,
menstrual pain
and hair fall
137. Timur
*****
Xanthoxylum
armatum
Family: Rutaceae
Fruits Fruits are grinded and mixed
with pickles or boiled and mixed
with salt and water
High blood
pressure,
cough,
common cold
and headache
138. Tulsi
******
******
Ocimun sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae
Leaf Leaves are directly chewed or
mixed with tea or water and
taken orally
Typhoid , oral
problem, mild
headache,
common cold
and fever
139. Ukhu
**
Saccharum
officinarum
Family: Poaceae
Stem Juice is mixed with ghee, boiled
and taken orally
Stomach ache,
gastritis and
jaundice
Ph ton 512

13. 140. Ulte
kado**
Roots Powdered roots are taken one
spoon daily or juice is mixed
with water and one glass is
taken daily
Stomach ache
and hepatic
disorder
141. Vakimlo*** Citrus maxima
Family: Rutaceae
Fruits Fruits are dried, powdered and
mixed with curd and taken orally
Dysentery and
Diarrhea
*indicates number of repetition.
Table 3: Lists of ailments treated by local medicinal plants in Dang district
Body part Ailments
Skin Wound problems (infections), wounds on skin, abrasions, skin swelling, boils, scabies,
cuts, burns and blisters, hair fall, dandruff and pimples
Heart Heart pain
Respiratory Sore throat, chest pain, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis
Neurological Neuropathy, depression, psychoses
Gastrointestinal Diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, stomachache, gastritis, helminthes, bile disorders,
constipation, stomach ache, hepatic disorder, piles and hemorrhoids
Orthopedic Broken bones, back pain, bone pain, joint pain, arthritis and gout
Blood Blood purification, menstrual disorders (heavy flow), menstrual pain, high blood
pressure, low blood pressure and anemia
Renal/ Urological Urinary tract infection, dysuria and kidney stone
Muscular Body massage, inflammation of body and body pain
ENT Conjunctivitis, ear pain, sinusitis, gingivitis, tooth pain, cough, cold, and tonsillitis
Pediatric Massage head of children
Other/ whole body/
Systemic
Fever, jaundice, headache, sweating, diabetes, cancer, snake bite, vitamin deficiency,
tonic, edema, dehydration, obesity, rabies, malaria, typhoid, louse and germs in head,
AIDS (increase immunity), snake bite (diagnosis), insomnia and insect sting
Conclusions
The information presented in this research is
collected from villagers from different
professions including farmers, service holders,
businessmen, and others (students, health
workers, traditional healers and teachers).
This study showed that the elderly persons/
traditional healers have greater knowledge
upon the utilization of medicinal plants in
comparison to younger generation. During the
study period, it was observed that people are
seeking help from the traditional healers when
their ailments were not cured by modern
medicines. Low socioeconomic status of the
people has also compelled them to rely on
traditional medicinal practices. The younger
generation of the society is found to use
ethnomedicines suggested by their parents.
But these people have less knowledge on
traditional medicines due to easy availability of
modern medicines. So, the knowledge and
experiences of the elderly people should be
documented before they are lost or
disappeared. During study, it was also
observed that the traditional healers do not
want to share information about medicinal
plants because they think that if they share
this information, the medicines will not work
properly. They only share information to their
sons or grandsons. The trend of disinterest of
young generation on ethnomedicines and
superstition of traditional healers will lead to
the deterioration of such knowledge. To
preserve these valuable natural resources, the
existing valuable information is needed to be
documented and therefore, strong emphasis
should be given for the documentation of
indigenous uses of medicinal plants, traditional
knowledge and practices.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thankful to the
Department of Pharmacy, State University of
Bangladesh, for providing necessary facilities
and constant encouragement.
Author’s Contribution
Author Shiva Kumar Bhandari performed the
field study, experiments and wrote the
protocol. Priyanka Shrestha helped in field
study. Author Sharmin Reza Choudhury
designed the study and managed the literature
searches; Author Tasnuva Sharmin and
Mohammad A. Rashid wrote the first draft of
the manuscript and performed the statistical
analysis.
References
Acharya, Deepak and Shrivastava Anshu:
Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations
and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar
Ph ton 513

14. Publishers Distributor, Jaipur / India 2008, ISBN
978-81-7910-252-7, p. 440.
LAD Williams, The Natural Products Unit of the
Scientific Research Council, West Indian Med J
2006; 55 (4): 215
"Nepal Census 2001". Nepal's Village Development
Committees. Digital Himalaya. Retrieved 6
December 2008.
Ripu M. Kunwar and Nirmal Adhikari,
Ethnomedicine of Dolpa district, Nepal:the plants,
their vernacular names and uses, Lyona 2005; 8
(1): 43-49.
Ph ton 514