Ethno-Medicinal Survey of Plants Practiced by Tribal Traditional Healers for Common Health Problems in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ethno-medicinal knowledge provides valuable insights into the traditional use of medicinal plants by indigenous communities, tribal healers, and folk practitioners, which may contribute to healthcare practices and future drug discovery. This cross-sectional study aimed to document the ethno-medicinal practices of tribal traditional healers in Rangamati district, Bangladesh, focusing on the utilization of medicinal flora in managing common health problems. Data were collected from 20 tribal healers (19 Chakma and 1 Tripura) between January and April 2023 using a pre-tested semistructured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Purposive sampling was applied. Socio-demographic and practice-related data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, tabular, and graphical presentations. The mean age of respondents was 44.95 years, with 95% male participants, 90% from the Chakma tribe, and 95% residing in hilly areas. Most (60%) had secondary-level education, while agriculture was the primary occupation of 55% besides healing practices. The average monthly income was approximately BDT 30,000. A majority (60%) practiced from their own residence and acquired healing knowledge from senior gurus (60%). Locally available medicinal plants were widely used (85%), with formulations such as tablets/boti (80%) often prepared and directly provided to patients, of which 75% were purchased. The healers reported effectiveness in treating ailments such as jaundice, abdominal pain, gout, diabetes, and paralysis. Frequently cited plants included Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Momordica charantia, and Moringa oleifera. The findings focus the significant role of ethno-medicinal knowledge in primary healthcare among tribal populations of Rangamati. Documenting these practices provides a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers, while also encouraging the exploration of medicinal flora for drug discovery. Further ethno-botanical research with larger samples and laboratory validation of the cited plants is recommended to strengthen the integration of traditional practices into evidence-based healthcare.