Ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical uses of aquatic flora by local inhabitants of Gopalganj District, Bangladesh

Abstract

The current work was intended to carry out ethnomedicinal research of aquatic flora or hydrophytes in Gopalganj district, Bangladesh in order to gather evidence of its therapeutic benefits through conversations with the local residents and practitioners. Extensive empirical surveys were conducted on frequently to gather samples of aquatic plants and interviews with local inhabitants and herbalists were accomplished during November 2022 – November 2023. Documentation was done on the fundamentals of traditional applications of medicinal plant as well as their various ethnobotanical purposes. An aggregate of 60 plant species belonging to 33 families were identified as having ethnomedical uses in the treatment of various human illnesses and ailments, including skin conditions, asthma, gonorrhea, ulcers, stomach pain, and piles. These hydrophytes were found to play vital functions in material culture, agricultural purposes and ritual manners. Wetland resources, particularly those with ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical significance require care because the existence of these natural wetlands species is in jeopardy.