Abstract

This study presents findings derived from research on medicinally significant plants identified at Sadar Upazila of Madaripur District, Bangladesh. The data presented in this work were collected through field surveys carried out in the study area. Frequent field trips were carried out during November 2024 to April 2026 to recorded data by interviewing local people of various age groups, mostly ranging from 25 to 80 years, including traditional healers (herbalists). A total of 52 medicinal plant species belonging to 32 families and 49 genera were documented, which are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as digestive disorders, fever, asthma, respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, hair disease, headache, heart disease, toothache, ulcer, vomiting, itches, wounds, diabetes, and rheumatism. Local people’s deep reliance on these plants reflects rich indigenous knowledge shaped by socio-cultural traditions, economic conditions, and limited access to modern healthcare. However, this valuable knowledge is at risk due to rapid environmental changes, habitat loss, and reduced transmission of traditional practices to younger generations. The study emphasizes the urgent need for documentation, sustainable management, and conservation of medicinal plant resources. The findings provide a baseline for future phytochemical and pharmacological research that may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds.

Key words: Medicinal plants, Drug discovery, Madaripur district, Bangladesh