Abstract Detail

Physiological Section

Mollik, Md. Ariful Haque [1], Rahman, Fouzia [2], Azam, Md. Nur Kabidul [1], Ferdausi, Dilara [1], Rahman, Md. Taufiq-Ur [3], Rahman, Md. Mahafuzur [1], Jahan, Rownak [2], Rahmatullah, Mohammed [1], Khatun, Mst. Afsana [4].

Knowledge and use of plants for asthma by the Kavirajes in Khulna district of Bangladesh.

Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airways leading to bronchospasm, airflow obstruction, and underlying inflammation. An incidence of asthma is on the increase in both developing countries and the developed world because of the rise of environmental pollution, particularly the degradation for air quality because of increasing traffic exhausts. It has been estimated that in the developed countries, one out of four children in urban areas may suffer from asthma. The most widely used preventive medications are inhaled glucocorticoids. Long-term use of these medications can lead to serious side-effects. Since the numbers of asthmatic patients are on the rise in Bangladesh, we decided to conduct a survey amongst the traditional medicinal practitioners (Kavirajes) of Khulna district, Bangladesh to learn more about plants used to treat asthma. Since part of the Sunderbans forest region falls within this district Kavirajes have a huge diversity of plants at their disposal for treatment of various ailments. Interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and plant specimens as pointed out by the Kavirajes were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. It was observed during the course of the survey that the Kavirajes are well-aware of asthma and treat the ailment using formulations prepared from a number of plants. Unlike inhalers, these formulations are administered orally. The plants used to treat asthma (with family name given in parenthesis) included Richardia scabra L. (Rubiaceae Juss.), Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae Lindl.), Anisomeles malabarica (L.) R.Br. ex Sims (Lamiaceae Lindl.), Justicia candicans (Nees) L.D.Benson (Acanthaceae Juss.), Euphorbia antiquorum L. (Euphorbiaceae Juss.), Piper cubeba L.f. (Piperaceae Bercht. & J.Presl), Cycas revoluta Thunb. (Cycadaceae Persoon), Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae Juss.), and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asparagaceae Juss.). The above-mentioned plants may prove to be good sources for obtaining anti-asthmatic compounds, which has less or no side-effects. It is expected that scientific studies conducted with these plants can lead to discovery of novel drugs.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Development Alternative, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, 80 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
2 - University of Development Alternative, Molecular Medicine and Bioinformatics, 80 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
3 - University of Cambridge, Pharmacology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
4 - Lincoln College, Pharmacy, Mayang Plaza, Block A, No 1, Jalan SS 26/2, Taman Mayang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Kuala Lumpur, 47301, Malaysia

Keywords:
Asthma
Sunderbans
Plants
Kavirajes.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 30
Location: Westminster Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 9:05 AM
Number: 30004
Abstract ID:26