Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 29(1): 109-128, 2022 (June) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v29i1.60452 © 2022 Bangladesh Association of Plant Taxonomists ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE COMMON FOREST OF RANGAMATI, BANGLADESH SAJIB RUDRA, MD. HELAL UDDIN CHOWDHURY, IMAM HOSSEN1, MD. KHONDAKAR RAZIUR RAHMAN1, MD. ARIF HOSSAIN1, MOHAMMAD OMAR FARUQUE* AND SHAIKH BOKHTEAR UDDIN* Ethnobotany and Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh Keywords: Ethnomedicinal; Traditional healers; Diversity indices; Phytosociological attributes and Village Common Forest. Abstract A total of 209 species were documented where 181 species were used against 379 diseases/ailments from a village common forest of Rangamati, Bangladesh. Leaves were reported as most utilized plant part while herbs were dominant. Diversity indices revealed that the study area was rich in diverse medicinal plants. Collected voucher specimens were deposited in the Chittagong University Herbarium with an accession number. Introduction Tropical evergreen forest constitutes approximately 52% of the world's forest regarding the conservation of biodiversity (Anbarashan and Parthasarathy, 2013; Baithalu et al.,2013). Moreover, there are also evidence that it might play a significant role in keeping global warming under 2oC in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (Griscom et al., 2017). However, because of overpopulation, rising biotic and abiotic disturbances, forests throughout the world are deteriorating into fragmented marshland and grassland resulting in biodiversity loss (Lindenmayer, 2009; Uddin et al., 2019). Bangladesh is a tropical land with natural forests 84% and 16% plantation, making up 2.253 million hectares of forest area with many forest kinds and notably wetlands, evergreen, semi- green, moist lagoon and mangrove forests (Jannat et al., 2018). Of them, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is the most biologically diverse place in the country, which covers 40% forest land and ensures 80% of the total biodiversity of the country (Mukul et al., 2012; Rahman et al., 2016). The indigenous communities of CHT have planned conserving their precious natural wealth according with their traditional strategy to resource management, called Mouza Reserves or Village Common Forest (VCF) (Chowdhury et al., 2019). This community based forest management such as VCF has mounting evidence of better management practices than public sector or government institutions facilitate by mutual interaction of developing organizations and researchers with lesser law enforcement agencies involvement (Balooni and Inoue, 2007; Santika et al., 2017; Vickers, 2017). Village Common Forests (VCF) are naturally rejuvenated, small forests with an extent between 20 and 120 acres that are commonly referred to as Para bon, Mouza bon, Reserve or Mouza reserve. The number of VCFs in the CHTs remained disputed, although it was found to be between 300 and 800 in literature (Islam et al., 2009; Saha, 2010). Where, each Mouza has a *Corresponding author: omf@cu.ac.bd 1Effective Creation on Human Opinion (ECHO), Chattogram, Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v29i1.60452 mailto:omf@cu.ac.bd 110 RUDRA et al. headman who was portrayed with management of the Mouza according to of 1900’s CHT regulation (Uddin et al., 2020). Indigenous people have deeper relationship with this Mouza management from time immemorial in a margin of 200 long more year times. From ancient era, this underprivileged people also profoundly reliable on forest resources for their medication system, yet they continue to be diagnosed with many of the most lethal diseases using natural resources. Several scholarly papers and recent research have mirrored these healthcare principles. For example, to cure 98 maladies, one study quantified 159 medicinal plants in 18 distinct locations of the Bandarban area, organized into 132 genera and 62 families (Faruque et al., 2018). Another research found that the Pangkhua people of Rangamati district targeted 117 plant species from 104 genera and 54 families as part of their remedial healthcare system (Faruque et al., 2019). 40 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were utilized by the Murong people of Khagrachari region to cure a wide range of illnesses (Kabir and Saha, 2014). Modern approaches have verified most of those uses, and some of them have gone through clinical trials to be used in current healthcare. More precisely, as compared to the present pharmaceutical system's "one target and one drug" strategy, this plant-based therapy has synergistic effects of ‘multi-target and multi- drug’ benefits (Guo et al., 2019; Rudra et al., 2020). As reflection those efficacies, these indispensable plants are conserved in their territory or surrounding areas or in VCF for their existence. But unfortunately, as a result of shifting cultivation and over-exploitation caused soil erosion, the government's strategy of settling lowland or plain land settlements, community ignorance and the disintegration of the traditional system; the quantity and quality of VCF has declined over time (Halim, 2007; Jashimuddin and Inoue, 2012). However, some of the light of successful VCF practices for the conservation of endangered species have been reported in China and Ethiopia namely village fengshui forest and Church forest (Hu et al., 2011; Wassie et al., 2010). Additionally, fresh water abundance, medicinal plants, timber, bamboo and cultural beliefs are some of the elements driving the preservation of VCFs (Baten et al., 2009). Taken together, we aim to provide a thorough documentation of the ethno-medicinal uses of medicinal plants found in VCFs in CHTs, and to determine the phytosociological diversity indices of those documented plants. Methodology Study area A VCF, Badalchori Vadi Sora under upazilla Barkal in Rangamati district at Bangladesh, is selected for the phytosociological diversity analysis of medicinal plants that traditionally used by ethnic people as their primary healthcare management (Fig. 1). Rangamati is home for a number of indigenous group namely Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, Tripura, Chak, Khumee, Luchei, Pankhoa, Riang, Khumi, Mro, Santal, Monipuri, Bome, Kheyang, Murang and others that constitutes 59.76% of total population where density of population is 101 per km2 (BBS, 2011). This district climatological properties is differ than country’s other district due to its geological position, whereas the temperature range from 34.60C to 13.40C with 3031mm of annual rainfall (Khatun et al., 2016). This VCF located in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh at 22° 56′ 1.386″N 92° 17′ 10.692″ E co-ordinates in Rangamati. Study framework and ethnobotanical documentation The diversity of ethno-medicinal plants was determined through quantitative analysis by stratified random sampling plots. Phytosociological characters of ethno-medicinal plant species were evaluated by using different quantitative indices. A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted to collect ethnobotanical information from informants. For the assessment of the ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 111 medicinal plants, stratified random sampling method was adopted. The VCF was split into three segments depending on three topographical placement categories namely bottom, mid, or top slope, and from each location five plots were selected. A total of 15 plots were generated in Badalchori Vadi sora VCF with 10 m × 10 m quadrat plot size. We studied a ‘Dictionary of Plant Fig. 1. Map of the study area. Names of Bangladesh' book and to examine plant nomenclature of the recorded species (Pasha and Uddin, 2013). In collaboration with local guides and a taxonomist, all the plant species were recognized along with plant habit types were scrupulously documented. Communities were interviewed in clusters or personally for ethnobotanical documentation followed by semi-structured question technique, and local kabiraj or boiddha (traditional healers) were tracked down to gather published pamphlets and therapeutic information regarding plants. http://www.plantlist.org 112 RUDRA et al. Market and checklist interview were therefore conducted to validate the precision of documentation delivered by the community members, as well as herbalists. The survey was directed from January, 2019 to November, 2019. Analytical framework for VCF Badalchori Vadai Sora VCFs were used to construct phytosociological characteristics and diversity matrices for each of the 15 plots. A number of phytosociological characteristics were computed. These included relative density (RD), relative frequency (RF), relative abundance (RA), and important value index (IVI). For determining the abundance, evenness, and richness of the species in the intended VCF study area, we considered four formulae related to diversity indices namely Shannon-diversity Wiener's index (H), Simpson's diversity index (D) and the species evenness index (E) (Table 1). Upon authentication, all plant species from the studied region were culled and processed for herbarium specimen following standard herbarium protocol and a voucher specimen of that species deposited in the Chittagong University Herbarium (CTGUH) across an accession number for future reference. Table 1. Statistical formula for phytosociological characteristics determinants and diversity indices. Attributes Equations Citations Variable interpretation Frequency (x) x= (Rudra et al., 2021) a= Number of members of a certain species in each plot b = the total number of plots examined c=total number of plots where the species is found. n=A species' population size is in number N=total number of individuals of all the species P = n/N S = total number of species Abundance (y) y= (Rudra et al., 2021) Relative Density (RD) RD = × 100 (Dallmeier et al., 1992) Relative Frequency (RF) RF = ∑ × 100 (Dallmeier et al., 1992) Relative Abundance (RA) RA = ∑ × 100 (Shukla and Chandel 2000) Importance Value Index (IVI) IVI = RD + RF + RA (Rudra et al., 2021) Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) H = - ∑ Pi (ln Pi) (Hill, 1973) Simpson diversity index (D) D = ∑ Pi2 (Colwell, 2009, Colwell et al., 2012) Species evenness index (E) E = ( ) (Pielou, 1966) Results and Discussion Biodiversity and their uses medicinal plants A thorough out exploration of Badalchori Vadi Sora revealed the presence of a huge number of diversify medicinal plants with enlisting their uses as remedial to variable ailments. A total of 209 plant species were documented from the studied area. Of them, medicinal plant species were 181 species divided into 145 genera and 65 families. Their phytosociological attributes notably relative density (RD), relative frequency (RF), relative abundance (RA) and importance value index (IVI) as well as plants conservation status, habits, plant parts used for the treatment and their application was elucidated in Table 2. ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 113 Table 2. Enumeration of medicinal plant species identified from Badalchori Vadi Sora Village Common Forests (VCFs) in Rangamati District, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. Malvaceae-S CUHB 021 Mushakdana Huney gach (Ch) 0.73 0.53 0.98 2.25 NE Urinary trouble, itches, anemia, asthma, cold fever, cough, embryopathy, headache, pneumonia, tonsillitis Achyranthes aspera L. Acanthaceae-S CUHB 025 Apang Uvolengra (Ch) 1.25 1.07 0.83 3.15 NE Gastritis, pneumonia, in bites of poisonous animal, jaundice, urinary trouble, abortion, Asthma, carbuncle, bronchitis, constipation, cough, diabetes, epistaxis, gastric tumor, gout, gynecological disease, hook worm infestation, hysteria, ill health, lipoma, liver cancer, lumps in the throat, painful micturition, pneumonia, respiratory troubles, steatorrhea, tuberculosis Acmella alba (L’Hér.) R.K.Jansen asteraceae-H CUHB 023 Sada acmellara Hada ajon-sag (Ch) 0.37 0.27 0.98 1.61 NE Toothache, throat and dental infections, leucorrhoea Actephila excelsa (Dalzell) Müll.Arg. Phyllanthaceae-T CUHB 024 Lalsa Saitalofang (Ch) 0.04 0.27 0.1 0.4 LC Abortion, fever, indigestion Adiantum philippense L. Adianthaceae-H CUHB 022 Kalijhat Kalijhat 5.62 2.13 1.87 9.63 NE Febrile convulsion, lipoma, ophthalmia, dysentery, ulcers, erysipelas, burning sensation, epileptic fits, strangury, fever Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. Asteraceae-H CUHB 026 Fulkuri Monimuizza Kher (Ch) 0.88 0.53 1.17 2.59 NE Dysmenorrhea, leishmaniasis, stops bleeding, fever, epistaxis, malaria, hyperacidity, bruise, eczema, gastric ulcer, headache, hysteria, jaundice, leucorrhoea, tumor dysmenorrhea, piles, cough, sterility, vertigo, gastritis Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. Mimosaceae-T CUHB 035 Chakua koroi Sakko gach (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.1 0.7 NE Menostaxis, cuts, scabies, skin diseases Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. Mimosaceae-H CUHB 029 Jat koroi Choipang (Ma) 0.29 0.27 0.78 1.34 LC Insecticide, ulcers, intestinal worms, anal fissure, leprosy Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) G.Don Araceae-H CUHB 030 Bishkachu Bijkachu (Ch) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 NE Abdominal pain, asthma, colic, gastric tumor, leukoderma, paralysis, rheumatism Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.) Roscoe Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 031 Amli elach Bringblei (Tr) 0.7 0.27 1.86 2.82 DD Sores, stomachache, indigestion Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) B.L.Burtt Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 032 Tara Krenga (Ch) 1.25 0.8 1.11 3.16 LC Vomiting, jaundice, gastric ulcers, lumbago, rheumatism, bronchitis, dyspepsia, impotence Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 033 Bara elachi Kom hing (Mu) 1.03 1.87 0.39 3.3 DD Rheumatic pain, fever 114 RUDRA et al. Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Apocyanaceae-T CUHB 034 Satim Sesna (Ch) 0.29 0.27 0.78 1.34 LC Jaundice, dysentery, gallstone, helminthiasis, paralysis ulcers, rheumatism, constipation, lipoma, remitting fever, stomachache, rheumatoid arthritis, Amischotolype mollissima (Blume) Hassk. Commelinaceae-H CUHB 027 Molisima Boro annul ludi (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Malarial fever, epilepsy, hyperacidity, traumatic injury Amomum aromaticum Roxb. Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 036 Lobongo elachi Pada gro (Ma) 0.11 0.27 0.2 0.67 NE Shoulder ache, enteric disease, intestinal difficulties, indigestion, vomiting, biliousness, bowels Amomum subulatum Roxb. Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 037 Barolock Dhewtara (Ch) 0.29 0.53 0.39 1.22 DD Cough, vomiting Amorphophallus bulbifer (Roxb.) Blume Araceae-H CUHB 038 Jongle-ol Chung-moro (Ma) 0.26 0.53 0.34 1.13 NE Insect bite, warts Angiopteris evecta (G.Horst)Hoffn. Marattiaceae-F CUHB 039 Baro dheki gaith (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Carbuncle, lipoma, liver cancer, seminal emission, foot wound, arthritis, blood cancer, beriberi Angiopteris helferiana C.Presl Marattiaceae-F CUHB 078 Raj dheki Dheki gaith (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Dysentery, infection, scabies, muscle pain Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng. Euphorbiaceae-S CUHB 079 Banshialbuka Gang prejang (Ch) 0.15 0.53 0.2 0.88 LC Heart disease, coughs, syphilis, gonorrhea, high blood pressure Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R.Parker Meliaceae- T CUHB 080 Pitraj Okhyyang (Ma) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 LC Astringent, liniment, rheumatism, tumor, abdominal complaints, spleen in liver, ulcers Ardisia colorata Roxb. MYRSINACEAE-H CUHB 081 Bangla oak Nagal-sun-born (Ma 0.44 0.53 0.59 1.56 NE Diarrhoea, cough, poultice for rheumatism or lumbago, liver diseases Argyreia splendens (Roxb.) Convolvulaceae-C CUHB 082 Chottorupatola So Kra Pong (Ma) 0.29 0.53 0.39 1.22 NE Ulcers, rheumatism Aristolochia tagala Cham. Aristolochaceae-C CUHB 083 Harin-kan shak Paranga ludi (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Abdominal pain, Rheumatic pain, tumors, fever, dysentery, snake bite, traumatic pain Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Euphorbiaceae-T CUHB 084 Lotkon Kusumgula (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.1 0.7 NE Gastric ulcer, diarrhea, jaundice, ureterolithiasis, flatulence Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss Poaceae-H CUHB 085 Kanta bans Bhaijjya bacchuri (Ch) 1.03 0.53 1.37 2.93 NE Laxative, diseases of blood, leukoderma, inflammation, strangury, cough, cold, consumption, asthma, emmenagogue, bleeding Begonia roxburghii (Miq.) A.DC. Begoniaceae-H CUHB 086 Gonirakto Khartetoi (Ch) 0.74 0.53 0.98 2.25 NE Tongue abnormalities, Jaundice, dysentery ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 115 Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC. Asteraceae-H CUHB 087 Barakukshima Monimujja kher (Ch) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 NE Rheumatism, bone fracture, dropsy, cholera, fever Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud. Urticaceae-S CUHB 130 Kankhura Urmuru gaith (Ch) 1.95 2.4 0.58 4.92 NE Wound, septic abscess Bombax ceiba L. Bombaceae-T CUHB 131 Shimul Lakh Pine (Ma) 0.04 0.27 0.1 0.4 LC Leucorrhoea, fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, menorrhagia and cough, biliousness, impotence, emetic Bridelia stipularis (L.) Blume Euphorbiaceae-T CUHB 132 Harinhara Bangaribhanga gaas (Ch) 0.44 1.07 0.29 1.8 LC Allergies, amoebic dysentery, chest pain, constipation, diarrhoea, leukoderma, strangury Brownlowia elata Roxb. Tiliaceae-T CUHB 133 Moss Mos gach (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.1 0.7 NE Poisonous insect sting, diarrhea, syphilis Byttneria pilosa Roxb. Sterculiaceae-C CUHB 134 Harjora lata Ludi sola (Ch) 0.68 0.8 0.55 1.98 NE Bone fracture, boils, scabies, dandruff, lice infestation, rheumatalgia, snake bite, syphilis Caesalpinia digyna Rottler Caesalpiniaceae-C CUHB 135 Kochoi Ketrang shak (Ch) 0.26 0.53 0.34 1.13 NE Phthisis, scrupulous affections, conjunctivitis, lipoma Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Verbenaceae-T CUHB 136 Bormala Banitak (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.1 0.7 LC Diarrhoea, bone fracture, worm, gout, epilepsy, fever, gingivitis, ill health, malaria, menorrhea, rheumatism Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin Vitaceae-S CUHB 137 Amol lata Lodi mallang (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Heart disease, abdominal pain, fever Cheilocostus speciosus (J.König) C.Specht Costaceae-H CUHB 138 Kemak Ketoki (Ch) 1.62 2.13 0.54 4.29 LC Boils, paralysis, seminal emission, headache, osteoarthritis, stomachache, itch, snake bite, skin diseases, contraceptive, otitis, rabies, stomachache, jaundice, menstrual disorder, urinary inflammation, paralysis, fever, cough, dyspepsia, worms, skin diseases, rheumatism, food poisoning, Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. Asteraceae-S CUHB 139 Assamlota Mugujuher (Ch) 0.74 0.53 0.98 2.25 NE Cut, general weakness, wound, gastric ulcer, bleeding, narcotic, influenza, flatulence, fever, diabetes, poisonous insect sting, painful micturition Cissus javanica DC. Vitaceae-C CUHB 140 Rangila lata Sugor amila (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.2 0.54 NE Boils, flatulence, liver cancer, mental disorder, snake bite Cissus pentagona (Roxb.) Lawson Vitaceae-C CUHB 141 Panchkona lata Harsanga (Ma) 0.66 0.53 0.88 2.07 NE Skin disease, elephantiasis, filaria Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. Verbenaceae-S CUHB 142 Ghelu bhat Bake pata (Ch) 1.87 1.33 0.997 4.2 NE Stomachache, dysentery, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, scabies, toothache, gastric ulcers 116 RUDRA et al. Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott Araceae-H CUHB 143 Kochu Billo hugu (Ch) 6.32 2.13 2.1 10.6 LC Bleeding, bone fracture, poisonous insect sting, tonsillitis, styptic, stimulant, rubefacient, athlet’s foot, bleeding from cuts, tumours, ulcerated polyp, cancer of nose and warts, laxative, piles, congestion of the portal system and alopecia Commelina benghalensis L. Commelinaceae-H CUHB 006 Dholpata Batbattey shak(Ch) 0.74 0.27 1.95 2.96 LC Blistery, demulcent, refrigerant, laxative, emollient, leprosy, otitis media suppurativa, sores, snake-bite Commelina diffusa Burm.f. Commelinaceae-H CUHB 007 Monayna kanshira Kanaiya aga (Ma) 0.55 0.27 1.46 2.28 LC Anemia, boils, carbuncle, hordeolum, emetic, laxative, itchy spots, sores, swellings, burns, itches, leucorrhoea, urinary burning, cold, ulcer, gonorrhea Commelina erecta L. Commelinaceae-H CUHB 00 Pitagola (Ch)8 Khata jatkhanshira Haniya ludi (Ch) 0.37 0.27 0.97 1.61 LC Acne, otitis media, rheumatic arthritis, scabies, weight loss Crateva magna (Lour.) DC. Capparaceae-T CUHB 011 Bonna Pitagola (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.1 0.7 NE Kidney and bladder stones, lipoma, asthma, cirrhosis, jaundice, piles, rheumatism, stomachache, fever, cholagogue, paralysis, demulcent, fever, vomiting. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Liliaceae-H CUHB 009 Talamuli Tam hap-cha (Mu) 4.56 2.13 1.51 8.2 NE Snake bites, menorrhagia, bitter, tonic, alterative, restorative, dysuria, leucorrhoea, menstrual derangements, piles, jaundice, ophthalmia, indigestion, aromatic, diarrhoea, diuretic, appetizer, colic, pain in the joints, demulcent, gonorrhea, skin diseases, asthma, whitlaws, sexual debility, useful in bronchitis Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Zingiberaceae-H CUHB 010 Jongli haldi Bon owldi (Ch) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 NE Tonic, carminative, appetizer, anthelmintic, blood purifier, applied to bruises, sprains, small pox, headache Cyanthillium patulum (Dryand. ex Dryand.) H.Rob. Asteraceae-H CUHB 012 Kukurshunga Dando uppon (Ch) 0.51 0.27 1.36 2.15 NE Conjunctivitis, asthma, diarrhea, herpes, fire burning, poliomyelitis, tetanus, tonsillitis, colic, gout, hysteria, liver cancer, meningitis, otitis media Cyathea gigantea (Wall. ex Hook.) Holttum Cyatheaceae-H CUHB 013 Baro brikkha fern Not known 0.29 0.27 0.78 1.34 NE Blood clotting, microbial infection, abscess formation Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. Orchidaceae-E CUHB 014 Tosabak Surimas (Ch, Ta) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 NE Jaundice, cut injury, lesion, tetanus, boils, gout, otitis media, febrifuge Dalbergia volubilis Roxb. Fabaceae-S CUHB 015 Ankilata Dandauphal (Ch) 0.51 1.07 0.34 1.92 NE Skin disease, urinary trouble, aphthae, sore throat, gonorrhoea, gastritis Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxb.) C.E.C.Fisch. Orchidaceae-E CUHB 016 Fasiariam Layning (Ch) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 LC Abnormal head structure, gout, rheumatism ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 117 Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr. Fabaceae-S CUHB 017 Gorachand Tardirmaton (Ch) 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 NE Measles, rheumatism, paralysis Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. Fabaceae-S CUHB 018 Chalani Bormajal (Ch) 0.55 0.27 1.46 2.28 NE Tumors, worm, skin disease, burning sensation, headache, mental disorder, oedema, asthma, piles, fever, typhoid, bronchitis, dysentery, diarrhoea, biliousness, cough Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. Fabaceae-S CUHB 019 Karpo modi Koo-shey-dung (Ra) 0.44 0.27 1.17 1.88 NE Fainting, convulsion, tonic, cough, Bone fracture, gastric tumor, hysteria, rheumatism Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. Fabaceae-S CUHB 020 Kataliya Bormajal (Ma) 0.44 0.27 1.17 1.88 NE Jaundice Desmos chinensis Lour. Annonaceae-T CUHB 051 Sotoyalang Epey harang (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.09 0.7 NE Vertigo, diarrhea, dysentery Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees Acanthaceae-H CUHB 052 Klitera Kaladharu (Ch) 0.51 0.27 1.36 2.15 NE Gout, rheumatism, tuberculosis Dillenia indica L. Dilleniaceae-T CUHB 053 Chalta Ulu (Ch) 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 LC Cough, cold, dyspepsia, fever and purgative, lipoma, diarrhoea, dysentery, astringent, abortion, hair fall, spermatorrhoea, general weakness, septic sore, traumatic injury, food poisoning Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscoreaceae-C CUHB 054 Banalu Mo alu (Ch) 0.85 1.07 0.56 2.47 NE Vasicatories, bronchitis, tonic, diarrhoea, stomachic, expectorant, anthelmintic, piles, dysentery, asthma, astringent to the bowels, dyspepsia, syphilis, urinary discharges, leukoderma, aphrodisiac, ulcers Dioscorea pentaphylla L. Dioscoreaceae-C CUHB 055 Jum alu Jhunjhuma lata (Ch) 0.33 0.53 0.44 1.3 NE Rheumatism, pains, jaundice, tonic, swelling, lice, dropsy, anasarca Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn Dipterocarpaceae-T CUHB 056 Garjan Var-lawng (Lu) 0.07 0.53 0.09 0.7 VU Jaundice, carbuncle, tetanus, pyemia, lesion, fever, otitis media, cut injury Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Asteraceae-H CUHB 057 Kesuti Kalahuna (Ch) 0.51 0.27 1.36 2.15 LC Brain and hair tonic, Female disease, rheumatic fever, boils, jaundice, burning wound, foot mud sore, gout, irregular menstruation, leprosy, pneumonia, vertigo, bronchitis, asthma, leukoderma, anemia, itching, night blindness Elatostema sesssile J.R.Forst. & J.G.Forst. Urticaceae-S CUHB 058 Sessijhara Shilajhar (Ch) 0.11 0.27 0.29 0.67 NE Abdominal disorders, body ache, boils, pimples 118 RUDRA et al. Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae-H CUHB 059 Ghaopata Dutta ludi (Ch) 0.51 0.27 1.36 2.15 NE bowel complaints, helminthiasis, cough, asthma, dysentery, cuts, abdominal pain, diarrhea, chronic bronchitis, otitis, pneumonia, sore on breast, hemostatic, abscesses, inflamed glands, ulcers, edemas, phlegmons, narcotic, fever, amoebiasis Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. Convolvulaceae-H CUHB 060 Bhuiokra Joinka ludi (Ch) 0.22 0.27 0.58 1.07 NE Painful micturition, ureterolithiasis, gall stone, kidney stone Ficus auriculata Lour. Moraceae-T CUHB 061 Kani-bot Baro jhogna gaas (Ch) 0.15 1.07 0.09 1.31 LC Epilepsy Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae-T CUHB 176 Bot Bot gaith (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.09 0.7 NE Impotency, biliousness, abscesses, diarrhoea, dysentery, tonic, cooling, aphrodisiac, constipation, vulnerary, maturant, toothache, piles, diabetes, inflamed soles, rheumatic pains, lumbago, inflammations, styptic and aphrodisiac, obstinate vomiting Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae-T CUHB 177 Dumur Dhumur gulu (Ch) 0.26 1.87 0.09 2.22 LC Child fever, female disease after giving birth of child, swirling of body, purgative, emetic, cooling, astringent, baldness, epilepsy, facial paralysis, menorrhagia, lactogogue, tonic, menstrual hemorrhage, blood pressure Ficus rumphii Blume Moraceae-T CUHB 178 Jhula bot Gai aswathwa (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.09 0.7 NE Bone fracture Ficus semicordata Buch.- Ham. ex J.E.Sm. Moraceae- T CUHB 179 Sadimadi dumur Ududui (Mu) 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 LC Aphthous complaints, leprosy, bladder complaints, visceral obstructions, tiger bite to avoid septic Getonia floribunda Roxb. Combretaceae-S CUHB 180 Goachelata Chui-daw (Ra) 0.26 0.27 0.68 1.22 NE Helminthiasis, jaundice, ulcers, malaria fever, leprosy Gmelina arborea Roxb. Verbenaceae-T CUHB 181 Gamari Gamber (Ch) 0.07 0.53 0.09 0.7 LC Bitter tonic, galactagogue, piles, abdominal pain, fever, leprosy, ulcer, gonorrhea, cough, blood disease, jaundice, foot mud sore, worm, liver disease, scabies, astringent, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, alterative, anemia, consumption, vaginal discharges, laxative, anthelmintic, stomachic, burning sensations, septic wounds Gnetum latifolium Blume Gnetaceae-C CUHB 182 Chorapati netum Not known 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 LC Hysteria Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Panigrahi Tiliaceae-T CUHB 183 Asar Tarani (Ma) 0.26 0.27 0.68 1.21 NE Indigestion, eczema, typhoid fever, dysentery, small fox, itches, syphilitic ulceration of the mouth, jaundice ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 119 Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale Rubiaceae-T CUHB 184 Keli kadam Dakrum (Ch) 0.18 0.27 0.48 0.94 NE Flatulence, gastric tumor, headache, vertigo, biliousness, Blood purifier, skin diseases, astringent in dysentery, sores, fever, inflammation, strangury Helicteres isora L. Sterculiaceae-S CUHB 185 Mura Pichrangi (Ch) 0.22 0.53 0.29 1.05 NE Eczema, skin diseases, demulcent, astringent, bowels, flatulence, chronic dysentery, intestinal worms, dysentery, diarrhoea, biliousness, cough, asthma, diabetes, stomach affections, expectorant, antigalactagogue, griping, scabies Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming) Wall. ex A.DC. Apocyanaceae-T CUHB 186 Kurchi Kuruk gach (Ch) 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 LC Fever, boils, paralysis, stomach pain, itch, diarrhoea, dysentery, chronic bronchitis, jaundice Holigarna longifolia Buch.- Ham. ex Roxb. Anacardiaceae-T CUHB 187 Jhawa Alom-chata (Ma) 0.22 0.53 0.29 1.05 NE Polyps in nose Homalomena pendula (Blume) Bakh.f. Araceae-H CUHB 188 Ghondodula kochu Shigon shag (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.19 0.54 NE Rheumatic pain Hydnocarpus kurzii (King) Warb. Flacourtiaceae-T CUHB 189 Chalmugra Balgach (Ch) 0.07 0.27 0.19 0.54 DD Lipoma, leprosy, skin diseases, cancer, febrifuge Hyptis brevipes Poit. Lamiaceae-H CUHB 062 Gol tokma Chang Kasey (Ma) 0.26 0.8 0.22 1.29 NE Lipoma Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Lamiaceae-S CUHB 063 Tokma Chongadana (Ch) 0.37 0.53 0.48 1.39 NE Fever, boils, headache, stomach pain, itch, constipation, anorexia, asthma, chest pain, dehydration, general weakness, hyperacidity, hysteria, mania infantum, piles, rheumatism, snake bite, spermaturia, tuberculosis Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. Apocyanaceae-C CUHB 064 Shamlota Borduttya (Ch) 1.03 1.33 0.54 2.91 NE Bone fracture, skin troubles, stimulant, fever, dental caries, lipoma, ostopenia, measles, stone in the bladder, strangury, wounds, eczema, cooling, demulcent, alterative, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, dyspepsia, diabetes, headaches, sore between fingers, scabies Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. Convolvulaceae-C CUHB 065 Langulilata kalmi Padiye (Ma) 0.26 0.8 0.22 1.29 NE Cut, wound, purgative, boils, carbuncles, dog-bites Ixora nigricans R.Br. ex Wight & Arn. Rubiaceae-S CUHB 066 Kuthi rangan Dikranga chuillya (Ch) 0.29 0.53 0.39 1.22 NE Diarrhoea, ear infection, paralysis, dysentery Jacquemontia paniculata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae-C CUHB 067 Montilata Goarung (Ma) 0.26 0.27 0.68 1.21 NE Ointment, fever, cough 120 RUDRA et al. Scientific Name, Family, Habit, Accession No. Bangla name Vernacular name RD RF RA IVI Status** Ethno-medicinal value Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Lythraceae-T CUHB 068 Jarul Buushi (Ma) 0.04 0.27 0.09 0.4 NE Astringent, stimulant, febrifuge, purgative, aphthae of mouth, abdominal pain, anemia, antenata care, body pain, cold fever, diarrhoea, eczema, flatulence, general weakness, gynecological disease, worm, ill health, paralysis, stomach disorder, tetanus, tonsillitis Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Anacardiaceae-T CUHB 069 Bhadi Nyapa-bawn (Ra) 0.07 0.27 0.19 0.54 LC Blood purifier, boils, tympanites Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Leeaceae-S CUHB 070 Bonfotka Hoti gaith (Ch) 0.26 0.8 0.22 1.29 NE bone fracture, abscesses, snake biting, boils, rheumatic arthritis, gastric tumor, gout, itch, paratyphoid, bubo, epilepsy Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. Leeaceae-S CUHB 071 Hastikarna Ash gaas (Ch) 1.14 1.6 0.5 3.24 NE Tonsillitis, tetanus, worm, bleeding, gastric tumor, goiter, gout, rheumatism, lipoma, astringent, alexipharmac, obstinate sores, pain Lepidagathis hyalina Nees Acanthaceae-H CUB 072 Haya Not known 0.26 0.27 0.68 1.21 NE Chest pain Lindernia antipoda (L.) Alston Scrophulariaceae-H CUHB 073 Chhoto helencha Zai gaith (Ch) 0.4 0.27 1.07 1.75 LC Boils *H-herb, S-Shrub, C-Climber, T-Tree, E-Epiphyte, F-Fern, Ch-Chakma, Ma- Marma, Mu-Murang ** As per IUCN, DD = data deficient, LC = least concern, NE = not evaluated, VU = Vulnerable. Where the greatest number of 10 species was belonged to family Euphorbiaceae that detected as most prominent plant family in the current VCF. In that order, Asteraceae and Rubiaceae was the second and third most dominant family by obtaining 9 and 8 species, respectively; sequentially Araceae, Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae were the third most each with 7 species. When it comes to the species density parameter, RD indicates that Melocanna baccifera had the greatest RD (9.15%) trailed by Colocasia esculenta (6.32%) and Adiantum lunulatum (5.62%). Among all the recorded medicinal plants in the VCF, most frequently found species was the Thunbergia grandiflora (3.2%) preceded by Boehmeria nivea (2.4%) and computed 2.13% for Adiantum lunulatum, Cheilocostus speciosus, Colocasia esculenta, Curculigo orchioides and Melocanna baccifera. On the other hand, a relative abundance (RA) study showed that Panicum repens and Panicum maximum were the most common with accounting 3.91% ratio in the VCF after that occurred Melocanna baccifera (3.04%) and Molineria capitulata (1.95). Therefore, Table 2 divulged that Melocanna baccifera was the most important medicinal plant in the present VCF attaining magnitude of 14.3 importance value index (IVI). Alongside, the vital plants in the VCF comprised Colocasia esculenta, Adiantum lunulatum, and Curculigo orchioides, with IVI values of 10.6, 9.63, and 8.21, respectively. Contrary, lowest IVI value of 0.4 found in Actephila excels, Bombax ceiba, Derris mitis, Dillenia indica, Ficus semicordata, Gnetum latifolium, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Litsea glutinosa, Micromelum hirsutum, M. minutum, Phyllanthus emblica, Psychotria adenophylla, Stephania japonica, Sterculia villosa, Stereospermum colais, Streblus asper, Swintonia floribunda, Terminalia bellirica, Vitex glabrata and Ziziphus oenoplia. A sheer portion of those respondents claimed they depended only on herbal remedies to cure a range of illnesses. ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 121 Diversity of plant habits and their parts utilization Out of all recorded plants, five diversify plant types had been noted such as herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, and epiphytes. Of them, herbs made up the greatest percentage (34.8% with 64 species) closely behind by trees (25.96% with 48 species), shrubs (23.2% with 42 species), climbers (13.8% with 25 species), and epiphytes (1.1 with 2 species). Indigenous communities around this selected VCF treated themselves using 42 different parts of the documented plants. The most used part of which was the leaves (100 species) followed by roots (65 species), barks (46 species), fruits (23 species), stems (19 species), whole plants (18 species) and roots juice (14 species). Use of shoot, sprout, bulb, kernel, corn juice, young bud, aerial root, oil of seeds, young twig, inflorescence, root bark, unripe root, capsule, caudex, plant juice, bud, fruit juice, resin and pod had been documented only in a handful number of species. The details information of all that depicted in Table 2. Indices of plant diversity One way to quantify how often these species in a community are present is to use diversity indices, in which multiple elements of biodiversity (richness and evenness) are represented it statistically into a single number. One of the components of diversity indexes particularly Shanon- Weiners index (H) analysis of this VCF accounted 4.26 indicating the existence of various medicinal plants with absolutely even distribution. According to existing literature on VCF, this diversity is greater magnitude of diversification than others two community-based forest management of Renikhayong Para VCF in Bandarban and Komolchori VCF in Khagrachari: and almost identical with Beganasori and Bamer Bagechori VCF in Rangamati (Table 3). Consequently, this VCF has a Simpson's Index (D) value of 0.03, which is significantly lower than the preceding three VCFs' D (Simpson’s Index) values, implying that this VCF contains a considerably greater diversity of medicinal plants than others. With a value of 0.97 for species evenness index (E), this VCF has almost evenly distribution of all documented species in the forest likely to Beganasori and Bamer Bagechori VCF and heterogeneous to Komolchori VCF, Renikhayong Para VCF. As compare to government-managed forests, this VCF is markedly rich in diversity than forests managed by the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) in terms of diversity indices that reflects on the maximum value of H, lower value of D and higher value of E than BFD forest (Table 3). IUCN red list status We determined the IUCN red list status of recorded plant species. Our study revealed that out of 181 plant species, vulnerable only one species (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), least concern 51 species, data deficit 7 species and 122 species has not been assessed yet. There is ample proof that our predecessors were familiar with therapeutic herbs at least 60,000 years ago. As in ancient civilizations, plants have been used throughout birth to death, and people employ plants in a multitude of ways to live (Lamxay et al., 2011; Phumthum et al., 2018; Pieroni et al., 2017). Many of today's contemporary medications were first synthesized or extracted from plant compounds that acted as prototypes. But this traditional knowledge has been attenuated with the progression of globalization and urbanization over time (Ragupathy et al., 2008; Srithi et al., 2009). Because of that documentation and conservation of this ethnobotanical heritage is imperative as this is the finest attempt to understand their brilliance and further upkeep this for human welfare. So, the ethnomedicinal plant diversity of the Badalchori Vadi Sora VCF in 122 RUDRA et al. Rangamati (CHTs) was therefore identified and assessed in this study through documentation of their herbal knowledge. During the course of our study, we identified 181 diverse medicinal plant species of variable habits under 145 genera and 65 families (Table 2), showing a similar level of diversity to prior CHT research (Faruque et al., 2018, 2019; Kabir and Saha, 2014). Some global studies also analogous to current studies (Malik et al., 2018; Pala et al., 2019; Rana et al., 2019). In this VCF, in terms of number of species the most frequent families are Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae followed by Rubiaceae, Araceae, Zingiberaceae and Fabaceae Although this Asteraceae family supremacy may also be seen in adjacent nations such as India's Andra Pradesh and Manipur (Khumbongmayum et al., 2005), as well as Myanmar's Chin state (Ong et al., 2018). It is plausible that this is owing to the existence of homologous ecological, edaphic, and climatic factors. There are also a vast number of usage reports and values for such families across the world (Ferrier et al., 2015; Kankara et al., 2015). As part of the phytosociological assessment, one bamboo Table 3. Comparison of diversity indices of the study with findings form other community-based Village Community Forests (VCF) and Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) managed forests. Diversity indices This study Other studies Study sites Managing authority Shanon-Wiener index (H) 4.27 5.04 (Rudra et al., 2021) Beganasori and Bamer Bagechori VCF, Rangamati Solely managed by indigenous community 3.22 (Chowdhury et al., 2018) Komolchori VCF, Khagrachari Solely managed by indigenous community 4.01 (Jannat et al., 2019) Renikhayong Para VCF, Bandarban Solely managed by indigenous community 0.9 (Rahman et al., 2016) Kaptai National Park, Rangamati Managed by BFD 3.25 (Nath et al., 2016) Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattogram Managed by BFD Added Simpson index (D) 0.03 0.09 (Rudra et al., 2021) Beganasori and Bamer Bagechori VCF, Rangamati Solely managed by indigenous community 0.07(Chowdhury et al., 2018) Komolchori VCF, Khagrachari Solely managed by indigenous community 0.03 (Jannat et al., 2019) Renikhayong Para VCF, Bandarban Solely managed by indigenous community 0.37 (Rahman et al., 2016) Kaptai National Park, Rangamati Managed by BFD 0.09 (Nath et al., 2016) Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattogram Managed by BFD Species evenness index (E) 0.97 0.99 (Rudra et al., 2021) Beganasori and Bamer Bagechori VCF, Rangamati Solely managed by indigenous community 0.47 (Chowdhury et al., 2018) Komolchori VCF, Khagrachari Solely managed by indigenous community 0.09 (Jannat et al., 2019) Renikhayong Para VCF, Bandarban Solely managed by indigenous community 0.62 (Rahman et al., 2016) Kaptai National Park, Rangamati Managed by BFD 0.72 (Nath et al., 2016) Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattogram Managed by BFD ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 123 (Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz) species exhibited its phytosociological dominance in the current investigations, with the greatest IVI value as well as a substantial proportion of RD, RA, and RF values (Table 2). Therefore, Melocanna baccifera, locally known as Mulibash, has an enormous value in ecosystem balance, and has socio-economic significance not only for making furniture, handicrafts, housing (Nilkanta et al., 2017) but also for food (Govindan et al., 2016), industrial chemical components (Tripathi et al., 2018; Lalhruaitluanga et al., 2011) and medicinal importance (Kuddus et al., 2013). Many of the people in the village of Badalchori Vadi ora stated their trust in the use of formulations derived from various sections of medicinal plants to cure around 379 illnesses, which they had learnt from their ancestors and testifying to the synergistic effects (one plants for multiple purposes) of plants as compared to noted species. For example, one recent study postulated that Rangamati is incredibly enriched with ethnomedicinal plants containing 144 plants under 52 families for treating 90 ailments categorized into 25 disease categories. Another study on the Chakma community of Rangamati district unearthed that they utilized 50 different species to cure 28 different illnesses (Uddin et al., 2014). Furthermore, we assessed the herbal formulation components from our investigations to determine the most often utilized plant parts as therapeutic ingredients. Our findings revealed that leaves are the most efficiently utilized plant component; unlike shoot, sprout, bulb, kernel, corn juice, young bud, aerial root, oil, oil of seeds, young twig, inflorescence, root bark, and other parts are seldom used plant parts of the Badalchori Vadi Sora peoples. (Table 2). Leaves are quite often documented to be utilized as herbal medicinal materials in Bangladesh (Rahman et al., 2007) and other nations (Bradacs et al., 2011; Mukungu et al., 2016; Umair et al., 2017; Yemele et al., 2015) due to the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, ease of processing and harvesting, and sustainability (Jadid et al., 2020). Plant existence is not severely harmed by plucking the leaves material within appropriate limitations, but harvesting other plant components such as stems, roots, or entire plants could be detrimental to plants' survival (Zheng and Xing, 2009). Herbs had been disclosed to be the most prevalent amongst plant habit types, whilst others had noted similar observations (Jan et al., 2017; Jashimuddin and Inoue, 2012; Rao et al., 2015; Rudra et al., 2021; Teklay et al., 2013; Ullah et al., 2020). Contrary to what is often believed, phytosociological features and a calculation of the plant diversity index revealed that this community-based forest, such as Village Common Forest (VCF), is more diversified and has more uniformly distributed plant species than government-managed forest in Bangladesh as evidenced of literature. Whereas Kaptai National Park and Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary of BFD maintained forests have lower diversity indices than the present study (Nath et al., 2016; Rahman et al., 2016). More precisely, table 3 displayed that community base forest in Bangladesh had a considerably higher biodiversity status than BFD managed forests. This was possible by their community's collaborative efforts, in which they implement traditional resource management strategies to preserve forest area for long usage and to ensure a sustainable supply of their livelihood resources. Unfortunately, current generation are not interested to practice this traditional knowledge. Likewise, natural resources are depleting day by day due to various anthropogenic activities. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to document this hidden treasure before going to lost forever as well as to take necessary actions against deforestation in the study area. This study provides comprehensive documentation of all wild medicinal plants available in community-managed natural tropical forest patches in CHTs. It revealed diversity of medicinal plants as well as their diversified uses in selected VCFs of Rangamati in CHTs. It also unveiled phytosociological attributes and diversity indices along with conservation status. Different plant 124 RUDRA et al. parts are used for the preparation of medicinal doses. Understanding and the uses of medicinal plants by indigenous people based on their traditional beliefs. There is a scope to investigate the medicinal properties of plants for proper identification of bioactive compounds which may be helpful in drug designing. They also be included in herbal industries with proper investigation. This study will be an extensive database for pharmaceutical and herbal industries in Bangladesh. Similar type of study can be carried out to sketch overall medicinal plant resources in all VCFs of CHTs. Biodiversity monitoring study also needed to check the diversity status and to take measures accordingly. The findings of the study will help to monitor diversity status in future. However, conservation of these medicinal plants will be challenging in near future as VCFs are depleting day by day. An in-situ conservation strategy involving local communities is prescribed for sustainable management of VCFs. Acknowledgements Authors expressed sincere gratitude to the local people and traditional healers for providing valuable information during this study. Funding Research was funded by Effective Creation on Human Opinion (ECHO), a Non-government social development and research organization. Chattogram, Bangladesh. References Anbarashan, M. and Parthasarathy, N. 2013. Tree diversity of tropical dry evergreen forests dominated by single or mixed species on the Coromandel coast of India. Trop Ecol. 54(2): 179-190. Baithalu, S., Anbarashan, M and Parthasarathy, N. 2013. Two-decadal changes in forest structure and tree diversity in a tropical dry evergreen forest on the Coromandel Coast of India. Tropical Ecology. 54: 397-403. Balooni, K. and Inoue, M. 2007. Decentralized forest management in South and Southeast Asia. J. Forestry, 105(8): 414-420. Baten, M.A., Khan, N.A., Ahammad, R. and Misbahuzzaman, K. 2010. Village common forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh: Balance between conservation and exploitation. Unnayan Onneshan-The Innovators. BBS. 2011. Population & housing census 2011 zila report : Rangamati. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Ministry of Planning Statistics and Informatics Division. Bradacs, G., Heilmann, J. and Weckerle, C.S., 2011. Medicinal plant use in Vanuatu: A comparative ethnobotanical study of three islands. J. Ethnopharm. 137(1): 434-448. Chowdhury, M., Zahra, F.T., Rahman, M. and Islam, K. 2018. Village common Forest Management in Komolchori, Chittagong Hill tracts, Bangladesh: An example of community based natural resources management. Small-scale Forest. 17(4): 535-553. Chowdhury, M.A., Islam, K.N., Hafiz, N. and Islam, K. 2019. Diversity of trees in a community managed forest: The case of Komolchori VCF, Khagrachari, Bangladesh. Geol, Ecol, and Lands. 3(2): 95-103. Colwell, R., Chao, A., Gotelli, N., Lin, SY, Mao, C.X., Chazdon, R. and Longino, J. 2012. Models and estimators linking individual-based and sample-based rarefaction, extrapolation and comparison of assemblages. J. Plant Ecol. 5: 3-21. Colwell, R., 2009. Biodiversity: concepts, patterns, and measurement. The Princeton Guide to Ecology. pp. 257–263. Dallmeier, F. 1992. Methods for long-term biodiversity inventory plots in protected tropical forest. Long- term Monitoring of Biological Diversity in Tropical Forest Areas: Methods for Establishment and Inventory of Permanent Plot, pp.11-46. ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 125 Faruque, M.O., Feng, G., Khan, M.N.A., Barlow, J.W., Ankhi, U.R., Hu, S., Kamaruzzaman, M., Uddin, S.B. and Hu, X., 2019. Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical study of the Pangkhua community in Bilaichari Upazilla, Rangamati District, Bangladesh. J Ethnobiol and Ethnomed. 15(1): 1-29. Faruque, M.O., Uddin, S.B., Barlow, J.W., Hu, S., Dong, S., Cai, Q., Li, X. and Hu, X., 2018. Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by indigenous communities in the Bandarban District of Bangladesh. Front Pharmacol. 9: 1-40. Ferrier, J., Saciragic, L., Trakić, S., Chen, E.C., Gendron, R.L., Cuerrier, A., Balick, M.J., Redžić, S., Alikadić, E. and Arnason, J.T., 2015. An ethnobotany of the Lukomir highlanders of Bosnia & Herzegovina. J Ethnobiol and Ethnomed. 11(1): 1-17. Govindan, B., Johnson, A.J., Nair, S.N.A., Gopakumar, B., Mallampalli, K.S.L., Venkataraman, R., Koshy, K.C. and Baby, S., 2016. Nutritional properties of the largest bamboo fruit Melocanna baccifera and its ecological significance. Scientific Reports, 6(1): 1-12. Griscom, B.W., Adams, J., Ellis, P.W., Houghton, R.A., Lomax, G., Miteva, D.A., Schlesinger, W.H., Shoch, D., Siikamäki, J.V., Smith, P. and Woodbury, P., 2017. Natural climate solutions. Proceedings of the Nat Acad Sc. 114(44): 11645-11650. Guo, W., Huang, J., Wang, N., Tan, H.Y., Cheung, F., Chen, F. and Feng, Y., 2019. Integrating network pharmacology and pharmacological evaluation for deciphering the action mechanism of herbal formula zuojin pill in suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol. 10: 1-185. Halim, S., 2007. Bangladesh: The interface of customary and state laws in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bridging the gap: Policies and Practices on Indigenous Peoples' Natural Resource Management in Asia, pp. 41-110. Hill, M.O., 1973. Diversity and evenness: a unifying notation and its consequences. Ecol, 54(2): 427-432. Hu, L., Li, Z., Liao, W.B. and Fan, Q., 2011. Values of village fengshui forest patches in biodiversity conservation in the Pearl River Delta, China. Biol Conserv. 144(5): 1553-1559. Islam, M.A., Marinova, D., Khan, M., Chowdhury, G., Chakma, S., Uddin, M., Jahan, I., Akter, R., Mohsanin, S. and Tennant, E., 2009. Community conserved areas (CCAs) in Bangladesh. Jadid, N., Kurniawan, E., Himayani, C.E.S., Prasetyowati, I., Purwani, K.I., Muslihatin, W., Hidayati, D. and Tjahjaningrum, I.T.D., 2020. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Tengger tribe in Ngadisari village, Indonesia. Plos One, 15(7): e0235886. Jan, H.A., Wali, S., Ahmad, L., Jan, S., Ahmad, N. and Ullah, N., 2017. Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants of Chinglai valley, Buner district, Pakistan. European J Integr Med. 13: 64-74. Jannat, M., Hossain, M.K., Uddin, M.M., Hossain, M.A. and Kamruzzaman, M., 2018. People’s dependency on forest resources and contributions of forests to the livelihoods: a case study in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. Int J Sust Dev & W Ecol 25(6): 554-561. Jannat, M., Kamruzzaman, M., Hossain, M.A. and Hossain, M.K., 2019. Tree species diversity in the forest of Renikhayong para village in Bandarban, Bangladesh: a case study. J Biodiv Conser and Biores Management, 5(2): 115-126. Jashimuddin, M. and Inoue, M., 2012. Management of village common forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: Historical background and current issues in terms of sustainability. Open J Forest. 2(03): 121. Kabir, T. and Saha, S., 2014. A study on the indigenous medicinal plants and healing practices of Murong tribe in Khagrachari district (Bangladesh). Int J Pharmacogn, 1(10): 654-9. Kadir, M. & Sayeed, M. & Shams, T. & Mia, M. 2012. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Bangladeshi traditional health practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharm.. 10: 1016-1027. Kadir, M.F., Sayeed, M.S.B. and Mia, M.M.K., 2012. Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used by indigenous and tribal people in Rangamati, Bangladesh. J Ethnopharm. 144(3):627-637. Kankara, S.S., Ibrahim, M.H., Mustafa, M. and Go, R., 2015. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for traditional maternal healthcare in Katsina state, Nigeria. South African J. Bot. 97: 165-175. 126 RUDRA et al. Khatun, M. A., Rashid, M. B. and Hygen, H. O. 2016. Climate of Bangladesh. Norwegian Meteorological Institute & Bangladesh Meterological Department, Dhaka, 169. Khumbongmayum, A.D., Khan, M.L. and Tripathi, R.S. 2005. Sacred groves of Manipur, northeast India: biodiversity value, status and strategies for their conservation. Biodiv & Conserv. 14(7):1541-1582. Kuddus, M.R., Rumi, F., Haque, M.R., Hassan, M.A. and Rashid, M.A. 2013. Assessment of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of fruits of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz. Turk. J. Pharm. Sci. 10:185-192. Lalhruaitluanga, H., Prasad, M.N.V. and Radha, K. 2011. Potential of chemically activated and raw charcoals of Melocanna baccifera for removal of Ni (II) and Zn (II) from aqueous solutions. Desalination, 271(1- 3): 301-308. Lamxay, V., de Boer, H.J. and Björk, L. 2011. Traditions and plant use during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery by the Kry ethnic group in Lao PDR. J Ethnobiol and Ethnomed. 7(1):1-16. Lindenmayer, D.B. 2009. Forest wildlife management and conservation. Annals of the New York Acad Sc. 1162(1): 284-310. Malik, K., Ahmad, M., Bussmann, R.W., Tariq, A., Ullah, R., Alqahtani, A.S., Shahat, A.A., Rashid, N., Zafar, M., Sultana, S. and Shah, S.N. 2018. Ethnobotany of anti-hypertensive plants used in northern Pakistan. Front Pharmacol. 9:771-789. Mukul, S.A., Rashid, A.M., Quazi, S.A., Uddin, M.B. and Fox, J. 2012. Local peoples' responses to co- management regime in protected areas: a case study from Satchari National Park, Bangladesh. For, Trees and Livel. 21(1):16-29. Mukungu, N., Abuga, K., Okalebo, F., Ingwela, R. and Mwangi, J. 2016. Medicinal plants used for management of malaria among the Luhya community of Kakamega East sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 194, pp. 98-107. Nath, T.K., Jashimuddin, M., Kamruzzaman, M., Mazumder, V., Hasan, M.K., Das, S. and Dhali, P.K. 2016. Phytosociological characteristics and diversity of trees in a comanaged protected area of Bangladesh: Implications for conservation. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 35(8): 562-577. Nilkanta, H., Amom, T., Tikendra, L., Rahaman, H. and Nongdam, P. 2017. ISSR marker based population genetic study of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz: a commercially important bamboo of Manipur, North-East India. Scientifica, pp341 Ong, H.G., Ling, S.M., Win, T.T.M., Kang, D.H., Lee, J.H. and Kim, Y.D. 2018. Ethnomedicinal plants and traditional knowledge among three Chin indigenous groups in Natma Taung National Park (Myanmar). J. Ethnophar. 225:136-158. Pala, N.A., Sarkar, B.C., Shukla, G., Chettri, N., Deb, S., Bhat, J.A. and Chakravarty, S. 2019. Floristic composition and utilization of ethnomedicinal plant species in home gardens of the Eastern Himalaya. J. Ethnobiol and Ethnomed. 15(1):1-16. Pasha, M.K. and Uddin, S.B., 2013. Dictionary of plant names of Bangladesh (vascular plants). Janokalyan Prokashani. Chittagong, Dhaka, Bangladesh, pp. 1-434. Phumthum, M., Srithi, K., Inta, A., Junsongduang, A., Tangjitman, K., Pongamornkul, W., Trisonthi, C. and Balslev, H., 2018. Ethnomedicinal plant diversity in Thailand. J. Ethnopharmacol. 214: 90-98. Pielou, E.C., 1966. Species-diversity and pattern-diversity in the study of ecological succession. J Theoret Biol. 10(2):370-383. Pieroni, A., Sõukand, R., Quave, C.L., Hajdari, A. and Mustafa, B. 2017. Traditional food uses of wild plants among the Gorani of South Kosovo. Appetite, 108:83-92. Ragupathy, S., Steven, N.G., Maruthakkutti, M., Velusamy, B. and Ul-Huda, M.M. 2008. Consensus of the'Malasars' traditional aboriginal knowledge of medicinal plants in the Velliangiri holy hills, India. J Ethnobiol and Ethnomed. 4(1):1-14. Rahman, M.A., Uddin, S.B. and Wilcock, C.C. 2007. Medicinal plants used by Chakma tribe in Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh. Indian J. Trad. Knowl. 6(3): 508-517. Rahman, M.M., Mahmud, M.A.A. and Shahidullah, M. 2017. Socioeconomics of biodiversity conservation in the protected areas: a case study in Bangladesh. Int J Sust Dev & World Ecol. 24(1):65-72. ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN BADALCHORI VADI SORA VILLAGE 127 Rahman, M.M., Mahmud, M.A.A., Shahidullah, M., Nath, T.K. and Jashimuddin, M. 2016. The competitiveness of the phytosociological attributes of the protected areas in Bangladesh with that in the other tropical countries. J. Sust. Forest. 35(6): 431-450. Rana, D., Bhatt, A. and Lal, B., 2019. Ethnobotanical knowledge among the semi-pastoral Gujjar tribe in the high altitude (Adhwari’s) of Churah subdivision, district Chamba, Western Himalaya. J. Ethnobiol. and Ethnomed. 15(1): 1-21. Rao, P.K., Hasan, S.S., Bhellum, B.L. and Manhas, R.K. 2015. Ethnomedicinal plants of Kathua district, J&K, India. J. Ethnopharmacol. 171:12-27. Rudra, S., Islam, K.N., Rahman, M.M. and Uddin, S.B. 2021. Medicinal plant diversity and their therapeutic uses in selected village common forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. J. Herbs, Spices & Med. Plant 27(1): 83-107. Rudra, S., Tahamina, A., Emon, N.U., Adnan, M., Shakil, M., Chowdhury, M., Uddin, H., Barlow, J.W., Alwahibi, M.S., Soliman Elshikh, M. and Faruque, M.O. 2020. Evaluation of various solvent extracts of Tetrastigma leucostaphylum (Dennst.) Alston leaves, a Bangladeshi traditional medicine used for the treatment of Diarrhea. Molecules, 25(21): 4994. Saha, P.S., 2010. Parbattya Chattagramer Mouza Ban: Prachin Praggyar Arek Rup. Dharitri, 11th issue, an occasional SEHD magazine (Bangla). Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD), Dhaka. Santika, T., Meijaard, E., Budiharta, S., Law, E.A., Kusworo, A., Hutabarat, J.A., Indrawan, T.P., Struebig, M., Raharjo, S., Huda, I. and Ekaputri, A.D., 2017. Community forest management in Indonesia: Avoided deforestation in the context of anthropogenic and climate complexities. Glob Env. Change, 46: 60-71. Shukla, R.S. and Chandel, P.S. 2000. Plant Ecology and Soil Science, 9th. Edition. S. Chand & Company Limited, Ramnagor, New Delhi. Srithi, K., Balslev, H., Wangpakapattanawong, P., Srisanga, P. and Trisonthi, C. 2009. Medicinal plant knowledge and its erosion among the Mien (Yao) in northern Thailand J. Ethnopharm. 123(2):335-342. Teklay, A., Abera, B. and Giday, M., 2013. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Kilte Awulaelo District, Tigray Region of Ethiopia. J. Ethnobiol. and Ethnomed. 9(1):1-23. Tripathi, S.K., Mishra, O.P., Bhardwaj, N.K. and Varadhan, R. 2018. Pulp and papermaking properties of bamboo species Melocanna baccifera. Cell Chemist and Tech. 52(1-2):81-88. Uddin, M., Bokelmann, W. and Entsminger, J. 2014. Factors Affecting Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies to Environmental Degradation and Climate Change Effects: A Farm Level Study in Bangladesh. Climate. 2: 223-241. Uddin, M.N., Hossain, M.M., Chen, Y., Siriwong, W. and Boonyanuphap, J. 2019. Stakeholders' perception on indigenous community-based management of village common forests in Chittagong hill tracts, Bangladesh. Forest Pol and Econ. 100: 102-112. Uddin, M.N., Hossain, M.M., Karim, M.S., Siriwong, W. and Boonyanuphap, J. 2020. The phytosociological attributes of village common forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Songk J. Sci. Tech. 42(4): 65-77. Ullah, R., Alqahtani, A.S., Noman, O.M., Alqahtani, A.M., Ibenmoussa, S. and Bourhia, M. 2020. A review on ethno-medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi. J. Biol. Sci. 27(10): 2706-2718. Umair, M., Altaf, M. and Abbasi, A.M. 2017. An ethnobotanical survey of indigenous medicinal plants in Hafizabad district, Punjab-Pakistan. Plos One, 12(6): e0177912. Vickers, N.J. 2017. Animal communication: when i’m calling you, will you answer too?. Current Biol, 27(14): 713-715. Wassie, A., Sterck, F.J. and Bongers, F. 2010. Species and structural diversity of church forests in a fragmented Ethiopian Highland landscape. J. Veget. Sc. 21(5): 938-948. 128 RUDRA et al. Yemele, M.D., Telefo, P.B., Lienou, L.L., Tagne, S.R., Fodouop, C.S.P., Goka, C.S., Lemfack, M.C. and Moundipa, F.P. 2015. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for pregnant women׳ s health conditions in Menoua division-West Cameroon. J. Ethnopharm. 160: 14-31. Zheng, X.L. and Xing, F.W. 2009. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants around Mt. Yinggeling, Hainan Island, China. J. Ethnopharm. 124(2):197-210. (Manuscript received on 05 November, 2019; revised on 15 December, 2021)