Traditional Therapeutic Uses of Some Indigenous Orchids of Bangladesh

The traditional therapeutic uses of some indigenous orchids of Bangladesh are described in this paper. Terrestrial (11) and epiphytic (18) orchids, 29 in total, are used by Bangladeshi rural and tribal people for the treatment of nearly 45 different diseases and ailments. Roots, tubers, pseudobulbs, stems, leaves and even whole plants are used. Some herbal preparations have miraculous curative properties. Unfortunately, these preparations have not typically been subjected to the precise scientific clarification and standardization which are consequently required for clinical implementations. Some of the orchids are endangered due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction. Conservation strategies for orchids and further pharmacological studies on traditional medicines are suggested. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________