Ethnomedicinal Plant Diversity, Traditional Knowledge, and Comparative Analysis Across Regions: A Study on Medicinal Plant Utilization

Background: Ethnomedicinal knowledge plays a vital role in preserving traditional healthcare practices and identifying medicinal plants with potential pharmacological applications. This study documents the diversity, preparation methods, and cultural significance of medicinal plants used by local communities, analyzing their taxonomic diversity, informant consensus, and regional similarities. Methods: A total of 322 informants were interviewed to record traditional plant knowledge. Quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), and Fidelity Level (FL), were employed to assess the significance of medicinal plants for specific ailments. Jaccard Index (JI) analysis was used to compare the similarities in plant usage across regions. Data were further analyzed for demographic insights, preparation methods, and plant family distributions. Results: The study documented 116 plant species across 56 families, with Asteraceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae being the most represented. Informants were predominantly female (61.2%) and aged over 40 years (67.7%), reflecting their central role in traditional knowledge preservation. Herbs accounted for the largest proportion (41%) of medicinal plants, with juice preparation being the most common method (50%). Plants like Amaranthus spinosus and Myristica fragrans showed high ICF and FL values for ailments like leucorrhea and male sexual disorders. Jaccard Index analysis revealed substantial similarities between regions in Bangladesh, such as Noakhali (JI: 37.77), while regions like Swat, Pakistan (JI: 3.25) demonstrated minimal overlap, highlighting cultural and ecological variations. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of traditional knowledge in healthcare and biodiversity conservation. High ICF and FL values validate the cultural and therapeutic significance of documented plants, while regional comparisons highlight the diversity and specificity of ethnomedicinal practices. Integrating traditional knowledge into modern pharmacological research and sustainable practices can preserve this heritage while enhancing global healthcare systems.Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Informant Consensus Factor, Jaccard Index, Traditional Knowledge