Ethnobotanical Insights and Antibacterial Potentials of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background:  Bangladesh has a rich history of conventional medicine that incorporates the use of medicinal plants to combat bacterial infections. This dependence on traditional cures  illustrates the country's cultures and reflects the value of ethnobotanical knowledge in health care. Nevertheless, organized information on the ethnobotanical aspects of antibacterial use is still challenged. Aims: This review aims to connect traditional ethnobotanical knowledge in Bangladesh with modern antibacterial research. It compiles medicinal plants used by local communities against bacterial diseases and analyzes their scientifically reported antibacterial properties. The study highlights potential bioresources for therapeutic exploration and contributes to preserving Bangladesh's ethnomedicinal heritage. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, covering articles up to August 2025. The review focused on the scientific and vernacular names, plant parts, and antibacterial properties of medicinal plants in Bangladesh. Results: This review identified 132 species from 62 families used traditionally in Bangladesh to treat bacterial diseases by local people across 24 districts. The majority of the plants were used for their leaves (40%), followed by roots (13%) and bark (10%). They are employed to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chronic skin conditions.