Sundarbans Mangrove Plants: Weaving Ethnopharmacological Heritage, Biogeographical Insights, and Biotechnological Innovation into a OneHealth Framework for Sustainable Drug Discovery

The Sundarbans, the largest contiguous mangrove forest globally, located between India and Bangladesh, is a biodiversity hotspot where unique ecological circumstances, such as elevated salinity, tidal flooding, and nutrient-rich sediments, influence the phytochemical profiles of various plant species. The bioactive compounds isolated from these plants, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, have been used for centuries by indigenous communities, especially the Munda, to treat a range of conditions, from infections to chronic diseases. This rich ethnobotanical heritage is currently threatened by urbanization, climate change, and the loss of knowledge. This review summarizes past and present research to track the ethnopharmacological development of these plants, investigate the biogeographical factors influencing their potential for therapeutic use, and suggest cutting-edge preservation techniques, such as blockchain, digital archiving, and participatory mapping, to protect traditional knowledge. Collaborative methods for sustainable drug development were emphasized to tackle global health issues such as cancer and antibiotic resistance by utilizing omics technology and biotechnological advancements such as metabolic engineering and in vitro culture. By adopting the One Health paradigm, the interconnected advantages of mangrove-derived therapies for human, animal, and environmental health were underscored. Ethical bio-prospecting, as governed by the Nagoya Protocol, guarantees balanced benefit-sharing and cultural sensitivity, while conservation policies limit environmental risks. Through the preservation of the Sundarbans’ medicinal heritage for improvements in global health, this multidisciplinary synthesis lays forth a roadmap for sustainable, community- driven innovation.