Natural Products from Madagascar, Socio-Cultural Usage, and Potential Applications in Advanced Biomedicine: A Concise Review

Abstract

Natural products endowed of biological activity represent a primary source of commodities ranging from nutrition to therapeutic agents, as well as cosmetic tools and recreational principles. These natural means have been used by mankind for centuries, if not millennia. They are commonly used all over the world in socio-economical contexts, but are particularly attractive in disadvantaged areas or economically emerging situations all over the world. This is very likely due to the relatively easy recovery of these bioactive principles from the environment, at a low if any cost, as well as ease of administration and the general popular compliance concerning their consumption/ingestion. In this concise review, we focus on some popular bioactive principles of botanical origin which find a wide use in the Madagascan populations. However, due to space limitations, only some of the most common and largely diffused principles in this country are considered. Finally, a possible nanotechnological administration is discussed in the case where a potential therapeutic usage is envisaged.

Beyond the Bark: An Overview of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Selected Bark Essential Oils

“…These include muscle fatigue and reduction of capillary fragility. It is also used as an ingredient in a cough syrup against persistent catarrh or in anti-hypertensive beverages according to the Madagascan pharmacopoeia [ 14 , 44 , 45 ]. Aphrodisiac properties have also been described [ 40 ].…”

Doubting the Malagasy Remedy. Rumours and Suspicion During COVID-19 in Madagascar

“…The monetarisation of local medicine in Madagascar has had a long history. Today, France and other nations use Malagasy plants as commodities in areas ranging from nutrition to therapeutic agents, as well as cosmetic tools and for recreational principles (La Mesa, Ranalison, Randriantseheno, Risuleo, 2021). 33 Approximately one million tons of medical plants are exported per year, at a value of about 3,592 million dollars (quoting a lecture by Slotkin, 2011).…”

Chemico-pharmacological and computational studies of Ophiorrhiza fasciculata D. Don and Psychotria silhetensis Hook. f. focusing cytotoxic, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties

“…Traditional remedies such as herbs are used by over 80% of the people for their daily needs in developing countries [ 10 ]. Because of the paucity of contemporary medical facilities, the effectiveness of traditional medicines, and cultural interests and preferences, natural resources provide a low-cost solution for primary care in developing countries [ 11 , 12 ]. A specific physiological response produced by the chemical substances present within the plant is somehow responsible for its medicinal effects on the human body [ 13 ].…”