PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BRACHYLAENA RAMIFLORA (DC.) HUMBERT DECOCTIONS AND INFUSIONS

“Traditional medicine” is a term used to describe the exploitation of natural resources. It can be inferred that the forest of Maromizaha is a source of important raw materials for plant-derived pharmaceuticals: a relevant number of valuable drugs has yet to be discovered from its flora. The aim of this study was a preliminary phytochemical fingerprint of Brachylaena ramiflora leaves infusions and bark decoctions by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector and their relative antioxidant activity, in order to characterize this species as source of bioactive compounds. Sixteen and twenty-three biomarkers were identified in B. ramiflora leaf infusions and bark decoctions, respectively: the main compounds identified in the infusions were quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and -terpinene, while the major components in the decoctions were castalagin, citric acid, and chlorogenic acid. B. ramiflora could be considered as a promising source of natural antioxidants that may provide health benefits. Moreover, medicinal plant exploitation has a link with biodiversity conservation: the development of pharmaceuticals based on a sustainable exploitation of wild medicinal plants or their cultivation by local villagers could offer a number of benefits to a wide range of people as an alternative source of income and a natural and accessible health remedy.