Biodiversity and traditional medicinal plants from Madagascar: Phytochemical evaluation of Brachylaena ramiflora (DC.) Humbert decoctions and infusions

Madagascar is characterized by one of the highest rates of endemism and biodiversity in the world. Brachylaena preparations are extensively used in Malagasy folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and blenorrhagia. The aim of this study was a preliminary phytochemical fingerprint of Brachylaena ramiflora leaves infusions and bark decoctions, in order to characterize this species as source of biologically active compounds and their relative antioxidant activity by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector. Sixteen and twenty-three biomarkers (molecules with health properties selected for their demonstrated positive role on human organism) were identified in B. ramiflora leaf infusions and bark decoctions, respectively: the main compounds identified in the infusions were quinic acid (334.55±0.99 mg/100 g FW ), chlorogenic acid (208.27±7.74 mg/100 g FW ), and g-terpinene (144.19±1.00 mg/100 g FW ), while the major components in the decoctions were castalagin (2002.64±13.96 mg/100 g FW ), citric acid (1171.81±1.05 mg/100 g FW ), and chlorogenic acid (646.44±2.31 mg/100 g FW ). B. ramiflora could be considered as a promising source of natural antioxidants that may provide health-benefits. 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.