Phytochemical characterization of traditional villagers remedies in Madagascar: Brachylaena ramiflora decoctions and infusions

Malagasy flora can provide a wide variety of medicinal plants as an affordable alternative to expensive western medicine. In particular, 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 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 -terpinene, while the major components in the decoctions were castalagin, citric acid, and chlorogenic acid. According to these results, it may be suggested that B. ramiflora could be considered as a promising source of natural antioxidants that may provide health benefits: it is hoped that further studies will generate an interest in the proper sustainable production, processing, and commercialization of B. ramiflora for medicinal purposes. Moreover, medicinal plant exploitation have a link with biodiversity conservation: the valorization of medicinal plants may increase local incentives to preserve and manage the habitat. 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.