Madagascar Celebrates Rich Tradition of Medicinal Plants, Facing Modern Healthcare Shift

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – Madagascar commemorated ⁤its African Day of Customary‌ Medicine yesterday, ⁣highlighting the nation’s remarkable botanical‍ wealth and the enduring role ⁣of traditional healers in public health. The island nation⁤ boasts approximately fifteen thousand species of medicinal plants, a remarkable 80% of which are found‍ nowhere else on Earth. For generations, traditional medicine has been the primary healthcare option⁤ for many Malagasy people, blending ​ancestral knowledge with​ the country’s unique flora.

Dr. Joséphin Andriandrainarivo, ‌president of the National Tradipractician Association of Madagascar (antm), emphasized‍ the‌ deep cultural ⁣roots of this practice. “She combines ancestral ⁤know-how and‌ botanical wealth,” he stated during‍ the celebration ‌held​ at the Anosy plan.

While traditionally celebrated on August 31st, Madagascar held‍ its commemoration on a different date this year. Data presented revealed that 90% of tradipractors – traditional healthcare practitioners – utilize medicinal plants in their treatments, with‌ others offering services like ⁢delivery support, therapeutic ‌massage, and circumcision. Notably,some producers of plant-based remedies have already secured marketing authorization (AMM).

Traditional medicine⁢ in Madagascar takes diverse forms, including‌ massages, ⁢rituals, and herbal treatments, and currently coexists with modern medicine, though its prevalence is gradually declining. Authorities reiterated that the commercial⁤ promotion of traditional medicine remains prohibited,⁢ mirroring regulations for any medical treatment.

The knowledge of medicinal plants is widespread‍ amongst the Malagasy population. ‌One example cited by a tradipratician is the ​use of “Jean Robert’s leaves,”⁢ consumed as a tea to address urological issues ⁣and heavy menstrual bleeding in women. The plant‍ is also used to ⁤treat diarrhea, act as an antispasmodic, and alleviate respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis.

Madagascar is also home to plants with globally meaningful medicinal properties. The⁣ pervench plant, for instance, ⁤has been ​the subject of extensive research for its potential in treating diabetes. Furthermore, the⁤ vincristine and vinblastine compounds extracted from ​pervench are recognized as crucial anticancer agents, representing major pharmaceutical discoveries ⁣of the last forty years. ⁤

Another ‌commonly⁢ used plant, known as African Basil or Raymba, is utilized to treat flu,‍ colds, ​and coughs. Raminoaritiana,⁢ a user of traditional remedies,⁣ explained ‌that women often consume Raymba tea and use⁣ infused⁣ leaf ⁤water for postpartum care.