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.
