Medicinal plants sold in the markets of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Abstract

BackgroundThis study focuses on the large outdoor markets of the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. As the largest metropolitan area in Madagascar with a population of nearly two million, the region has great capacity for consumption of medicinal plant remedies despite numerous pharmacies. Medicinal plant use spans all socioeconomic levels, and the diverse metropolitan population allows us to study a wide variety of people who consume these plants for medical purposes. The purpose of this study is to identify and generate a list of medicinal plants sold in the traditional markets with a focus on those collected in the forests around Antananarivo, get an idea of the quantities of medicinal plants sold in the markets around Antananarivo, and assess the economy of the medicinal plant markets.MethodsIn order to determine which medicinal plants are most consumed in Antananarivo, ethnobotanical enquiries were conducted in the five main markets of the capital city. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with medicinal plant traders, suppliers, harvesters and cultivators, with voucher specimens created from the plants discussed. Trade circuit information was established and the income generated by the trade of some of the species was assessed.ResultsThe inventory of the Antananarivo markets resulted in a list of 89 commercialized plant species. Ten of the 89 were mentioned by 60-100 % of vendors. Profitability for vendors is high and competitive with other salaried positions within Antananarivo. Transportation costs are also high and therefore lower profitability for other members in the supply chain.ConclusionsThe markets of Antananarivo have always played a vital cultural role in the lives of urban Malagasy, but our study shows they also play an economic role not only for urban residents but rural harvesters as well. Continued research and monitoring of the non-timber forest products trade in Antananarivo is needed to better understand the impact of trade on the wild plant populations.

The most used medicinal plants by communities in Mahaboboka, Amboronabo, Mikoboka, Southwestern Madagascar

“…Babies’ fontanel problem are part of frequent diseases mentioned in this study and by Gallé et al [15] in their work in the southern Madagascar but not much found in other studies [2–4, 36, 43, 44]. These diseases are mainly caused by acute dehydration [47], which occurs frequently in the southern Madagascar.…”

A Survey on the Ethnobotanical uses of Plants in Mersin and Adana Provinces (Turkey)

“…In addition, We were compared similiar species with different uses. For example, Crocus sativus is used as a tonic for heart and culinary use; Elaeagnus angustifolia is used as anti-diarrheal, treatment of gastric pain and hepatoprotective; Peganum harmala is used as antiseptic for air, treatment of scorpion bite, snake bite, toothache and soporific; Pimpinella anisum is used as carminative and culinary use; Rosa canina is used for Indigestion; Viscum album is used as treatment of body pain, knew joint pain, and abscess in Ilam, while Crocus sativus is used as vitamin-endorphins; Elaeagnus angustifolia is used as threatment of prostate, Peganum harmala is used as diuretic, relieve of kidney and bladder pain, Pimpinella anisum is used as treatment of stomach discomfort; Rosa canina is used as treatment of immunity diseases for finally, Viscum album is used as sedative effect and treatment of hormonal related diseases in Mersin-Adana [26].…”

Helichrysum maracandicum N. Pop. ex Kirp. Helichrysum sp. Asteraceae

“…Helichrysum flagellare for stomach ailments (Rakotoarivelo et al 2015) and scabies (Razafindraibe et al 2013). Herlichrysum faradifani serves to treat gonorrhea, cough, asthenia, fever, hepatitis, and stomach ulcers (Randriamiharisoa et al 2015) and Helichrysum gymnocephalum is used for stomach ulcers, wounds, headaches, and cough (Randriamiharisoa et al 2015;Randrianarivony et al 2017) (Figs. 4 and 5).…”