Essential oils from endemic plants of Madagascar

Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary flora, much of which is endemic. Scientists are continuously discovering new species and researching their potential applications in medicine.

The world is gradually uncovering the remarkable medicinal plants of Madagascar, particularly through essential oils. Among the most well-known are essential oils of ravintsara, katrafay, and iary, which many visitors to Madagascar bring back home as souvenirs.

Ravintsara and Ravensara essential oils

The Ravensara aromatica, known as havozo in Malagasy, is an endemic plant of Madagascar with highly aromatic fruits. This lush tree, with reddish bark, grows up to 18–20 meters tall. Its essential oil is extracted from its leaves and is known for its antispasmodic, anti-stress, tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. With a slightly aniseed and peppery scent, it is often used for conditions such as rheumatic pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines, colds, viral infections, acne, skin infections, fatigue, stress, and nervousness.

It’s important to distinguish Ravensara aromatica from ravintsara, a camphor tree originally from China that was introduced to Madagascar between the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, this tree adapted to the island and developed unique qualities, eliminating much of its camphor content. The resulting ravintsara essential oil, containing 50% eucalyptol (compared to 4% in ravensara), is specific to Madagascar and widely used in France for its recognized antiviral effectiveness.

Katrafay essential oil

The katrafay tree, another plant unique to Madagascar, is widely used in traditional medicine. This tree, belonging to the Ptaeroxylaceae family, grows to 12–15 meters and is mainly found in the spiny forests of the south and dry forests of the west. Its sturdy wood is resistant to fungi, and its rough, grayish bark emits a distinctive and pleasant aroma, which is captured in its essential oil.

Extracted from the bark, katrafay essential oil is used to treat respiratory and intestinal infections, rheumatism, headaches, fatigue, and even diabetes. In traditional herbal medicine, katrafay is considered a powerful aphrodisiac and is also used as a vermifuge, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healer. A common preparation involves boiling the bark to make a drink. Additionally, as a massage oil, it is highly effective.

Iary Essential Oil

The iary, commonly known as dingadingana, is a shrub endemic to Madagascar that thrives in the highlands. It is one of the medicinal plants heavily utilized in the daily lives of Malagasy people. Before the urbanization of Antananarivo, dingadingana bushes, with their lance-shaped leaves, were widespread and often teeming with beetles during October and November, marking the start of the rainy season. Known scientifically as Psiadia altissima, this plant is traditionally used for skin care. Its essential oil is extracted from the plant's flowering tops through full distillation.

This clear to pale-yellow oil has a resinous, woody, and fresh scent. Iary essential oil possesses anti-edematous, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, decongestant, expectorant, lymph-tonic, energizing, and insect-repellent properties. It is particularly effective in relieving joint and muscle pain as well as reducing swelling or heaviness in the legs.