Aphloia theiformis

Aphloia theiformis, the sole species of the monogeneric family Aphloiaceae. It is a species of evergreen shrubs or small trees occurring in East Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands and the Seychelles.

Health Benefits and Uses of Aphloia theiformis

Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins and xanthone in the leaves. They contain mangiferin (also called aphloiol), a C-glycoside of tetrahydroxy-1,3,6,7-xanthon.

• Traditionally used in Reunion to treat fevers, pain, malaria, inflammation and as a depurative, the leaves are also used in Mauritius as a febrifuge.
• In Madagascar the leaves are processed to tea. This shows moderate diuretic effect. It is used in gall bladders, stomach disorders and gastrointestinal inflammation and for blood purification.
• In the Pharmacopoeia of Madagascar the bark serves as an emetic, and the leaves serve to make a refreshing infusion; the young leaves are reputed to be effective against hematuria (blood in the urine), the old leaves against rheumatism.
• Cataract : Prepare an infusion with the leaves and wash the eyes with it daily.
• Type 2 diabetes : Prepare an infusion of the leaves and drink 1 cup twice per week.
• Aphloia extracts are also used in anti-aging creams.

References

• Plantes médicinales de la pharmacopée réunionnaise ~ Plantes médicinales réunionnaise ~ (Memento vom 8. April 2009 im Internet Archive) bzw. Anne Adsersen, Henning Adsersen: Plants from Réunion Island with alleged antihypertensive and diuretic effects – an experimental and ethnobotanical evaluation. In: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Band 58, Nr. 3, 1997, S. 189–206, doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(97)00100-1.
• https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/4523828/tab3/
• http://www.freshpatents.com/Cosmetic-use-of-mangiferin-dt20060427ptan20060088560.php?type=description