Aphloia theiformis

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