Medicinal plants in Mauritius need be valorised from the Ayurveda & Phytochemical
perspective, revisited in light of latest clinical & pharmacology studies, and the existing
Ayurveda Pharmacopeia standards. There are 691 native flowering plant species in
Mauritius, out of which 39.5% are endemic to Mauritius, and 61.2% are endemic to the
Mascarene Archipelago. The rich molecular diversity prevailing in Mauritius remains,
however, an under-explored resource in terms of its application to health and wellness
mainly because its identity and pharmacological properties are poorly disseminated. The
richness in terms of primary and secondary bioactive metabolites and associated
pharmacological effects encourage this exploratory research into their potential
application in Ayurveda. This study proposes to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of the
commonest 80 medicinal plant species in Mauritius, with detailed phytochemical studies
of 30 herbs from this list. The study will promote research and innovation in Ayurveda as
preventive tool against non-communicable diseases, and enhanced technology exchange
in this field.
