The purpose of this work is to provide:
(1) Preliminary scientific information on the safety and efficacy of the widely used medicinal plants in Mauritius. (The list of plants has been made from the survey carried out in Mauritius and Rodrigues between 1990-1994).
(2) The preliminary validation process was based on the following assays: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal screenings as well as the toxicity tests have been effected. The antibacterial assays were complemented with an assessment of their ability to contract and relax, in vitro, the ileum of rats and frogs.
(3) Provide a model and protocols for the preliminary evaluation of other medicinal plants.
(4) Study from the phytochemical and pharmacological point of view some of the endemic medicinal plants of Mauritius.