An updated point of view on Malagasy research: focus on medical materials (19-21th century)

The texts on medical materials, medicinal plants and Malagasy traditional medicine are numerous and scattered, a very small proportion relates to the history of research. However, the review of the course of research is important to assess the current situation and guide the future. This study aims to present in a synthetic way the aspect and the evolution of research in Madagascar, in particular on medical matters, and to advance critical analyzes. The work carried out consists of in-depth documentary research and collection of elements, followed by analysis, synthesis and critical reflection on the data. Malagasy research has gone through particular stages through successive systems, but it remains “in development”, for many reasons. With regard to the field of medical materials in Madagascar, the work is recorded through books, articles, legal, conventional or strategic texts, databases and websites. Research on Malagasy medical materials inherited from traditional medicine. Scientific work was initiated by foreign researchers during the precolonial and colonial periods, and continued by many national researchers. About 200 years of scientific research in Madagascar, Malagasy research is still facing enormous challenges: a "dependent" research that encounters difficulties in promoting and applying its results for the development of the country.

Key-words:course of science, Malagasy pharmacopoeia

23/03/2023