AI reveals the potential of Madagascar's botanical biodiversity

Madagascar is a botanical sanctuary like no other: : the island is home to nearly 14,000 plant species, of which nearly 80% are endemic. This represents an exceptional wealth of molecular diversity which has not yet been exploited to its full potential due to a lack of time and resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now opening up a new paradigm. Thanks to its computational power, it can automatically screen natural compounds, assess their potential benefits and safety, and optimise extraction processes by predicting extractability, based on the solvents and technologies used. Menow, a specialist in AI applied to plants, has developed a device combining QSAR models, quantum chemistry and Bayesian networks.

has developed a device combining QSAR models, quantum chemistry and Bayesian networks. The company aims to map Madagascar's botanical biodiversity by partnering with Chese, a Malagasy ingredients consortium, in an inclusive and equitable approach aimed at strengthening local economies and supporting sustainable development. This technology has already optimised the extraction process for Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu), which has mainly been exploited for its seed oil until now. Modelling the phytochemical potential of different parts of the plant and extraction methods has reduced biomass waste by more than 70% and increased the number of functional extracts. The study also identified flavonoids that have not yet been widely investigated, such as mesuein and pyranoamentoflavone, which exhibit potent depigmenting activity, opening up new prospects for the discovery of ingredients.