Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Napote, Q. J., Zeferino, F. A., Cumbane, P. J., Sitoe, A. E. J., Manhique, A. J., & de Oliveira Madivate, C. M. (2022). Caracterização de argilas e caule do mussiro (Olax dissitiflora Oliver) para a produção de máscara facial: Characterization of clays and mussiro (Olax dissitiflora Oliver) stem for the production of face mask. Brazilian Journal of Development, 58888-58906.

Abstract. Olax dissitiflora stem powder (Popularly known as Mussiro) is a vegetable material used as a cosmetic. In this research were analyzed the physico-chemical and anti-inflammatory properties of O. dissitiflora extract. The physicochemical characterization was performed by thermogravimetry (TG-dynamic and TGisothermal in the nitrogen and air atmospheres). The kinetic parameters were determined by the Arrhenius equation. The degradable molecules at 250 and 500 °C were identified by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was assessed by inhibition of protein denaturation. The extract showed five thermodecomposition stages, activation energy (142.37 ± 4.94 KJ mol-1), 43 molecular fragments and the validity time 0.87 years. The anti-inflammatory effect of extract (1000 μg/mL) was significantly greater than diclofenac sodium (100 μg/mL). The O. dissitiflora extract showed good physicochemical characteristics for technological production of phytocosmetics and good anti-inflammatory properties.

Sparavigna, A., Tenconi, B., De Ponti, I., & Guglielmini, G. (2014). Evaluation of the activity and tolerability of a cosmetic treatment for the periocular area on the aging face: controlled clinical and instrumental evaluation vs. placebo. Cosmetics, 1(2), 105-116.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically and by non invasive instrumental evaluations the efficacy and tolerability of a cosmetic treatment containing an innovative active ingredient, ethyl ximenynate, in the prevention of dark circles under the eyes and blemishes of skin aging on the eye profile. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment on 22 volunteers; the study was planned as a double blind half-face trial. Data showed a trend towards a lifting of the eyelid skin; all investigator scores (eye puffiness, skin smoothness, roughness and dryness) decreased. In addition, profilometric results confirmed the anti-wrinkles efficacy of the active product and its lifting action, while those related to spectrophotometry underlined the decongestant effect on dark circles that appeared, at the end of the study, to be less marked. The improvement of skin microcirculation and capillary resistance and vascular tone in the eye area underlines a general mitigation of all relevant skin imperfections and blemishes of skin aging on the eye profile. The active ingredient was shown to be effective for the cosmetic treatment of the periocular area.

Rogers, Z. S., Malécot, V., & Sikes, K. G. (2006). A synoptic revision of Olax L.(Olacaceae) in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Adansonia, 28(1), 71-100.

Abstract. A synoptic revision of Olax L. from Madagascar and the Comoro Island Archipelago is provided based on morphological data gathered from a study of herbarium specimens. We recognize eight species of Olax occurring in this region, including three new species, O. antsiranensis, O. capuronii, and O. mayottensis. Olax antsiranensis has coriaceous leaves with an emarginate apex, a 5-petaled flower, and fruit with a weakly accrescent calyx. Olax capuronii has leaves of similar shape and size, but possesses a 3-petaled flower and a non-accrescent calyx in fruit. Olax mayottensis has larger acuminate leaves, 5 petals per flower, and a fruit which is completely surrounded by an accrescent calyx. All of the newly described species are of conservation concern because of their restricted ranges, with both O. capuronii and O. mayottensis considered endangered. Of the eight species treated here, six species are endemic to Madagascar, O. mayottensis is endemic to Mayotte, and O. dissitiflora occurs in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, and northern South Africa

Mavundza, E. J., Maharaj, R., Chukwujekwu, J. C., Finnie, J. F., & Van Staden, J. (2013). Larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis of 10 South African plants that are traditionally used as mosquito repellents. South African Journal of Botany, 88, 86-89.

Abstract. Ethanol extracts of Aloe ferox, Atalaya alata, Balanites maughamii, Clausena anisata, Croton menyaarthii, Lippia javanica, Melia azedarach, Olax dissitiflora, Sclerocarya birrea and Trichilia emetica were evaluated for their larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. Larvicidal activity was only found in 5 plant extracts, namely, C. anisata, C. menyaarthii, L. javanica, O. dissitiflora and T. emetica. The bark extract of O. dissitiflora exhibited the highest larvicidal activity with LC50 value of 25.24 μg/ml. The results of the present study showed that the bark of O. dissitiflora may have the potential to be used as larvicides against An. arabiensis.

Paramanik, S., Mukherjee, S., Kapuri, R., Dasmodak, S., & Paramanik, M. (2022). Evaluation of mosquito larvicidal potency of leaf and fruit extracts of Olax scandens Roxb. against the vectors of dengue and lymphatic filariasis.

Abstract. The emergence of resistance in insect vectors and destabilization of the ecosystem by excessive use of synthetic insecticides suggest an environmentally familiar alternative to suppress vector-borne diseases. Nowadays, phytochemicals play a major role in the biocontrol of vector populations. The present work evaluated the mosquito larvicidal potential of leaf and fruit extracts of Olax scandens Roxb. against the 3rd instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. The result of this assay indicated that the LC50 values of crude extracts of leaf and fruit 72 h post-exposure against Aedes albopictus larvae are 0.496%, and 0.879% respectively. While, LC50 values of leaf and fruit crude extracts against Culexquinquefasciatus are 0.354%, and 0.572% respectively in 72 h of exposure. Both extracts were able to create adverse effects in both the mosquito species and gave satisfactory mortality. Regarding the effectiveness of Olax scandens, the experiment reveals larvicidal toxicity of fruit extract is higher than the leaf extract and toxicity against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus is higher than the larvae of Aedes albopictus. The plant, Olax scandens can be used as a potent, plant-derived, eco-friendly, broad spectrum mosquitocidal agent and it may become an important tool in mosquito management programs.

Ovais, M., Ayaz, M., Khalil, A.T. et al. HPLC-DAD finger printing, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of a novel plant Olax nana . BMC Complement Altern Med 18, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-2057-9