Malagasy flora has more than 30 000 species. Most of them are used throughout the world to take care of human health and beauty. Based in Madagascar for more than 20 years, SOTRAMEX is one of the largest suppliers of those malagasy plants intended to manufacture cosmetic and medicinal ingredients, formulations and products. Especially, SOTRAMEX is specialized in the collection, processing and export of Centella asiatica dried leaves.

The benefits of Centella asiatica leaves

Centella asiatica is a plant which has powerful active ingredients with multiple benefits on the skin, the digestive system and the nervous system. Also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica, Gotu Kola or tiger grass, Centella asiatica is traditionally used to heal wounds, cure skin disorders and stomach aches. From now on, this miraculous plant is a must-have in cosmetics thanks to its powerful anti-aging, hydrating, repairing and soothing properties.

The different stages managed by SOTRAMEX before exporting Centella asiatica dried leaves

Through these pictures, SOTRAMEX invites you to discover the path traveled by Centella asiatica leaves before joining throughout the world to be there transformed into exceptional ingredients and cares.

UPSTREAM AND TROUGHOUT THE COLLECT SEASON OF CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAVES

Active ingredient content analysis of Centella asiatica dried leaves in the SOTRAMEX laboratory.

Training of SOTRAMEX pickers and collection team in right practices and working methods

DURING THE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN OF CENTELLA ASIATICA IN EACH SOTRAMEX COLLECTION AREA

Picking Centella asiatica leaves from appropriate natural environments while respecting good practices.

Return of SOTRAMEX pickers to their villages in Madagascar, after a day of picking.

Sun drying of the leaves following appropriate conditions, in the villages of SOTRAMEX pickers

Picking up of Gotu kola leaves by a member of SOTRAMEX collection team.

Receipt of Gotu kola dried leaves in one of the SOTRAMEX sites

If necessary, sorting of Centella asiatica dried leaves at one of SOTRAMEX sites.

Storage of Gotu kola dried leaves previously validated by analytical and quality controls, in one of the SOTRAMEX sites

AT THE CENTRAL SITE OF SOTRAMEX IN ANTANANARIVO

Reception of the dried leaves from the different collection sites, in the Central site of SOTRAMEX.

If necessary before storage and packaging : re-drying of the leaves at the SOTRAMEX central site

Storage of Gotu kola dried leaves from the different sites in the warehouses of the SOTRAMEX Central site.

Before packaging:  triterpenes content analysis of Centella asiatica dried leaves sample in the SOTRAMEX laboratory

Before packaging : grinding of the leaves in the SOTRAMEX production workshop.

Bagging of Centella asiatica crushed leaves by the SOTRAMEX production team

Packaging of Centella asiatica whole leaves in pressed balls

FINAL STEP BEFORE THE EXPORT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA DRIED LEAVES

Loading containers of Centella asiatica dried leaves

A container loaded with bags of Centella asiatica dried leaves, ready to be exported.

Created in 2000, SOTRAMEX specializes in the collection, the transformation and the exportation of Centella asiatica. In carrying out its activities, SOTRAMEX undertakes to preserve natural resources and to apply sustainable and equitable solutions for the society. That is why that supplier of medicinal and cosmetic plants has created the NGO « Sustainable Development by SOTRAMEX ». The mission of this non-profit organization is to define and implement actions which are aimed at sustainably improving the condition living of the pickers and their communities. The ONG has also the goal to limit the impacts of resource exploitation on the environment.

Also known by the acronym "ONG Dé.D.SOTRAMEX", that organization prioritizes access to medical care and schooling for children whose conditions are often hard in rural areas.

Among the actions taken in place with the contribution of the partners of SOTRAMEX :

EDUCATION FIELD

- the construction and the rehabilitation of the infrastructure in public schools : classrooms, libraries, sports fields...

-support for education in pickers’communities : financing of school canteens and teachers trainings, granting of high school scholarships, distribution of school kits, …

HEALTH FIELD

Construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in public « Basic Healthcare Centers » :

- Improvement of the pickers and their communities health care access : provision of materials, equipment and medicines to public « Basic Health Care Centers », health programs allowing pickers to receive free health care …

In summary, the NGO “Sustainable Development by SOTRAMEX” is ...

• More than 240 000 children who have benefited from actions encouraging schooling.
• Around 200 educational infrastructures built, rehabilitated and/or equipped with furniture.
• More than 12 500 children enrolled in public elementary schools who have benefited from a nutritional program.
• 7 Basic Health Centers built, rehabilitated and/or equipped with furniture and equipment.
• 600 people who have received free health care.
• 50 000 plants reforested per year.

SOTRAMEX manufactures and markets plant extracts, having specialized in the collection of medicinal and cosmetic plants and the production of essential oils for more than 20 years.

Jeune Afrique talks about that in its article which you can read by clicking on this link.

Discover here our extracts of Centella asiatica leaves and our other plant extracts for cosmetic and medicinal uses.