Análise exploratória de um fitoterápico para identificação de possíveis adulterantes

Abstract

Herbal medicines are products derived from plant-based raw materials, excluding isolated substances, with prophylactic, curative, or palliative purposes. They include both herbal medicines and traditional herbal products. These products can be classified as simple (active ingredient from a single medicinal plant species) or compound (active ingredients from more than one plant species). These products are frequently targeted for adulteration in the Brazilian market due to their popularity and the widespread perception that natural products, being "natural," pose no health risks. Several studies have shown the presence of adulteration in herbal medicines. In this study, the product sold as the herbal medicine "Saúde Total" was analyzed for the identification of possible adulterants, especially undeclared pharmaceuticals. Various analyses and techniques were carried out to isolate and subsequently identify the possible adulterants. Upon performing the proposed analyses, the non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug Ibuprofen was identified in the sample related to the "Saúde Total" product, this identification may suggest possible adulteration of the product. Once this adulteration is proven, it opens the door for discussions regarding the use of counterfeit medicines and their risks. Therefore, this type of analysis is crucial to bring attention to this public health issue that persists in Brazil, and to minimize this risk, better regulation by the responsible authorities is necessary.