Botanical Authentication of “Espinheira-Santa” [Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral] Samples by FTIR Spectroscopy Coupled with PCA and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Abstract

Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral (basionym: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek) (Celastraceae) is popularly known as holy thorn or "espinheira-santa" in Brazil. This herb is traditionally used for gastric and digestive problems. However, similar species are often used as adulterants. Considering the pharmacological interest and the existence of adulterants, this study was devoted to characterizing M. ilicifolia samples by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) HIGHLIGHTS• Monteverdia ilicifolia leaves show several botanical adulterations.• FTIR spectroscopy provided analytical data about the chemical compounds from M. ilicifolia samples.• FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA and photoacoustic spectroscopy can be used as analytical tools for the discrimination of M. ilicifolia samples.• Collected and commercial samples of M. ilicifolia were suitable differentiated by photoacoustic spectroscopy.