GC/FID-based authentication of Baccharis trimera: a quality control study of products commercialized in Curitiba and metropolitan region (Brazil)

Abstract

RESUMO: "Autenticidade de Baccharis trimera baseada em CG-DIC: um estudo de controle de qualidade de produtos comercializados em Curitiba e Região Metropolitana (Brasil)". Baccharis trimera (carqueja) é uma planta medicinal empregada popularmente para tratamentos de problemas dos sistemas digestório e renal. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de amostras de carqueja comercializadas em Curitiba e Região Metropolitana (Paraná-Brasil), por meio de análises de cromatografi a a gás (CG/DIC) do óleo essencial delas extraído por hidrodestilação usando aparelho de Clevenger. Análises macro e microscópicas foram também realizadas para as amostras, e os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de contaminação de algumas delas por outras espécies de plantas, fungos e pequenos insetos. Das amostras analisadas, 21 apresentaram perfi l cromatográfi co semelhante ao encontrado para óleo essencial padrão da espécie, enquanto 7 diferenciaram-se em relação a este perfi l. As análises dos cromatogramas obtidos para as amostras de óleo essencial extraídas de ervas comercializadas permitem-nos sugerir o uso de ensaios baseados em CG/DIC como uma ferramenta rápida para garantia da qualidade e monitoramento de aspectos de segurança à saúde deste tipo de erva medicinal. Unitermos: Baccharis trimera, controle de qualidade, óleo essencial, cromatografi a gasosa.ABSTRACT: Baccharis trimera (carqueja) is a medicinal plant used for stomach pain, bad digestion, heart bum, kidney problems and constipation. The objective of the present work was a quality study of carqueja commercialized in Curitiba and metropolitan region (Paraná-Brazil) using gas chromatography techniques (GC/FID) for analyses of the essential oil, which was extracted through hydrodistillation using a Clevenger system. Macro and microscopic analyses were also done. Some samples were contaminated by other species of plants, fungi and small insects, some of them could be identifi ed. Among all samples, 21 showed similar chromatographic profi le to the standard oil, and 7 had different profi le in relation to the standard. The chromatogram analyses showed that most of the analyzed samples had the similar profi le as the standard oil of Baccharis trimera. GC/FID-based authentication of Baccharis trimera may be useful as a rapid tool to ensure quality control and safety monitoring of this kind of herbal pharmaceuticals.

Are medicinal herbs safe? The opinion of plant vendors from Diadema (São Paulo, southeastern Brazil)

“…According to the interviewee, the herbal material was not "dry enough"; but he was not able to recognise that the material was not good for use. Several surveys show the problems related with medicinal herbs contaminated with a myriad of things, from heavy metals to virtually every kind of impurity (Ko 1998;Mascolo et al, 1999;Ferrante et al, 2007;Melo et al, 2007).…”

Physicochemical characteristics of the essential oils of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Baccharis uncinella D.C. (Asteraceae)

“…B. megapotamica, B. incarum, B. trimera, B. trinervis, B. salicifolia, B. crispa, B. coridifolia, B. dracunculifolia, B. uncinella, B. grisebachii and B. tricuneata are among the most researched species for chemical composition and/or biological activity (Loayza, et al 1993 and1995;Budel et al, 2004;Ferronatto et al, 2006Ferrante et al, 2007).…”

A validated capillary gas chromatography method for guaco (Mikania glomerata S.) quality control and rastreability: from plant biomass to phytomedicines

“…It was observed that, in the last years, it has been an increasing interest by the large companies and some governments in such products, stimulating their standardization and the development of reliable quality control analytical methodologies to support their safety and efficacy (WHO, 1998;Calixto, 2000;Springfield et al, 2005;Ferrante et al, 2007;Migliato et al, 2007;Chaves & Costa, 2008;Engel et al, 2008).…”