Herbal medicines physicochemical and microbiological analysis from a private compounding pharmacy at São Luís de Montes Belos, Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

Medicinal plants may be susceptible to a variety of contaminants throughout production chain. Indiscriminate use and production failures can expose the end consumer to harmful effects. Therefore, this study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of dry extract samples of Curcuma longa Linn., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Equisetum arvense Linn., Melissa officinalis Linn. and Passiflora incarnata Linn. obtained from October to December 2023 at a private compounding pharmacy in the city of São Luís de Montes Belos, Goiás, Brazil, as mandated by current legislation. All samples were authentic and corresponded to the phytotherapeutics under consideration. They exhibited a fine, homogeneous powder appearance with a distinctive color and odor. The moisture content, particle size, pH, and density fell within the pharmacopeia reference values. No bacterial or fungal contamination was observed. Results also revealed the unequivocal presence of flavonoids and tannins in all samples. Saponins were not detected only in the Passiflora incarnata Linn. extract. Finally, the Equisetum arvense Linn. sample exhibited very low water solubility. Findings demonstrate the adequate quality of the herbal samples used by the private compounding pharmacy, as all parameters conformed to the established pharmacopeial reference values.