Evaluation of the quality of commercial plant drugs with antidiabetic indications

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases is an old practice and is widely used. However, many products are still marketed without the necessary quality. This study aimed to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics, presence of foreign material, packaging and labeling of plant drugs marketed for the control of diabetes. Comercial samples of cavalinha, jambolao and pata-de-vaca sold in two municipalities in southeastern Brazil were acquired. The analyses of the packaging and labels were performed based on Resolutions of the Collegiate Board of Directors of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (RDC No. 26/2014 and RDC No. 66/2014). The Brazilian Pharmacopoeia VI was used to guide the preparation of a sensory evaluation questionnaire and analysis of foreign material. None of the samples complied with the packaging requirements. Approximately 69% of the samples failed the sensory analysis. Regarding the analysis for the presence of foreign material, only sample J1 of jambolao was within the 2% w/w limit, as established in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Based on simple and primary quality control analyses, it is concluded that the analyzed plant drugs are not in accordance with Brazilian legislation, putting the health of consumers of these teas at risk.