Validação do método de análise capilar preconizado por hugo platz para o controle de qualidade de tinturas-mães / Validation of Hugo Platz´s method of capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures

Um dos insumos mais utilizados na manufatura de medicamentos homeopáticos é a tintura-mãe. Um método aparentemente útil para o controle de qualidade das tinturas-mães é a análise capilar. Este método analítico, tornado público no início do século passado por Hugo Platz, caiu em desuso após o advento de técnicas cromatográficas mais modernas. Embora empregue técnicas simples e de baixo custo, não há estudos de validação da análise capilar. O presente ensaio teve por objetivo validar o método de análise capilar utilizado no controle de qualidade de tinturas-mãe. Para tanto foram obtidos os espectros capilares das tinturas-mãe de Aconitum napellus L., Strychnos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provenientes de fornecedores nacionais qualificados pela Associação Brasileira de Farmacêuticos Homeopatas. Os atributos avaliados foram precisão, reprodutibilidade e seletividade. Os resultados alcançados recomendam a utilização do método de análise capilar, conforme proposto por Platz, nas análises qualitativas de tinturas-mãe.

Mother tinctures are one of the most common starting materials used in the elaboration of homeopathic medicines. Capillary analysis seems a useful method for quality control of mother tinctures. This method was publicized in the beginning of the 20th century by Hugo Platz to fell into disuse following the development of the modern chromatographic techniques. Despite the simple techniques involved, and the low cost of the overall method, no studies of validation have yet been performed of Platz´s capillary analysis. The present study sought to validate capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures. The capillary spectra of mother tinctures of Aconitum napellus L., Strychos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provided by Brazilian suppliers certified by the Brazilian Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists were obtained. The attributes evaluated were accuracy, reproducibility and selectivity. The results allow recommending the use of capillary analysis as formulated by Platz for qualitative analysis of mother tinctures.

Effect of the home environment on motor and cognitive behavior of infants.

Although information is sparse, research suggests that affordances in the home provide essential resources that promote motor and cognitive skills in young children. The present study assessed over time, the association between motor affordances in the home and infant motor and cognitive behavior. Thirty-two (32) infants were assessed for characteristics of their home using the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development--Infant Scale and motor and cognitive behavior with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development--III. Infant's home and motor behavior were assessed at age 9 months and 6 months later with the inclusion of cognitive ability. Results for motor ability indicated that there was an overall improvement in performance from the 1st to the 2nd assessment. We found significant positive correlations between the dimensions of the home (daily activities and play materials) and global motor performance (1st assessment) and fine-motor performance on the 2nd assessment. In regard to cognitive performance (2nd assessment), results indicated a positive association with fine-motor performance. Our results suggest that motor affordances can have a positive impact on future motor ability and speculatively, later cognitive behavior in infants.