Boldine: a narrative review of the bioactive compound with versatile biological and pharmacological potential.

OBJECTIVE: Boldine is a plant-derived bioactive compound that has a beneficial impact on human health. Boldine is an aporphine alkaloid mainly obtained from the leaves and bark of the Chilean Boldo tree (Peumus boldus, Family: Monimiaceae). There are plenty of preclinical evidence supports that boldine exerts its beneficial effects against various diseases. Lumiskin™, a patented and marketed formulation by Revitol Skincare for skin brightening, contains Dicetyl boldine, a boldine derivative. CONTENT: All the available information on the Chilean boldo tree (P. boldus Molina) species was actualized by systematically searching the scientific databases (PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and others) and scientific literature. This article covers the recent advances in pharmacokinetic, toxicological, pharmacological/biological activities, and molecular mechanisms of the bioactive compound to understand health benefits of boldine better. SUMMARY: Boldine exerts antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, anti-arthritis, anticancer and nootropic effects. Moreover, boldine exhibits its various pharmacological activities by altering antioxidant parameters (MDA, superoxide dismutase, glutathione), peroxynitrite, inflammatory markers apoptotic index, caspase-3, acetyl-cholinesterase, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), iNOS, Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), ACE-1(Angiotensin-converting enzyme-1), dopamine D2 receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Boldine has the potential to modulate a variety of biological networks. OUTLOOK: Due to its versatile pharmacological effects reported in various experimental animals as well as in randomized clinical trials for the treatment of facial melasma and for treatment of urinary stone lithotripsy in children as a complementary phytotherapy; in the future, this compound might be developed as a novel drug for a different indication.

Peumus boldus Used in the Synthesis of ZnO Semiconductor Nanoparticles and Their Evaluation in Organic Contaminants.

The high demand for nanomaterials in the field of industry and science has forced researchers to develop new synthesis methods that are more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly. At present, the application of green synthesis has taken a great advantage over conventional synthesis methods because it helps with the control of the characteristics and properties of the resulting nanomaterials. In this research, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by biosynthesis using dried boldo (Peumus boldus) leaves. The resulting biosynthesized NPs had a high purity, quasi-spherical shape with average sizes ranging from 15 to 30 nm and a band gap of ~2.8-3.1 eV. These NPs were used in the photocatalytic activity of three organic dyes. The results showed degradation of 100% methylene blue (MB) in 180 min, 92% methyl orange (MO) in 180 min, and 100% Rhodamine B (RhB) in 30 min of exposure. These results show that the Peumus boldus leaf extract is effective in the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs with good photocatalytic properties.

Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllanthus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa Extracts.

Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that is related to multiple infectious agents, including bacteria and fungi. Traditional herbal extracts proved efficacious in controlling clinical symptoms associated with prostatitis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of extracts from Solidago virga-aurea, Ononis spinosa, Peumus boldus, Epilobium angustifolium, and Phyllanthus niruri against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and fungi strains (Candida albicans; C. tropicalis) involved in prostatitis. Additionally, anti-mycotic effects were tested against multiple species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. tonsurans, T. erinacei, Arthroderma crocatum, A. quadrifidum, A. gypseum, A. currey, and A. insingulare). Antioxidant effects were also evaluated in isolated rat prostates challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify and quantify selected phenolic compounds, in the extracts. Finally, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict putative human and microbial enzymes targeted by extracts' phytocompounds and underlying the observed bio-pharmacological effects. The phytochemical analysis highlighted that rutin levels could be crucial for explaining the highest antibacterial activity of P. boldus extract, especially against E. coli and B. cereus. On the other hand, in the E. angustifolium extract, catechin concentration could partially explain the highest efficacy of this extract in reducing lipid peroxidation, in isolated rat prostates stimulated with LPS. Concluding, the results of the present study showed moderate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects induced by water extracts of S. virga-aurea, P. boldus, E. angustifolium, P. niruri, and O. spinosa that could be related, at least partially, to the phenolic composition of the phytocomplex.

Green Extraction of Alkaloids and Polyphenols from Peumus boldus Leaves with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Profiling by HPLC-PDA-IT-MS/MS and HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.

Peumus boldus Mol., is a Chilean medicinal tree used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Such medicinal properties are associated with the presence of bioactive flavonoids and aporphine alkaloids. In this study, a new green and efficient extraction method used seven natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as extraction media. The extraction efficiency of these NADES was assessed, determining the contents of boldine and total phenolic compounds (TPC). Chemical profiling of P. boldus was done by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photo diode array detector and electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-IT/MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Among the NADES tested, NADES4 (choline chloride-lactic acid) and NADES6 (proline-oxalic acid) enable better extraction of boldine with 0.427 ± 0.018 and 2.362 ± 0.055 mg of boldine g-1 of plant, respectively. Extraction of boldine with NADES4 and NADES6 was more efficient than extractions performed with methanol and water. On the other hand, the highest TPC were obtained using NADES6, 179.442 ± 3.79 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE g-1). Moreover, TPC in extracts obtained with methanol does not show significant differences with NADES6. The HPLC-PAD-MS/MS analysis enable the tentative identification of 9 alkaloids and 22 phenolic compounds. The results of this study demonstrate that NADES are a promising green extraction media to extract P. boldus bioactive compounds and could be a valuable alternative to classic organic solvents.

Boldo-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case of Unexplained Jaundice.

An 87-year-old man was admitted with a 2-week history of asthenia, anorexia and jaundice. Blood tests showed increased serum liver enzymes. The aetiological study was inconclusive. The patient had a favourable clinical evolution during hospitalization with supportive care. His wife revealed that the patient had repeatedly consumed infusions of Peumus boldus (commonly known as boldo) leaves during the previous month. After common causes of hepatobiliary pathology were excluded, boldo-induced hepatotoxicity was considered probable. Cessation of its consumption led to complete clinical and laboratory recovery within a week. LEARNING POINTS: Herbal medicines are commonly used by the public.Peumus boldus leaves consumed as an infusion can be hepatotoxic and may cause otherwise unexplained jaundice or abnormal liver enzyme values, particularly in elderly patients.A detailed clinical history is crucial to establish the consumption of alternative medicines in order to identify possible adverse effects and toxicity.

Evaluation of the volatile composition, toxicological and antioxidant potentials of the essential oils and teas of commercial Chilean boldo samples.

Chilean boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) is the boldo species most consumed around the world. Digestive and hepatobiliary disorders represent the main targets of its action. This work aims to characterize the volatile chemical composition, toxicological, and antioxidant potentials of the essential oils and teas of commercial samples of Chilean boldo packed on sachets [Group 1 (G1): five samples] or in plastic bags [Group 2 (G2): five samples]. Fifty-three compounds have been identified in the essential oils of commercial samples of Chilean boldo from Brazil, while only twelve compounds have been found in the volatile fraction of their infusions. Terpineol, 1,8-cineole, and p-cymene are the major compounds of essential oils. Terpineol is also the major compound of the volatile fraction of teas, followed by limonene dioxide. The presence in all samples of the chemical markers p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, ascaridole, and boldine suggests that they are genuine. The teas offer a better antioxidant capacity than essential oils, thereby indicating that antioxidant activity is concentrated in the non-volatile fraction of these herbs. All LD50 values estimated for the essential oils are below 200 ppm, thus indicating that the oils are highly cytotoxic. G1 and G2 appear to be very similar with respect to all the parameters analyzed. This similarity may indicate a single source for these products.

Variation of the alkaloid content of Peumus boldus (boldo).

Eighteen alkaloids were detected in the bark, leaves, wood and roots of Peumus boldus, including traces of secoboldine, N-methylsecoboldine (boldine methine), glaucine and norreticuline, not reported previously as constituents of this species. Using appropriate standards, we quantified thirteen of them by UHPLC-MS/MS. Boldine was dominant in the bark, and laurolitsine in wood and roots. The alkaloid composition of the leaves, determined for 130 individually identified trees, classified by age and sex, was highly variable, where N-methyllaurotetanine, laurotetanine, coclaurine and in some cases isocorydine predominated, but not boldine.

Peumus boldus attenuates copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Peumus boldus (P. boldus) is a medicinal plant popularly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. P. boldus aqueous extract is rich in phenolic compounds and alkaloids that possess antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. In the present study, the potential protective effect of P. boldus against Cu2+-induced toxicity was investigated. Adult Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to Cu2+ (1mM and 3mM) and/or P. boldus aqueous extract (5mg/mL) in the food during 4days. Cu2+-fed flies had impairment in the negative geotaxis performance (i.e. motor climbing capability) as well as a higher incidence of mortality when compared to the control group. P. boldus co-treatment afforded protection against the Cu2+-induced toxicity. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased significantly in D. melanogaster after Cu2+ exposure. P. boldus co-exposure for 4days restored enzyme activities to control levels. In addition, Cu2+ exposure caused a significant increase in the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (Sod1), catalase (Cat), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as well as increased the mRNA levels of acetylcholinesterase (Ace). The expression of P-type ATPase (Atp7A) and copper uptake protein 1 (Ctr1A) mRNAs were up-regulated in D. melanogaster exposed to Cu2+. The co-treatment with P. boldus blunted Cu2+-induced up-regulation of Atp7A and down-regulated Ctr1A mRNA expression. These findings suggest that P. boldus extracts reduce Cu2+-induced toxicity but not Cu2+ absorption in D. melanogaster. Consequently, P. boldus can be a potential therapeutical alternative for modulating Cu2+-associated toxicity.

Larvicidal activity of essential oil of Peumus boldus Molina and its ascaridole-enriched fraction against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), known as the domestic mosquito, is a common and abundant species throughout the world, and a cosmopolitan species. The adults of this mosquito are important in terms of public and animal health since they display adaptability to different hosts. In humans, they are responsible for the transmission of various diseases. One manner of control of this vector is the use of insecticidal or larvicidal products, which may have the drawback of toxicity to mammals and can be harmful to the environment. The present work evaluated the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) and ascaridole-enriched fraction (EF4-5) obtained from the leaves of Peumus boldus Molina (boldo). The EO, obtained by steam distillation, was analyzed by GC/MS and fractionated on silica gel. EO and EF4-5, containing 31.4% and 89.5% ascaridole, respectively, were evaluated against C. quinquefasciatus at concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 µg/ml on the third and fourth instars. They showed lethal concentrations (LC50) of 82.14 and 41.85 µg/ml, respectively. Larvae treated with the EF4-5 showed morphological changes in the midgut, with cells possessing a cytoplasm that contained small vacuole-like structures, as well as a nucleus with decondensed chromatin and a cell apex with a short brush border. The cells of the fat body showed larger protein granules, which were acidophilic relative to the larvae of the control group. Moreover, the enriched fraction at a dose of 50 µg/ml showed a residual larvicidal effect according to exposure time on C. quinquefasciatus. This residual effect deserves consideration, since a long-term larvicidal product may be a useful tool for vector control.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Teratogenic and Abortive Effects by PregnantWomen in a City in Northeastern Brazil / Uso de Plantas Medicinais com Efeitos Teratogênicos e Abortivos por Gestantes em uma Cidade no Nordeste do Brasil

Purpose The purpose of this study is to verify the use ofmedicinal plants by pregnant women treated at four Basic Health Units and at a public maternity facility in Brazil s northeast. Methods This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, performed between February and April 2014. The subjects were 178 pregnant women, aged 18 to 42 years. To collect data, a structured questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice questions was used. To verify the correlation between the variables, Pearson s chi-square test was used. Results The study showed that 30.9% of the pregnant women used medicinal plants, and boldo was the most cited (35.4%). All the plants utilized, except lemongrass, have toxic effects in pregnancy, according to Resolution SES/RJ N° 1757. There was no statistically significant correlation between social class and use of medicinal plants. Conclusion The health of the study participants and their unborn children is at risk due to the inappropriate use of medicinal plants.

Objetivo Verificar o perfil de uso de plantas medicinais por gestantes atendidas em quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família e em uma maternidade pública da cidade de Campina Grande - PB, na região Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido no período de Fevereiro a Abril de 2014. Foi incluída uma amostra com 178 gestantes com idade entre 18 e 42 anos. O instrumento de coleta foi um questionário estruturado com perguntas dicotômicas e de múltipla escolha. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis estudadas, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados Foi constatado que 30,9% das gestantes utilizavam plantas medicinais, sendo o boldo a mais citada (35,4%). Entre as plantas utilizadas com alta frequência pelas gestantes, todas, com exceção apenas da Erva-Cidreira (Melissa officinalis), apresentavam possíveis efeitos tóxicos para a gestação, segundo a Resolução SES/RJ N° 1757. Ao comparar a classe social e o uso de plantas medicinais, não observou-se relação significante. Conclusões A saúde das grávidas que fazem uso de plantas consideradas medicinais, assim como a de seus filhos, sofrem riscos devido ao uso inadequado destas plantas.

Avaliação farmacognostica e da rotulagem das drogas vegetais boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina) e camomila (Matricaria recutita L. ) comercializadas em Fortaleza, CE / Pharmacognostic evaluation and analysis of labels of the medicinal plants Boldo-do-Chile (Peumus boldus Molina) and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L. ), commercialized in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil

RESUMO Boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus) e camomila (Matricaria recutita) são plantas empregadas na fitoterapia principalmente para o tratamento de desordens hepáticas e intestinais, atuando também como anti-inflamatório e antiespasmódico, respectivamente. Por isso, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade farmacognostica dessas drogas vegetais comercializadas em Fortaleza (CE), além das informações de suas rotulagens. Quarenta e duas amostras de boldo, e quarenta e cinco amostras de camomila, procedentes de farmácias, de lojas de produtos naturais e de bancas de raizeiros, foram analisadas quanto à autenticidade, à pureza e às informações contidas na rotulagem desses produtos conforme legislação vigente. Na verificação de impurezas, 35,7% das amostras de boldo e 57,7% das amostras de camomila excederam o teor máximo de matéria estranha; no teor de cinzas totais, 33,3% das amostras de boldo foram reprovadas; rotulagens das amostras de boldo (100%) e de camomila (96,6%) apresentaram erros ou ausência de informações. Os resultados das análises confirmam, portanto, a necessidade urgente de melhor fiscalização e intervenção na produção e venda dessas e de outras drogas vegetais para adequação às normas vigentes.

ABSTRACT Boldo (Peumus boldus) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) plants are mainly used in herbal medicine to treat hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases, having also anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostic quality of these herbal drugs sold in Fortaleza (CE), besides analyzing the information on their labeling. Forty-two samples of boldo, and forty-five samples of chamomile, brought from pharmacies, health food stores and newsstands were analyzed regarding their authenticity, purity, and the information contained in the labeling of the industrial products, to assure that it was in accordance with the current legislation. When verifying the impurities, 35.7% of the boldo samples and 57.7% of the chamomile ones exceeded the maximum level of strange organic matter allowed. Concerning the total ash content, 33.3% of boldo samples were rejected. The labels on the packages of boldo (100%) and chamomile (96,6%) contain errors or lack of information. The test results confirm the need for better surveillance and intervention in the production and sale of these and other drugs plants in order to meet the current standards.

Catechin-based procyanidins from Peumus boldus Mol. aqueous extract inhibit Helicobacter pylori urease and adherence to adenocarcinoma gastric cells.

In this work, the anti-Helicobacter pylori effect of an aqueous extract from dried leaves of Peumus boldus Mol. (Monimiaceae) was evaluated. This extract displayed high inhibitory activity against H. pylori urease. Therefore, in order to clarify the type of substances responsible for such effect, a bioassay-guided fractionation strategy was carried out. The active compounds in the fractions were characterized through different chromatographic methods (RP-HPLC; HILIC-HPLC). The fraction named F5 (mDP = 7.8) from aqueous extract was the most active against H. pylori urease with an IC50 = 15.9 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL. HPLC analysis evidenced that F5 was composed mainly by catechin-derived proanthocyanidins (LC-MS and phloroglucinolysis). The anti-adherent effect of boldo was assessed by co-culture of H. pylori and AGS cells. Both the aqueous extract and F5 showed an anti-adherent effect in a concentration-dependent manner. An 89.3% of inhibition was reached at 2.0 mg GAE/mL of boldo extract. In conjunction, our results suggest that boldo extract has a potent anti-urease activity and anti-adherent effect against H. pylori, properties directly linked with the presence of catechin-derived proanthocyanidins.

Actividad insecticida del polvo de Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae) contra Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) / Insecticidal activity of Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae) powder against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The insecticidal properties of foliage´s powder of Peumus boldus Molina against adults and immature S. zeamais were evaluated. The highest toxicity in contact and fumigant activity was reached by concentrations upper to 1.25 percent showing mortality over to 90 percent. The treatments with high mortality showed a lower adult insect emergence (F1) and grain weight loss too. In immature S. zeamais control lower F1 was observed in highest concentrations of powder. The storage of powder under refrigerated conditions not prevents the insecticidal properties lost. All evaluated concentrations exhibited repellent activity against S. zeamais adults. The powder of P. boldus does not affect the grain germination. We concluded that powder of P. boldus has promissory perspectives to stored products pests control.

Se evaluaron las propiedades insecticidas del polvo de follaje de Peumus boldus Molina para el control de adultos y estados inmaduros de S. zeamais. La mayor toxicidad por contacto y fumigación se obtuvo con las concentraciones iguales o mayores a 1,25 por ciento registrando una mortalidad superior a 90 por ciento. Los tratamientos con mayor mortalidad mostraron también una baja emergencia de insectos adultos (F1) y menor pérdida de peso del grano. En el control de estados inmaduros la menor F1 se observó en las concentraciones más altas de polvo. El almacenamiento del polvo en refrigeración no impidió la pérdida en el tiempo de las propiedades insecticidas. Todas las concentraciones evaluadas mostraron efecto repelente contra adultos de S. zeamais. El polvo de P. boldus no afectó significativamente la germinación de los granos. Se concluye que el polvo de P. boldus tiene perspectivas auspiciosas para el control de plagas de los productos almacenados.

Insecticidal properties of Peumus boldus Mol: essential oil on the house fly, Musca domestica L / Propiedades insecticidas del aceite esencial de Peumus boldus Mol: sobre la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica L

The composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by hydro distillation from dry leaves of Peumus boldus was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The insecticidal activity of the oil against the house fly Musca domestica was evaluated by placing flies in a sealed glass jar containing a piece of EO-treated cotton yarn. The dose necessary to kill 50 percent of flies (LC50) in 1 h was determined at 26 +/-1°C. The essential oil from Peumus boldus showed potent insecticidal properties (LC50 = 6.26 mg/dm3). According to GC and GC/MS analysis, 1,8-cineol (36.72 percent); p-cymene (26.79 percent); ascaridol (6.25 percent); sabinene (5.10 percent); 4-terpineol (4.39 percent); beta-pinene (4.16 percent) and limonene (2.68 percent) were the principal components of the EO. The EO from Peumus boldus seems promising as a natural insecticide against houseflies. The peumus boldus essential oil reported in this paper is different to that reported in other publications. .The most important differences are the low content of ascaridol and the high content of both 1,8-cineol and p-cimene which can be attributed to the time of year and the geographic location of the samples plant.

La composición del aceite esencial (AE), obtenido por hidrodestilación de hojas secas de Peumus boldus se analizó mediante cromatografía de gases (CG) y cromatografía de gases / espectrometría de masas (CG / EM). La actividad insecticida del aceite contra la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica se evaluó colocando las moscas en un frasco de vidrio sellado con un trozo de hilo de algodón tratado con diferentes cantidades de AE. La dosis necesaria para matar el 50 por ciento de las moscas (LC50) en 1 hora se determinó a 26 +/- 1ºC. El aceite esencial de Peumus boldus mostró potentes propiedades insecticidas (LC50= 6.26 mg/dm3). De acuerdo con los análisis de GC y CG / EM, 1,8-cineol (36,72 por ciento), p-cimeno (26.79 por ciento); ascaridol (6,25 por ciento); sabineno (5.10 por ciento), 4-terpineol (4,39 por ciento), beta-pineno (4,16 por ciento) y limoneno (2,68 por ciento) fueron los componentes principales del AE. El AE de Peumus boldus parece prometedor como un insecticida natural contra moscas. La composición del aceite esencial de Peumus boldus encontrado en este trabajo es diferente a lo reportado en otras publicaciones. Las diferencias más importantes son el bajo contenido de ascaridol y el alto contenido de ambos 1,8-cineol y p-cimeno que puede atribuirse a la época del año y la ubicación geográfica de las plantas recolectadas.

Análise de metais pesados em amostras de Peumus boldus Mol. (Monimiaceae) / Analysis of heavy metals in samples of Peumus boldus Mol. (Monimiaceae)

Oito amostras, provenientes do Brasil, Chile e Argentina, de Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae), espécie comum e abundante no Chile, cujas folhas são amplamente empregadas pela medicina tradicional para o tratamento de uma variedade de afecções do sistema digestivo e hepatobiliar, foram analisadas, após digestão nítrica, para a quantificação de ferro, manganês, cobre, chumbo, cromo, cobalto e níquel, por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Chumbo, cromo e cobalto não foram detectados (limite de detecção de 5 µg/g) em nenhuma das amostras. Todas as amostras apresentaram maior teor em ferro, que variou de 109,7 mg/kg a 315,7 mg/kg, seguido por manganês (65,5 mg/kg a 158,8 mg/kg), cobre (3,04 mg/kg a 9,16 mg/kg) e níquel (0,77 mg/kg a 4,31 mg/kg).

Eight samples, obtained from Brazil, Chile and Argentina, of Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae), an abundant and widespread native tree in Chile, which leaves are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive and hepatobiliary disorders, were analyzed, after nitric digestion, for the content of iron, manganese, copper, lead, chromium, cobalt and nickel, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Lead, chromium and cobalt were not detected (detection limit of 5 µg/g) in any sample. The samples showed a high level of iron, which ranged from 109.7 mg/kg to 315.7 mg/kg, followed by manganese (65.5 mg/kg to 158.8 mg/kg), copper (3.04 mg/kg to 9.16 mg/kg) and nickel (0.77 mg/kg to 4.31 mg/kg).

Avaliação da qualidade de amostras comerciais de boldo (Peumus boldus Molina), pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia spp.) e ginco (Ginkgo biloba L.) / Control quality evaluation of commercial samples of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina), pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia spp.) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)

O presente trabalho procurou avaliar a qualidade de produtos comercializados à base de boldo, pata-de-vaca e ginco, através dos parâmetros contidos na Farmacopéia Brasileira e na literatura específica. Foram analisadas oito amostras de boldo, nove de pata-de-vaca e sete de ginco, adquiridas em farmácias na cidade do Recife. A metodologia consistiu em avaliar: os rótulos e bulas dos produtos verificando se estavam de acordo com a RDC n o 17 de 24/02/2000 e a portaria 110/97 da ANVISA; realizar análise sensorial; verificar a autenticidade das amostras e sua pureza. Todas as embalagens de boldo, pata-de-vaca e seis de ginco continham erros ou ausência de informações científicas, além da falta de bula. Na verificação de impurezas, todas as de boldo, cinco de pata-de-vaca, e uma amostra de ginco foram reprovadas. Todos os produtos analisados apresentaram alguma irregularidade segundo os códigos oficiais, sendo necessário uma maior intensificação na vigilância de produtos à base de plantas medicinais no Brasil.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of commercial products prepared with boldo (Peumus boldus Molina), pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia spp.) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) by using parameters from the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia and specific literature. Eight samples of "boldo", nine of "pata-de-vaca", and seven of ginkgo were analyzed, all bought from pharmacies in Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil). The methodology consisted in evaluating the products’ labels and instructions to verify their accordance to RDC n o 17 of 02/24/2000 and ANVISA (National Sanitary Surveillance Agency) decree 110/97, undertaking a sensorial analysis, and verifying the authenticity and purity of the samples. All of the packages of "boldo" and "pata-de-vaca" and six of the packages of ginkgo contained mistakes or lacked scientific information; instructions were also missing. After analyzing for impurities, all samples of "boldo", five of "pata-de-vaca", and one of ginkgo were rejected. All of the products analyzed had some sort of irregularity in relation to the official codes, making it necessary to intensify the inspection of medicinal plant products in Brazil.

Avaliação da qualidade de folhas de boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina) comercializadas em Curitiba, PR

Foi realizada a avaliação da qualidade de amostras de boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina) comercializadas na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba. Os resultados mostraram que todas as amostras são autênticas, mas os resultados das análises físico-químicas mostraram-se discrepantes em relação aos parametros da Farmacopéia Brasileira e outras bibliografias de referência.

Samples of boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina) commercialized at the metropolitan area of Curitiba/PR were evaluated to establish their quality control patterns. The results showed that all samples are authentic but the data obtained for the physico-chemical parameters differ from those related at the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia IV ed.