Evaluación de posibles adulteraciones y/o falsificaciones de algunos productos fitoterapéuticos a base de alcachofa (Cynara Scolymus) y caléndula (Calendula officinalis) comercializados en Bogotá

Abstract

A phytotherapeutic product is a packaged and labeled medicinal product, whose active substances come from the material of the medicinal plant or their associations, presented in the raw state or in a pharmaceutical form that is used for therapeutic purposes. However, constant quality problems that influence the efficiency of the product have been seen in the literature. Therefore, the present research work aims to evaluate possible adulterations and / or falsifications of phytotherapeutic products based on artichoke and calendula marketed in naturist centers distributed in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. For this, a chromatographic study was carried out using the techniques of thin layer chromatography (TLC), high efficiency liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high efficiency liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) which allowed to verify the chemical compounds present in the products analyzed and evaluate chemical variations in the chromatographic profiles, both quantitative and qualitative, and possible presence of adulterations in the products. As results, it was observed that of 24 marigold samples analyzed, 9 of them presented abnormal chromatographic profiles, and of 26 analyzed artichoke samples, 2 of them presented possible adulteration, either due to the presence of synthetic drugs, degrading compounds or compounds belonging to another type of plant. The foregoing indicates the existence of shortcomings in the quality control process that must be carried out on the product throughout its production, and that may ultimately affect the effectiveness of these products and consequently the consumer.