PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF INDUSTRIAL AND ARTISANAL HERBAL PREPARATIONS MARKETED IN MUNICIPALITIES IN SOUTHERN ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Traditional knowledge encompasses the knowledge and practices of communities related to biodiversity, including the use of medicinal plants. Historically used, these plants are present in homemade preparations, such as herbal mixtures, which are widely used by the population. Despite their popularity, these preparations may pose risks related to the lack of standardization and quality control. This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of herbal mixtures and assess potential health risks associated with their use. This is a descriptive experimental study conducted at the Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory of Centro Universitário São Camilo and at the R&D Laboratory of União Flora Ltda. Two herbal mixture samples were analyzed, one from Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, and another from Marataízes, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Initially, the labeling of the samples was evaluated according to applicable sanitary regulations. Subsequently, macroscopic characteristics, including color and turbidity, were analyzed, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, viscosity, density, boiling point, and the presence of metals. Microbiological analysis was performed using the Compact Dry method to investigate total aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and Salmonella spp. All samples showed microbiological contamination. In the quantitative assessment, sample 1 was classified as non-compliant because it did not meet the established limits, whereas sample 2 was classified as compliant.