Constituintes químicos do pó comercial de Hoodia gordonii utilizado no tratamento da obesidade

Abstract

Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne is a succulent native plant from arid regions of Africa consumed for centuries by tribes of natives because of its supposed properties to suppress hunger and thirst. This study aimed to determine chemical constituents of commercial powders of H. gordonii (PHG). For this, we analized two samples of PHG purchased in dispensing pharmacies for proximate composition, starch, vitamin C, β-carotene and anti-nutrients. In the proximate composition the high levels of ENN (above 90 g 100 g-1 DM) were confirmed by measuring levels of starch content revealed that around 50 g 100 g- 1 DM, similar to those found in the main adulterant. Among the anti-nutrients analyzed were detected only polyphenols and nitrates, but at safe levels for consumption. The contents of ENN and starch are suggestive but not enough to say that the samples were adultered, which should be investigated by chromatographic analysis to determine the presence of active glycoside P57. In some analysis there were variation between the samples, reinforcing the need for supervision and standardization of herbal medicine to ensure uniformity in the consumption regardless, of supplier or time marketing.