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Physicochemical parameters of quality of leaves, bark and fruits of Mimusops coriacea (A.DC) Miq (Sapotaceae)

Abstract:

Introduction: Medicinal plants are important sources for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The main limitation is the lack of criteria for quality control. In this sense, Mimusops coriacea (Sapotaceae) is a tree that grows in Ecuador, which is traditionally used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of cystitis, dysentery, among other ailments. However, it lacks scientific information to support its quality as a possible medicinal drug. Objective: Assess the physicochemical parameters of quality of the leaves, bark and fruits of Mimusops coriacea (A.DC) Miq (Sapotaceae). Methods: The physicochemical parameters of the raw drugs of leaves, bark and fruits (green and ripe) of M. coriacea were determined. Extracts were made by maceration. As a solvent, the 80% hydroalcoholic mixture was used, its quality indexes were measured. The chemical composition was estimated using phytochemical screening techniques. Results: Some differences were detected in the physicochemical parameters of the raw drugs; the greatest extractive power was with the hydroalcoholic mixture at 80 %. The percentages of moisture and ash were in the limits established for medicinal plants. In the physicochemical determinations of quality of the extracts, significant differences were perceived in the parameters evaluated, associated, fundamentally, with the characteristics of each vegetal organ. The highest percentage of total solids was for leaf extract. The presence of compounds of a phenolic, saponins, triterpenoids nature and reducing substances was highlighted. The fundamental differences were attributed to the coloration and intensity of some trials, to the absence of amino acids in the leaf and bark extracts, and to the resin in the extract of ripe fruits. Conclusions: The established physicochemical parameters of the raw drug and extracts of M. coriacea are essential for the correct identification of the species and the development of future quality standards.