EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF HERB (Pimpinella anisum L.) COMMERCIALIZED IN JUAZEIRO DO NORTE-CE

Abstract

Pimpinella anisum L., better known as Fennel, is one of the oldest species in popular use, widely used because of its varied therapeutic properties. But what is really worrying is the lack of quality of commercialized medicinal plants, which can cause damage to the health of individuals. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the quality of the medicinal plant Erva-doce marketed in different points of the city of Juazeiro do Norte-CE. To carry out the analysis of Fennel, 10 samples of the vegetable drug were acquired, at random, in different locations of the popular market and in the open market in the city of Juazeiro do Norte-CE. And, the following tests were carried out: Moisture content, total ash, pH, organoleptic characteristics, foreign materials and label analysis. From the data analysis, it appears that most of the samples analyzed in Juazeiro do Norte-CE are outside the quality specifications, which demonstrates the lack of processing control, and this fact is worrying, as it can affect consumer health directly. The highest failure rate occurred in the analysis of foreign materials, with the presence of contaminants, such as: insect remains, sand, soil, stems and parts of other plants. Management and inspection bodies, as well as teaching and research institutions, could contribute to actions aimed at training and qualifying traders, with the objective of providing higher quality of the products sold, in addition to reducing the risks associated with the lack of standardization.