African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12491

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical composition of medicinal plants used as auxiliary treatments for obesity

Anderson Assaid Simao*
  • Anderson Assaid Simao*
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Angelita Duarte Correa
  • Angelita Duarte Correa
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Fabiola Lage Fonseca
  • Fabiola Lage Fonseca
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Juliana Mesquita Freire
  • Juliana Mesquita Freire
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Jovane Santa Silva
  • Jovane Santa Silva
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Mariana Aparecida Braga
  • Mariana Aparecida Braga
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Estela de Rezende Queiroz
  • Estela de Rezende Queiroz
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Flavia Cintia de Oliveira
  • Flavia Cintia de Oliveira
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, PO Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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  •  Received: 18 July 2014
  •  Accepted: 05 September 2014
  •  Published: 10 September 2014

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find substances of pharmacological interest in a variety of medicinal plants, such as Aloe vera (L.) Burm. (aloe), Simaba ferruginea St. Hil. (calunga), Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC (carqueja), Garcinia cambogia Desr. and Tournefortia paniculata Cham. (Marmelinho), to aid in the treatment of obesity and other diseases. To reach this goal, phytochemical screenings were performed, percentage and mineral compositions were determined, and the content of a number of bioactive compounds in the medicinal plants were studied. Important substances with therapeutic potential, especially phenolic compounds, saponins and dietary fiber, were found in all plants, and significant levels of calcium were found in G. cambogia and S. ferruginea. The studied plants showed great diversity with regard to phytochemicals and have the potential to be used in pharmaceutical formulations that have possible health benefits. However, more studies must be conducted on these plants, because recommendations regarding the possible risks and benefits for human health would be premature at present; additional studies on toxicity, efficiency and safety are necessary, particularly in relation to the saponins found in all plants and to the high levels of phenolic compounds in T. paniculata (36.19 g 100 g-1 dry matter).

 

Key words: Phytochemical screening, percent composition, minerals, bioactive compounds, medicinal plants, obesity. 

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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