Evaluation of irregularly manufactured garrafadas and syrups seized in the state of Amapá, Brazil

Introduction: The garrafadas, mixtures of plants with medicinal purposes conveyed in alcoholic beverages, do not have regulation and, for being presented with many therapeutic indications and no contraindication, they can be risky for the population.
Methods: For this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate the Brix degree°, evaluate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, analyze the chemical characteristics pH and mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and evaluate the label of syrup samples and garrafadas suspicious of adulteration seized by police.
Results: The degree Brix° value of the samples was within the standards. The chemical analysis of the pH of the garrafadas and syrups samples obtained acid pH values, which can cause chemical instability on the components. Through the mass spectrometry, it was possible to detect some fragments of compounds related to the plants described on the labels, and no synthetic chemicals or drugs of abuse were found. The result of the microbiological evaluation detected Staphylococcus spp. in 4 samples, and, in 2 syrups, fungus growth occurred, beeing for fungi the growth were within limits established in the Farmacopeia Brasileira for this microorganism. In only four of the twelve samples evaluated, it was possible to detect mass fragments related to chemical substances of the plants described on the labels of the packages and most of them was made up of sugars only.
Conclusions: Based on the results found, these products are not safe for consumers, as there is no way to guarantee their safety and efficacy.