Phytochemical Screening and Stability Study of Viocan 3

Abstract

Introduction: Viocan 3 is a natural product for oral use, composed of extracts of Aloe barbadensis M (aloe vera), Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng (French oregano) and pseudostem sap of Musa paradisíaca L (plantain) in vinegar. It is used in veterinary medicine as an additive to improve productive behavior and to prevent or assist in the treatment of respiratory and digestive infectious processes in swine, rabbits and poultry.

Objective: To determine the chemical compounds of biological interest present in Viocan 3 in order to verify the ethnomedical use attributed to it and its period of validity.

Methods: The product was obtained by maceration of the aloe vera plants, French oregano and banana pseudostem in vinegar. A phytochemical screening was performed to identify the main metabolites present in it and a real-time stability study was carried out for nine months. The physicochemical parameters, organoleptic characteristics, pH, refractive index, relative density and total solids content were determined according to the Cuban Ramal Standard (NRSP-312) for vegetable extracts, as well as total phenols by Folin-Ciocalteu. The microbial limit was also determined as a microbiological test.

Results: Metabolites such as reducing sugars, phenols and flavonoids were identified in Viocan 3; bitter and astringent principles, alkaloids, saponins and mucilages were not detected, and it maintained all the physicochemical and microbiological quality requirements analyzed during the study period.

Conclusions: Viocan 3 presents phenolic compounds and reducing sugars. It is stable for a period of nine months in high density polyethylene bottles and provides a natural alternative for veterinary use with guarantees of quality, stability and microbiological safety.