Control de calidad del extracto seco de desmodium molliculum

Abstract

Desmodium molliculum, known in Ecuador as “hierba del infante,” is a plant widely used in traditional Andean medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the dry extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant through the determination of physicochemical, microbiological, and qualitative phytochemical parameters. The plant material was collected in the province of Azuay and processed by percolation, followed by defatting with n-hexane and lyophilization. The physicochemical parameters obtained (moisture: 0.95%; total ash: 4.11%; acid-insoluble ash: 1.36%; water- insoluble ash: 0.90%) were found to be within the limits established by international pharmacopoeias. The foam index was low, indicating a scarce presence of saponins. The microbiological analysis confirmed the absence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, molds, and yeasts, and revealed an acceptable load of mesophilic aerobes, in compliance with WHO standards for herbal products. The results support the quality of the dry extract of D. molliculum, positioning it as a safe and suitable raw material for the development of phytotherapeutic products.