Detection and Quantification of Cyproheptadine and Dexamethasone as Adulterants in Herbal Medicines and Dietary Supplements Marketed for Weight Gain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Iraq

2 Department of pharmaceutical chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ninevah University

3 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul

Abstract

Herbal medicines and dietary supplements have become more well-liked throughout the world as viable alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines. The aim of this study is to detect and quantify any adulteration with cyproheptadine and dexamethasone in herbal medicines and dietary supplements claimed to be natural and used for weight gain in the Iraqi market. Qualitative and quantitative spectrophotometric analysis of selected herbal medicines and dietary supplements used for weight gain sold in community pharmacies in Mosul City, Iraq. The samples were screened for cyproheptadine and dexamethasone using a UV-spectrophotometer. Cyproheptadine was detected in eight out of ten formulations at a dose range from (2.86 to 10.46) mg/dosage unit. Dexamethasone was detected in all formulations at doses ranging from (1.39 to 36.42) mg/dosage unit. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, the limit of detection, the limit of quantitation, specificity, and linearity. The majority of marketed herbal medicines and dietary supplements, that were claimed to be natural, were adulterated with large quantities of pharmaceutical ingredients that can cause potentially serious adverse effects. The increasing trend in the utilization of herbal medicines and dietary supplements together with increased levels of adulteration calls for the development of easy simple and fast detection methods and informs health authorities and healthcare professionals about adulterated products and their contents.

Keywords

Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 April 2024

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