CRITICAL PARAMETERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDIZED DRY HERBAL EXTRACTS OBTAINED BY SPRAY-DRYING: FROM RESEARCH TO MANUFACTURING REALITY

Abstract

Atomization or spray drying process is a frequent operation for obtaining dry extracts from medicinal plants. However, during the preparation of these herbal pharmaceutical active ingredients, several factors can affect the quality of intermediate products. Based on scientific literature and Brazilian legislation on herbal medicines, experiences of research and development (R & D) group from Fiocruz and brainstorming among team members, it designed a cause and effect diagram (Ishikawa Diagram). This work raises critical points in the production process of these herbal ingredients, indicating aspects of the spray-drying process by theoretical and practical sides that can affect the quality of herbal medicine. According to the discussion of each step described in the Ishikawa diagram to spray-dried extract preparation, it was possible to rationalize the production process of this intermediary with a focus on transforming it into an herbal product.