Identification of Weight Loss Supplement Cha De Bugre

The use of dietary supplement Cha De Bugre for weight loss/appetite suppressant is getting increasingly popular. The efficacy and safety of these products depends on the quality and accurate identity of raw material. Along with taxonomic evaluation, macroscopic, microscopic and organoleptic assessment is one of the reliable, consistent, competent and cost effective methods in authentication of raw material [1]. In Brazil Cordia salicifolia Cham (Boraginaceae) is commonly referred to as cha de bugre or coffee of the woods. On the other hand Casearia silvestris Sw. (Flacourtiaceae) is also frequently referred to as congonhas-de-bugre and is often substituted for Cordia salicifolia due to the resemblance in its common name. In the present study we have provided a detailed monographic account (involving taxonomy, species distribution, macro and micro-morphological evaluation, analysis of powder and shifts) for the two species. We also analyzed commercially available cha de bugre samples. Acknowledgements: This research is funded in part by “Botanical Dietary Supplements: Science-Base for Authentication” funded by Food and Drug Administration grant number FD-U-002071-01. References: [1] Joshi V, Khan I, (2006) ed. Khan I, Smillie T, Craker L, Gardner Z, in Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Quality and Safety Issues Related to Botanicals, ISHS. Leuvan, Belgium, Acta Horticulturae 720. [2] Siqueira V, et al. (2006) Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 49: 215–218.